Panzerotto Fritto, often simply called “panzerotto,” is a traditional Italian street food that originated in the southern regions of Italy, particularly in Puglia and Campania. It’s a deep-fried stuffed pastry similar to a calzone or a small turnover. The name “panzerotto” is derived from the Italian word “panza,” which means “belly,” likely referencing the round, bulging shape of the fried pastry.

The preparation of panzerotto involves rolling out or stretching a piece of dough into a circle, then filling it with various ingredients such as tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, ham, mushrooms, and sometimes even vegetables or other meats.