What Is the Difference Between Calzone and Stromboli

If you are like most average pizza eaters you love the taste of a good calzone or stromboli, only you don’t know exactly what the difference is. Both are pizza-inspired dishes that use the same dough, toppings, and sauce, so where does one draw the line between a calzone and stromboli? Well, fear not, not only does Zucca Bar & Pizzeria have an amazing calzone recipe, but we will also help you learn the difference between calzone and stromboli.  

What Is Stromboli? 

A stromboli is an Italian-American dish that can be traced back to Philadelphia. This pizza-inspired dished is made out of thin rectangle pizza dough topped with the usual pizza toppings: cheese (mozzarella), cured meat, vegetables, and sometimes tomato sauce. The dough is then folded over the toppings to create a long spiral slice of stromboli. Tomato sauce is served on the side for dipping. 

What Is a Calzone? 

Calzones are a true Italian dish, originating from Naples, Italy. This handheld take on pizza takes a round cut of dough and fills it with delicious meats, vegetables, and cheese (usually ricotta but sometimes mozzarella) before the dough is folded in half to create a half-moon shape. Calzones are made to be a single serving and are often served with marinara sauce for dipping. 

Stromboli vs Calzone

So what is the difference between calzone and stromboli? To start with there is a major difference in their appearance, most notably in how they are shaped. Stromboli is longer, larger, and more rectangular than the rounded calzones. 

While both consist of basically the same ingredients, there is one major difference: the cheese. Calzones tend to use ricotta cheese while stromboli sticks with the traditional mozzarella we so often associate with pizza. Another slight difference is that tomato sauce is always put on the side for calzones while stromboli sometimes has tomato sauce cooked in the dough. 

Another difference is their origins. Calzones come straight from Italy dishes while stromboli was made in the United States. The last and probably most distinct difference is the serving size. Stromboli can usually be enough for three to six people while calzones are made to be single-serving. 

Which Tastes Better? 

This boils down to personal preference and there is only one true way to know how you would answer. We recommend that you head down to Zucca Bar and Pizzeria, one of the best Smyrna Italian restaurants , and order both a calzone and stromboli so you can taste them together side by side. This challenge might be a little hard to do on your own so be sure to invite friends and family that can share in this fun taste test. Maybe there will be a clear winner or maybe your table will get pulled into a fun debate about which is better: calzone or stromboli. 



Chicken Parmesan
29 Feb, 2024
Looking for authentic Italian Cuisine? Turn to Zucca Pizzeria! Whether you want spaghetti or chicken cordon bleu, Zucca Pizzeria has the best selection of genuine Italian dishes.
04 Jan, 2024
For over two decades, Zucca Bar & Pizzeria has stood as a culinary landmark in Smyrna, delighting both locals and visitors with its authentic Italian food. This vibrant eatery isn't just a restaurant; it's a tribute to Italy's rich culinary legacy, offering a premier dining experience for connoisseurs of authentic Italian restaurant cuisine.
Smyrna Family Restaurant
22 Nov, 2023
Discover family-friendly dining at Zucca Pizzeria in Smyrna. Enjoy the best of Italian cuisine and mouth watering family-style pizza in a warm, welcoming setting.
Italian appetizers
11 Aug, 2023
Are you searching for the best appetizers near me? Whether you are craving Italian bread, meatballs, or seafood, look no further than Zucca Pizzeria, who has the best Italian appetizers.
zucca pasta
23 Feb, 2023
There are countless types of pasta out there and it can be hard to tell the difference for the uninitiated. Luckily, Zucca can help! Check out our quick guide here.
By Bonnie Weaver 22 Dec, 2022
Classic Pepperoni? Controversial pineapple? No matter what your opinion is on pizza toppings, there is no denying that cheese is the key ingredient. Pizza wouldn't be the same without it! But with so many types of cheese to choose from, which is the best for pizza?
By Bonnie Weaver 08 Nov, 2022
When it comes to favorite foods, pizza is definitely near the top of most people’s lists. And why wouldn’t it be? Pizza is delicious, easy to eat, and can be made to suit just about any taste. But did you know that there are actually quite a few different ways to enjoy this classic dish? Here are five of our favorites: Pizza Pocket If you're looking for a convenient way to eat pizza on the go, then consider making a pizza pocket! Like the name suggests this is a slice of pizza that has been folded in half and sealed around the edges. Pizza pockets are easy to make at home or you can purchase them pre-made from some pizzerias. Fun fact: Calzones are similar to pizza pockets but they are typically made with a richer dough and have a more traditional filling, such as ricotta cheese and meats. Pizza Bagels A pizza bagel is a fun and unique way to enjoy pizza for breakfast or as a quick snack. To make a pizza bagel, simply place a slice of cheese and your favorite toppings on a bagel half and then broil it until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Pizza Sliders Pizza sliders are a fun party food or snack that is easy to make and sure to please a crowd. Essentially, they are mini pizzas that are served on small rolls or buns. To make pizza sliders, simply place a small piece of pizza on a slider bun and top it with your favorite toppings. There is no limit to what you can put on a pizza slider, but they are typically made with cheese and pepperoni. You can also get creative and experiment with different flavor combinations! Pizza Puff Pizza puffs are a delicious and easy way to eat pizza! Pizza puffs are made by taking a slice of pizza and wrapping it around a ball of dough. The dough is then fried until it is golden brown and crispy. They can be served as an appetizer or main dish and can also be enjoyed plain or with a dipping sauce.
pizza and wine
By Bonnie Weaver 12 Aug, 2021
The wine Menu at a Smyrna Italian restaurant can be extensive, and more than a little intimidating if you are unfamiliar with how to order wine at a restaurant. No need to fear, Zucca Bar & Pizzeria is here! We've got everything you need to know about how to wine, and dine, at your next night out.
zucca camalari
12 Aug, 2021
At Zucca Bar & Pizzeria, the best Italian style pizza near me, one of the most popular Italian appetizers on our menu is the calamari. But have you ever wondered, “what is calamari”? And what does calamari taste like? We've got these answers and more this week, so get ready to dive in!
takeout pizza
10 Aug, 2021
Pizza delivery has come a long way over the years. But it's still our number one choice for easy meal solutions at the end of the day. When you're searching for an Italian restaurant Smyrna for pizza delivery, our New York style pizza is always the perfect go-to!
More Posts
Share by: