Panzerotti

Panzerotti are Italian fried dough pockets, usually made from pizza dough and filled with ingredients such as tomato and mozzarella.

Panzerotti are Italian fried dough pockets, typically made from pizza dough and filled with ingredients like tomato and mozzarella. They are a popular street food from southern Italy, especially Puglia.

What it is

Panzerotti are semi-circular or crescent-shaped pastries, usually fried until crisp. The dough is similar to pizza dough, and classic fillings include tomato and mozzarella, though regional variations add vegetables, meats, or other cheeses. They are often compared to calzones, but panzerotti are typically fried while calzones are baked.

Origin and regional associations

Panzerotti are strongly linked to southern Italy, particularly Puglia, where they are a traditional street food. Regional naming differences exist: similar foods may be called calzone or pizza fritta elsewhere. In Canada, panzerotti are familiar through Italian-Canadian restaurants and pizzerias, especially in cities like Toronto and Montreal.

Key details

Panzerotti are part of the 'cucina povera' tradition, using simple, accessible ingredients. They are widely described as a snack or casual meal. Common fillings vary by region, but tomato and mozzarella remain the most traditional. The plural form is also panzerotti.