Crispy Turkish Crown Pizza Ring with Sesame Crust Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For an extra-crispy crust, bake the crown on a preheated pizza stone or steel.

If using a sheet pan, place it on the bottom rack for the first 10 minutes, then move to the middle to finish browning. This helps the bottom cook through and become crisp.

To keep the filling from leaking, be sure to pinch the dough ends together firmly when folding. If you like a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey before serving.

The crown is best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be reheated in a toaster oven or air fryer to restore crispness.

Variations

• Vegetarian Crown: Omit the pepperoni and load the ring with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and red onions. Add a handful of black olives for a salty bite. The vegetables should be cooked and drained well to keep the crust crisp.
• Spicy Sausage Crown: Swap the pepperoni for cooked Italian sausage or spicy chorizo. Crumble the sausage into small pieces and cook it fully before adding to the dough. Increase the red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Four Cheese Crown: Replace the mozzarella with a blend of provolone, fontina, and parmesan. Add a few dollops of ricotta on top of the sauce for creaminess. The parmesan will add a nutty, salty flavor to the crust.
• Breakfast Crown: Use a white sauce or gravy instead of tomato sauce, and top with cooked bacon, scrambled eggs, and cheddar cheese. Bake as directed, and serve for brunch with a side of fruit.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftover crown pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to restore crispness.

Freezer

Freeze the baked, cooled crown pizza whole or in slices for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes.

Reheat

Reheat slices on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes, or until hot and crispy.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes, or until hot and crispy. Avoid microwaving, which makes the crust soggy.

The crown pizza can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance. Prepare the dough, spread the sauce and toppings, and fold the ring.

Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds just before putting it in the oven.

Serving ideas

Serve the crown pizza as a main dish with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables on the side.

The center is perfect for a small bowl of warm marinara or garlic dipping sauce. Cut into thick slices and serve warm, letting the cheese stretch as you pull it apart.

This pizza is ideal for parties, game day, or family dinners. The ring shape makes it easy to grab a slice without a knife. Pair it with a crisp, cold beverage and enjoy the contrast of crunchy sesame crust and melty cheese.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crispy Turkish Crown Pizza Ring with Sesame Crust

Prep 30 minCook 25 minTotal 55 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb pizza dough, store-bought or homemade
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions

1. On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a large circle, about 14 inches in diameter. Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place a small inverted bowl (about 6 inches wide) in the center of the dough. Spread the tomato sauce in a ring around the bowl, leaving a 1-inch border at the outer edge. Sprinkle the oregano and red pepper flakes over the sauce. Scatter the shredded mozzarella and pepperoni over the sauce.
2. Carefully remove the bowl from the center. Using a knife or scissors, cut the dough from the outside edge toward the center at 1-inch intervals, creating strips that radiate like a sun. Lift each strip and fold it over the filling, tucking the end into the center. Continue around the entire ring, overlapping the dough strips slightly to create a braided crown. Press the ends gently to seal.
3. In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the entire surface of the folded dough with the egg wash. Sprinkle the sesame seeds evenly over the top, pressing them lightly so they stick.
4. Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the baking sheet on the middle rack and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the last 5 minutes.
5. Remove the crown pizza from the oven and let it rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Using a pizza cutter or roller wheel, slice through the crown at the seams between the dough folds. Lift each slice with a spatula, letting the cheese stretch, and serve warm.

Contains: gluten, milk, eggs, sesame

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

17 g

Carbohydrates

46 g

Fat

18 g

Fiber

3 g

Sugar

4 g

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