What Is Panzerotti? A Guide to the Italian Turnover
Panzerotti look a little like small calzones, but they are their own Italian classic. Here is what they are, what goes inside and how to enjoy them.
If you have seen panzerotti on a pizzeria menu and wondered whether it is just a small calzone, you are not alone. Panzerotti are closely related to pizza and calzones, but they are their own Italian classic, with their own history, shape and traditions.
Here is what panzerotti are, what usually goes inside, how they compare with pizza and calzones, and how to enjoy them.
A panzerotto is a folded, sealed turnover. Think of it as a pizza you can hold.
Panzerotti in a Nutshell
A panzerotto is a turnover made from pizza-style dough. A round of dough is topped with filling on one half, folded over into a half-moon and sealed along the edge, often with a crimped or pressed border. The result is a sealed pocket with a hot, cheesy filling inside.
A quick note on the name: panzerotto is the singular and panzerotti is the plural. In Canada, menus often use "panzerotti" for one or many, so you will see both. The word is usually traced to panza, a southern Italian word for belly, which suits a filled, rounded pastry.
Where Panzerotti Come From
Panzerotti come from Puglia (Apulia), the region in the "heel" of southern Italy. There they are traditionally fried and sold as a quick snack or street food, small enough to eat with your hands while they are hot.
Like pizza, panzerotti travelled with Italian families around the world. In Ontario they became a pizzeria favourite, and recipes vary from shop to shop. Some are fried in the traditional way and some are baked, and fillings range from the classic mozzarella and tomato to loaded versions with several toppings.
Common Fillings
The traditional filling is simple: mozzarella and tomato sauce. From there, pizzeria-style panzerotti borrow from the pizza topping list. Popular choices include:
- Pepperoni
- Mushrooms
- Green peppers and onions
- Ham or bacon
- Sausage or ground beef
- Olives
- Hot peppers for a bit of heat
Because everything is sealed inside, it is best to keep the filling to a few ingredients. Too many and the panzerotto is harder to seal and may not heat through evenly.
Panzerotti vs Pizza vs Calzone
All three start with similar dough, but they are different dishes. Here is how they traditionally compare:
| Panzerotto | Calzone | Pizza | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shape | Folded half-moon, sealed | Folded half-moon, sealed | Open and round |
| Traditional home | Puglia, southern Italy | Naples area | Naples area |
| Traditional cooking | Fried | Baked | Baked |
| Typical size | Smaller, hand-held | Larger, often a full meal | Sliced to share |
| Sauce | Usually inside | Inside, or served on the side | On top, under the cheese |
In practice, pizzerias in Canada blend these traditions, so the best way to know how a particular panzerotto is made is to ask the shop.
How to Enjoy Panzerotti
- Give it a minute. The filling is sealed in, so it stays very hot. Let it rest briefly before your first bite, especially for kids.
- Cut it to share. Slice it across the middle to share, or to let the steam escape.
- Add a dip. Extra tomato or meat sauce for dipping is a popular way to enjoy it.
- Pair it with something fresh. A Caesar or Greek salad balances the richness.
- Make it part of a spread. Panzerotti go well alongside pizza and wings when you are feeding a group. Our pizza party planning guide shows how to put a spread together.
Leftovers reheat best in the oven or an air fryer, which keeps the outside crisp. See our reheating tips for safe storage and reheating.
Ordering Panzerotti at Franko's
At Franko's 12 Buck Pizza, panzerotti come with 4 items of your choice. Pick from our fresh toppings, including pepperoni, bacon, ham, mushrooms, sausage, onions, green peppers, ground beef, olives and hot peppers. You can add extra items or extra meat sauce if you want more.
Find prices and build-your-own tips on our panzerotti page, or see everything in the panzerotti, subs and dinners section of our menu. Order for pickup or delivery by calling (519) 676-0777.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it panzerotti or panzerotto?
Panzerotto is the singular and panzerotti is the plural, although many menus in Canada use "panzerotti" for one or more.
Is a panzerotto the same as a calzone?
They are related but not the same. A panzerotto is usually smaller, comes from Puglia in southern Italy and is traditionally fried, while a calzone is larger, comes from the Naples area and is traditionally baked.
What should I put in a panzerotto?
Mozzarella and tomato sauce are the classic base. From there, pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers, ham, sausage and olives are popular choices. Keep it to a few items so it seals and cooks evenly.
