What is a Calzone?
Originating in Naples, Italy in the 18th century, the calzone was invented as a practical way to eat pizza while walking around the city. The name translates to “trouser leg” or “stocking,” referring to its portability.
A calzone is essentially a pizza folded in half. We start with our fresh dough, add our signature ricotta and mozzarella cheese blend, pile in your favorite pizza toppings, and fold it over into a half-moon shape. The edges are crimped to seal in the goodness, and it baked until golden brown.
Key Calzone Characteristics:
- Shape: Half-moon or semi-circle
- Cheese: Traditionally includes ricotta cheese alongside mozzarella
- Sauce: Served on the side for dipping, never baked inside
- Origin: Naples, Italy
What is a Stromboli?
Unlike the calzone, the stromboli is a proud Italian-American invention. It was created in the 1950s in Philadelphia and named after the movie “Stromboli” (or possibly the volcanic island itself, due to how the cheese erupts from the slits in the dough).
A stromboli starts as a rectangle of dough. We layer it with mozzarella cheese, Italian meats, and vegetables, and then roll it up like a savory cylinder or jelly roll.
Key Stromboli Characteristics:
- Shape: Long cylinder or rolled rectangle
- Cheese: Uses mozzarella, typically no ricotta
- Sauce: Often baked inside the roll with the other ingredients
- Origin: Philadelphia, USA
Calzone vs Stromboli: The Showdown
| Feature | Calzone | Stromboli |
|---|---|---|
| The Fold | Folded in half (taco style) | Rolled up (burrito style) |
| The Shape | Half-moon | Cylinder |
| The Cheese | Ricotta and Mozzarella | Mozzarella only |
| The Sauce | On the side for dipping | Baked inside |
| The Origin | Naples, Italy | Philadelphia, USA |
Which One Should You Order?
If you love the creamy texture of ricotta cheese and enjoy dipping your food into warm marinara sauce, the calzone is your perfect match. It is essentially a personal, portable pizza pocket.
If you prefer a meat-heavy, savory roll where the sauce and mozzarella are baked right into every bite, you will want to order the stromboli. It is fantastic for slicing and sharing during a game day or family dinner.
Order Your Favorite in Las Vegas
Whether you are team Calzone or team Stromboli, Napoli Pizzeria has you covered. We make our dough fresh daily and use only the highest quality ingredients for all our dishes.
Do not forget to pair your folded favorite with our famous wings or check out our full menu for more Italian classics.
Ready to settle the debate yourself? We offer fast, reliable delivery throughout Las Vegas and North Las Vegas. Call us or order online today to get the best Italian comfort food delivered straight to your door!
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