Crispy Lavaş Pizza with Stuffed Cheese Crust Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the crispiest bottom, preheat the baking sheet in the oven while it warms up, then carefully slide the parchment with the pizza onto the hot sheet. This extra burst of heat helps the underside brown quickly. If you prefer a softer crust, bake on a cool sheet.

Let the pizza rest for 2-3 minutes after baking before slicing. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to cut cleanly.

Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter and wipe it between cuts to avoid dragging the toppings. Serve immediately for the best texture.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Omit the sucuk and load up with extra veggies like mushrooms, olives, or artichoke hearts. Add a sprinkle of dried oregano for extra flavor. The stuffed crust remains the star.
• Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot honey after baking. Use spicy sucuk or pepperoni and sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a fiery version.
• Margherita Style: Skip the sucuk and use fresh mozzarella slices, basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil. Add a pinch of sea salt before baking for a fresh, simple pizza.
• Breakfast Pizza: Top with scrambled eggs, crumbled sausage, and cheddar cheese. Bake as directed and serve for brunch. The stuffed crust works with any toppings.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftover lavaş pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze baked pizza slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Reheat

To reheat frozen slices, place on a baking sheet and warm in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through and crisp.

Leftover lavaş pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is crisp again. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the crust soggy.

The pizza can be assembled up to 2 hours ahead, covered, and refrigerated before baking. If baking straight from the fridge, add 2-3 minutes to the bake time. The egg wash can be brushed on just before baking to keep the crust shiny.

Serving ideas

Serve the lavaş pizza warm, cut into squares or wedges, as a main dish with a simple green salad.

The stuffed crust is the highlight – encourage everyone to pull the edges apart to see the melted cheese. It’s also great as a party appetizer, sliced into smaller pieces.

For a complete meal, pair with a bowl of soup or a side of roasted vegetables. The pizza is hearty enough to stand alone, but the crisp texture and rich cheese go well with a light, tangy salad.

Leftovers make a tasty lunch the next day, though the crust is best when fresh.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crispy Lavaş Pizza with Stuffed Cheese Crust

Prep 15 minCook 12 minTotal 27 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 large rectangular lavaş flatbread
• 4 mozzarella cheese sticks
• 2 tbsp tomato pizza sauce
• 1 cup shredded kaşar cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced Turkish sucuk
• 1 medium tomato, sliced
• 1/2 medium green pepper, sliced
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tsp black nigella seeds (çörek otu)

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay the large rectangular lavaş flatbread on a piece of parchment paper. Place one mozzarella cheese stick along each of the four edges of the flatbread, leaving a small border. Fold each edge inward over the cheese stick, pressing gently to seal, creating a stuffed crust frame.
2. Spread the tomato pizza sauce evenly over the base, leaving the rolled crust edges uncovered. Sprinkle the shredded kaşar cheese over the sauce. Arrange the sliced sucuk, tomato slices, and green pepper slices on top.
3. In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk with 1 teaspoon of water. Brush the rolled cheese borders with the egg wash. Sprinkle the black nigella seeds generously over the entire pizza, including the crust edges.
4. Transfer the parchment paper with the pizza onto a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crisp and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
5. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for 2-3 minutes. Using a sharp knife, slice the pizza into quadrants or squares. Serve warm, pulling apart the stuffed crust to reveal the melted cheese.

Contains: gluten, milk, eggs

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

480

Protein

24 g

Carbohydrates

38 g

Fat

26 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.