Stromboli is one of the most famous fast foods available all over the world. The American stromboli is a savoury turnover filled with traditional pizza toppings. The dish is somewhat akin to a calzone and is filled with mozzarella or other types of cheese, Italian meats like salami, pepperoni, and even vegetables. The dish is served with Marinara sauce on the side rather than baked inside the turnover with the filling.
The completed structure is wrapped into a loaf before baking. The dough can be either Italian bread dough or regular pizza dough. Stromboli, in contrast to a calzone, is said to have been created in a suburb of Philadelphia in the 1950s and named after one of Roberto Rossellini’s films.
A stromboli is normally rolled or folded into a cylinder and may sometimes have a thin coating of tomato sauce. On the other hand, calzones are always packed and folded into a crescent form. In this article, we will inform you about everything you need to know about Stromboli.
Origins
There are a number of theories as to how the term ‘stromboli’ came to be used to refer to cuisine.
Nazzareno Romano is an Italian immigrant who is credited with using the term for the first time. It was in 1950 in Essington, Pennsylvania, which is a suburb of Philadelphia.
In an attempt to create “stuffed pizza,” the owner of the pizza parlour loaded pockets of bread dough with ham, cotechino sausage, cheese, and peppers.
His future brother-in-law proposed that he name it after the newly released film ‘Stromboli.’
Ingredients
The classic Stromboli is made with bread dough that is rolled out into a long cylinder shape. The ingredients are then placed inside the cylinder. The dough is then rolled up to enclose the filling.
The most common fillings include mozzarella cheese, ham, salami, pepperoni, and vegetables such as peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Some variations also include different pizza sauces, such as marinara or pesto. This helps add flavour and moisture to the dish.
How to make stromboli?
Stromboli can be made at home or purchased from a variety of food establishments, including pizzerias, delis, and specialty shops.
To know about stromboli and learn how to make it, follow the process described below.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated pizza dough
- Salami
- Thinly sliced pepperoni
- Mozzarella cheese melts evenly.
- Egg
- Seasoning
- Pizza sauce
Recipe
- First of all, preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
- On a sheet of parchment paper, roll out and spread the dough.
- Apply pizza sauce, leaving approximately 2 inches around the edge.
- Add Italian salami, cheese, and pepperoni as finishing touches.
- The dough should be rolled up like a cinnamon roll, with the seams pinch-sealed and folded. Put the seam side of the stromboli down.
- Cut little slats into the top and wish your eggs to brush it over.
- Add 1/4 cup of cheese, Italian seasoning, and fresh parsley to the top.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Your stromboli is ready. Serve it with pizza sauce for added flavour
Serving
Stromboli can be served as a main dish, appetiser, or snack. It is often served with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Some people also like to add condiments, such as mustard or mayonnaise, to their Stromboli for additional flavour.

Calzone vs Stromboli
Dough, Shape, and Sealing Technique
The form of the dough and the method of sealing are what distinguishes a calzone from a stromboli. A calzone includes a circle of dough that is folded in half over the contents. It is then sealed by crimping.
On the other hand, for a stromboli, a rectangular piece of dough is first rolled up lengthwise. It is then covered with toppings and cheese. Then it is sealed by folding and pressing the leftover dough over the sides.
Fillings
Many of the contents included in stromboli and calzones are similar. Some of the are cured meats and vegetables. While both dishes include Italian cheese, calzones often include ricotta. This is in addition to mozzarella, Parmesan, and/or other cheeses. On the other hand, stromboli is normally cooked simply with mozzarella.
Sauce
Additionally, calzone fillings do not contain sauce. The marinara is provided on the side for dipping. Stromboli pieces may also be dipped in sauce as well as cooked with the sauce inside.
Serving
A calzone is normally served to one or two people after being sliced in half. A stromboli is cut into many pieces.
Conclusion
Stromboli is a delicious and versatile dish that is loved by people all over the world. Whether you are a fan of classic flavours or prefer something more adventurous, there is a Stromboli for everyone.
So the next time that you’re in the mood for a delicious and satisfying meal, consider trying a Stromboli! We hope our guide has covered everything you need to know about stromboli.