Calzones and stromboli share several the same fillings, including cured meats and veggies. And while both have Italian cheese, calzones are made with ricotta (often alongside mozzarella and/or Parmesan) while stromboli are typically only made with mozzarella. Calzones’ fillings do not include sauce; marinara is served on the side for dipping. Stromboli portions can also be dipped, but they can also be baked with the sauce inside.
This source also specifies strombolis are a different shape, and tbh at one time that was true, but I think that practice has mostly died out and the shape of the two is now often “the same” but dependant on location. The sauce v ricotta situation however is nonnegotiable and places that swap them are wrong.
Source: Food Network and also am retired 10+yr pizza veteran, multiple shops.
Let us take to the experts.
https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/food-network-essentials/calzone-vs-stromboli
This source also specifies strombolis are a different shape, and tbh at one time that was true, but I think that practice has mostly died out and the shape of the two is now often “the same” but dependant on location. The sauce v ricotta situation however is nonnegotiable and places that swap them are wrong.
Source: Food Network and also am retired 10+yr pizza veteran, multiple shops.