Crispy Turkish Crown Pizza Ring with Sucuk and Kaşar Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

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

If using a baking sheet, place it on the bottom rack for the first 10 minutes, then move to the top rack to finish browning. This creates a crispier bottom while keeping the top golden.

To make the crown pizza more substantial, add other toppings like sliced bell peppers, olives, or mushrooms to the filling.

Just be careful not to overload the dough. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the finished pizza for a spicy kick.

Variations

• Vegetarian Crown: Replace the sucuk with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and red onions. Add a handful of fresh spinach leaves to the filling for extra color and flavor.
• Spicy Pepperoni Crown: Swap sucuk for spicy pepperoni and add a drizzle of hot honey after baking for a sweet-spicy contrast. Use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for a different cheese pull.
• Margherita Crown: Omit the sucuk and use fresh mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves. Bake as directed, then top with fresh basil after baking for a fresh, classic flavor.
• Breakfast Crown: Fill with scrambled eggs, cooked breakfast sausage, and cheddar cheese. Omit the tomato sauce and instead brush the dough with melted butter before folding. Bake until golden and serve with maple syrup for dipping.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftover crown pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until hot and crispy.

Freezer

Wrap the baked and cooled crown pizza tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted. For a quicker option, use a toaster oven.

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

Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the crust soggy.

You can assemble the crown pizza up to 2 hours ahead and keep it in the refrigerator, unbaked.

When ready to bake, brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds just before putting it in the oven. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

Serving ideas

Serve the crown pizza warm as a main dish or appetizer. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a bowl of soup for a complete meal. For dipping, offer extra tomato sauce or a garlic-yogurt sauce on the side.

This pizza is perfect for sharing—guests can pull apart slices with their hands, making it a fun and interactive dish for parties. Cut it into smaller pieces for a snack or appetizer, or larger wedges for a main course.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crispy Turkish Crown Pizza Ring with Sucuk and Kaşar

Prep 30 minCook 20 minTotal 50 minServes 8

Ingredients

• 1 lb pizza dough, store-bought or homemade
• 1/2 cup tomato pizza sauce
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 6 oz sucuk (Turkish fermented sausage), thinly sliced
• 2 cups kaşar cheese, shredded
• 1 egg, beaten with 1 tbsp water
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Place the pizza dough on a large sheet of parchment paper. Roll it into a large circle, about 12 inches in diameter. Center an inverted bowl (about 6 inches wide) on the dough. Spread the tomato pizza sauce evenly around the bowl in a ring, leaving a 1-inch border. Sprinkle the dried oregano over the sauce. Arrange the sucuk slices on top of the sauce, then scatter the shredded kaşar cheese over the sucuk.
2. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough from the outer edge toward the bowl in even intervals, creating about 12 to 16 points. Carefully lift each dough point and fold it over the filling, tucking the tip under the dough on the other side of the ring. Continue until all points are folded, forming a crown-like ring. Remove the bowl from the center.
3. Brush the exposed dough points with the beaten egg wash, making sure to cover the tops and sides. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds generously over the egg-washed dough.
4. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer the parchment paper with the crown pizza onto a baking sheet. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until the crust is deep golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. The internal temperature of the egg wash on the crust should reach at least 160°F (71°C) to ensure the egg is fully cooked.
5. Remove the crown pizza from the oven and let it rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Use a pizza cutter or roller cutter to slice through the ring, following the natural divisions between the dough points. Lift a slice with a spatula to see the cheese stretch.

Contains: gluten, eggs, milk, sesame

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

14 g

Carbohydrates

30 g

Fat

16 g

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