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STROMBOLI VS. CALZONE: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Mouthwateringly cheesy and packed with flavor, stromboli and calzones are savory pastries that share similar ingredients but differ in origin, creation and overall appearance. While both typically showcase the combination of gooey cheese, savory meat and golden crust, calzones and stromboli recipes aren’t exact mirrors. Use this guide to learn more about the differences between the two pastries and how to make them at home.

Person sprinkling flour over a ball of dough Person sprinkling flour over a ball of dough

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CALZONE AND STROMBOLI?

Despite similar fillings, their form and regional origins set them apart. Italian calzones are folded into a half-moon or crescent shape, resembling a pocket, while Italian-American stromboli is a cylindrical roll layered with ingredients.

WHAT IS A CALZONE?

A calzone is made with a round of yeasted dough that’s been folded over cheese, cured meats and herbs, then brushed with egg wash and baked until golden brown. Once baked, the pastries are cut in half and served with marinara sauce on the side.

People have been enjoying the delicious flavors of calzones since the 18th century in Naples, Italy. Though the traditional recipe includes mozzarella and cured meats like mortadella, you can experiment with your favorite add-ins. Swap out mozzarella for creamy burrata or pungent bleu cheese, or make your calzone vegetarian by trading the cured meats for roasted red peppers or sauteed spinach.

Person cooking in an open concept kitchen

HOW TO MAKE CALZONES

You can enjoy the flavors of Naples from the comfort of your kitchen when you learn how to make homemade calzones.

YIELDS

  • 2 servings

INGREDIENTS

  • Flour

  • Instant yeast

  • Olive oil

  • Sugar

  • Salt

  • Warm water

  • Egg

  • Cheese, like mozzarella, ricotta, brie or goat cheese

  • Cured meats, like mortadella, salami or prosciutto

  • Herbs, like basil, parsley or oregano

  • Marinara sauce (optional)

TOOLS
PREP TIME

  • 1 hour and 30 minutes

COOK TIME
  • 15 minutes
TOTAL TIME
  • 1 hour and 45 minutes
Person pouring flour into a KitchenAid® Stand Mixer with Dough Hook Attachment

STEP 1: MAKE THE DOUGH

Preheat your oven to 475ºF. Set up your stand mixer, plug it in, then attach the flat beater attachment. Combine the yeast, water, sugar, flour and salt for a minute or two with the flat beater until combined. Drizzle in a little olive oil, then beat until fully incorporated. 

 

Using the dough hook, knead the dough until it is elastic. Place the dough in a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap or a clean hand towel to proof for 45 minutes to one hour.

Person stretching dough

STEP 2: STRETCH THE DOUGH

Remove the cover from your bowl and punch the proofed dough to release any air bubbles. Lightly oil your working surface, then place the dough onto it and flatten it into a disk with your hands. Place the dough on a baking sheet and stretch the dough into a circle.

Person adding toppings to a pizza

STEP 3: ADD FILLINGS

Place your cheese, cured meats and fresh herbs on one side of the dough circle, making sure you evenly distribute the ingredients across the dough. Fold the dough over the fillings, then pinch the edges closed with your thumb and index finger. Brush the top with egg wash to help the calzone bake into a golden crust.

Calzone sliced in half

STEP 4: BAKE, CUT AND SERVE

Place your baking sheet in your oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Remove the tray from the oven and let the calzone cool for a few minutes, then slice it in half and serve with a side of marinara or another sauce of your choosing.

WHAT IS STROMBOLI?

This Italian-American dish hails from Philadelphia and shares a few similarities to calzones. Flat yeasted dough is topped with sauce, cheese, meats and vegetables, and rolled into a cylinder to bake. Stromboli is then sliced to reveal its flavorful layers.

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HOW TO MAKE STROMBOLI

Stromboli is a simple recipe that you can whip up as an appetizer for your next cocktail party or just enjoy as a delicious weekend snack. Use the following recipe as a general guide to making stromboli, but let your creativity shine by experimenting with new and unique fillings.

YIELDS

  • 12 servings

INGREDIENTS

  • Flour

  • Instant yeast

  • Olive oil

  • Sugar

  • Salt

  • Warm water

  • Egg

  • Cheese, like mozzarella, parmesan or provolone

  • Meat, like pepperoni or Italian sausage

  • Sauce, like marinara, alfredo or pesto

TOOLS
PREP TIME

  • 1 hour and 30 minutes

COOK TIME
  • 25 minutes
TOTAL TIME
  • 2 hours
KitchenAid® stand mixer mixing dough

STEP 1: MAKE THE DOUGH

Set up your stand mixer, attach the flat beater, and combine yeast, warm water, flour, salt and sugar. Mix on low and drizzle in olive oil and beat until fully combined. 

 

Switch to the dough hook and knead until elastic, then place the dough in a bowl, covering it with plastic wrap or a clean towel to proof for 45 minutes to one hour. Once proofed, remove the cover from your bowl and punch the dough to release any air bubbles. Preheat your oven to 400ºF.

Person sprinkling cheese on a pizza

STEP 2: ADD FILLINGS AND ROLL INTO SHAPE

Place the dough onto your working surface and stretch it into a flat rectangle. Evenly distribute the sauce, cheese, meat and other fillings onto the dough. Fold the bottom third of the dough towards the center, then do the same with the top third to create a cylinder shape.

 

Brush the top of the dough with egg wash, then make small slits on the top to let steam release during baking. Place the stromboli on a lightly greased baking sheet.

KitchenAid® Smart Oven+ with Baking Stone Attachment

STEP 3: BAKE STROMBOLI

Insert the baking sheet into your oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Remove the stromboli from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.

Person adding seasonings to dough

STEP 4: SLICE AND SERVE

After you’ve allowed the pastry to cool, cut the stromboli into 10-12 slices and serve. For an added burst of flavor, you can sprinkle a bit of Italian seasoning over each slice as a garnish.

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From stromboli to calzones and everything in between, KitchenAid® wall ovens are designed to match your culinary passion and handle your gourmet creations. Explore single, combination and double wall ovens with features that inspire you to not just cook, but create new culinary possibilities.

SHOP KITCHENAID® STAND MIXERS FOR MAKING STROMBOLI AND CALZONES

Whether you’re making a classic Italian calzone or Italian-American stromboli, KitchenAid® stand mixers are here to help you create with ease.

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