The History of Calzones

In honor of National Calzone Day, we are delving into the history behind this beloved food. Calzones are thought to have originated in Naples, Italy in the early 1700s. They were created for working Italians who needed to eat on the go. The calzone’s very name may reflect this purpose, as the word “calzone” translates to “pants leg.” Early Italian calzones were shaped like half-moons and smaller in size than the huge calzones popular in America today. The recipe was different too – originally, calzones were stuffed with ricotta, mozzarella, anchovies, and olives. However, people soon realized that calzones could be stuffed with just about anything. Today, calzones are a popular food, especially in America. In the United States, they are usually about the size of a football and filled with an endless array of toppings. Popular options include sausage, meatballs, mozzarella, ricotta, and veggies.