Calzone Vs Stromboli Pizza Dough: Which One Should You Choose?
What To Know
- The dough is rolled out into a circle, filled with a generous amount of cheese (often ricotta and mozzarella), meats, vegetables, and seasonings, and then folded over and sealed.
- The dough is sealed along the edges and baked until the crust is crispy and the filling is cooked through.
- Calzones offer a thicker, more bread-like crust, while strombolis have a thinner, crispier crust and a wider variety of fillings.
In the realm of savory doughy delights, calzones and strombolis stand tall as formidable contenders. Both hailing from the Italian culinary landscape, these stuffed pizza pockets entice with their delectable fillings and irresistible crusts. But what sets these doughy wonders apart? Embark on a culinary adventure as we delve into the intriguing world of calzone vs stromboli pizza dough.
Anatomy of a Calzone
A calzone, meaning “trouser” in Italian, resembles a folded pizza. Its dough is typically made from a combination of bread flour, all-purpose flour, yeast, water, and olive oil. The dough is rolled out into a circle, filled with a generous amount of cheese (often ricotta and mozzarella), meats, vegetables, and seasonings, and then folded over and sealed. The calzone is then baked until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling hot.
Unraveling the Stromboli
Stromboli, named after the volcanic island in Sicily, is a rolled-up pizza. Its dough is similar to that of a calzone, using a blend of bread flour, all-purpose flour, yeast, water, and olive oil. However, strombolis are typically rolled up into a cylindrical shape, with the fillings layered inside. The dough is sealed along the edges and baked until the crust is crispy and the filling is cooked through.
The Doughy Showdown
Thickness: Calzones tend to have a thicker crust than strombolis, as the dough is folded over and sealed. Strombolis, on the other hand, have a thinner crust that is rolled up.
Texture: The thickness of the crust also affects the texture. Calzones have a more bread-like texture, while strombolis have a crispier crust.
Shape: Calzones are typically semi-circular in shape, while strombolis are cylindrical.
Filling Frenzy
Traditional Fillings: Calzones are often filled with classic pizza toppings such as ricotta cheese, mozzarella, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, and peppers. Strombolis, on the other hand, have a more diverse range of fillings, including meats (such as ham, salami, or sausage), vegetables (such as spinach, zucchini, or eggplant), and cheeses (such as provolone or feta).
Filling Placement: In calzones, the fillings are placed on one half of the dough and then folded over. In strombolis, the fillings are layered inside the rolled-up dough.
Baking Bonanza
Cooking Method: Both calzones and strombolis are typically baked in an oven. However, calzones may require a slightly longer baking time due to their thicker crust.
Temperature and Time: The ideal baking temperature for both calzones and strombolis is around 450-500°F (230-260°C). The baking time varies depending on the size and thickness of the dough, but typically ranges from 15-25 minutes.
Culinary Cousins
Origins: Calzones originated in Naples, Italy, while strombolis are believed to have originated in the Stromboli region of Sicily.
Popularity: Calzones are more popular in the United States, while strombolis are more common in Italy.
Variations: There are many regional variations of both calzones and strombolis, with different fillings and cooking methods.
Deciding the Doughty Victor
The choice between calzone vs stromboli pizza dough ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a thicker, bread-like crust with a more traditional filling, a calzone may be your doughty delight. If you favor a thinner, crispier crust with a wider variety of fillings, a stromboli may be your doughy destiny.
FAQs
Q: What is the difference between a calzone and a stromboli?
A: Calzones are folded over, while strombolis are rolled up. Calzones typically have a thicker crust, while strombolis have a thinner crust.
Q: Which is better, calzone or stromboli?
A: The preference between calzone and stromboli is subjective. Calzones offer a thicker, more bread-like crust, while strombolis have a thinner, crispier crust and a wider variety of fillings.
Q: Can I make calzones or strombolis at home?
A: Yes, you can make both calzones and strombolis at home. You will need a good pizza dough recipe and your favorite fillings.
