Crown Pizza with Sesame Braided Crust

This crown pizza is a showstopper: a golden, sesame-crusted braided wreath that's made for pulling apart and dunking into warm marinara. The dramatic braided crust is surprisingly simple to shape—just roll, cut, and pinch—and it bakes up crisp and beautiful.

Perfect for game day, parties, or a fun family dinner, this pizza turns an ordinary pizza night into an event. With a cheesy center (if you add mozzarella) and a crunchy sesame exterior, every bite is a mix of textures and flavors.

Crown pizza, also known as braided wreath pizza, is a fun twist on classic pizza. The dough is rolled into a circle, cut into star-burst slits, and then pinched to the outer edge to form a crown-like wreath. Brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with sesame seeds, it bakes until golden and crisp.

The center is perfect for holding a bowl of warm marinara sauce for dipping. This recipe uses homemade pizza dough, but store-bought dough works equally well. The result is a shareable, pull-apart pizza that's as fun to make as it is to eat.

Ingredients

Why this recipe works

The braided crown shape isn't just for looks—it creates a perfect ratio of crispy crust to soft, chewy dough.

The pointed tips bake up extra crunchy, while the inner ring stays tender, giving you two textures in every pull. The olive oil and sesame seeds add a nutty, toasted flavor that complements the marinara beautifully.

Cutting the dough into star-burst slits and pinching them to the edge creates the crown effect. This technique is simple but impressive, and it ensures even baking because the dough is thin and uniform. The result is a pizza that's easy to tear apart, making it ideal for sharing and dipping.

Notes and substitutions

For the best texture, use a high-quality pizza dough that has been proofed properly. If using store-bought dough, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling—it will be easier to shape. The dough should be rolled to about 1/4-inch thickness for a crispy yet chewy crust.

Sesame seeds are essential for the classic crown pizza look, but you can substitute with poppy seeds or everything bagel seasoning for a different flavor.

The marinara sauce should be warm when serving; you can use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade. If you want a cheesier version, sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the dough before baking, but note that the video shows the pizza without cheese.

• homemade pizza dough: Use store-bought pizza dough (about 1 lb) for convenience. Let it come to room temperature before rolling.
• olive oil: Melted butter or garlic-infused oil can be brushed on for a different flavor.
• sesame seeds: Poppy seeds or everything bagel seasoning can replace sesame seeds.
• marinara sauce: Warm pizza sauce or a simple crushed tomato sauce with garlic and basil works well.

Equipment

• rolling pin
• parchment paper
• large bowl
• pizza cutter
• pastry brush
• baking sheet
• small bowl for sauce