Crown Pizza with Sesame Braided Crust

This Crown Pizza turns pizza night into a centerpiece-worthy event. A wreath of golden, sesame-crusted dough holds a ring of molten mozzarella, with a bowl of warm marinara for dunking right in the middle. The braided crust is surprisingly simple to shape: just roll, cut, pinch, and bake.

The result is a pull-apart pizza that's as fun to eat as it is to look at. Perfect for parties, game days, or a special family dinner, this recipe delivers all the comfort of pizza with a dramatic twist.

Crown Pizza is a showstopping twist on classic pizza, featuring a ring of cheesy goodness encircling a bowl of warm marinara. The braided crust, studded with sesame seeds, adds a nutty crunch and a beautiful presentation.

This recipe is designed for home cooks: it uses basic pizza dough, fresh mozzarella, and a few pantry staples. The shaping technique is forgiving and fun, making it a great weekend project. Serve it as a main course or an appetizer—either way, it's guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

Why this recipe works

The crown shape isn't just for looks—it creates an even distribution of crust and cheese in every bite.

The braided edge becomes crisp and golden, while the center stays soft and chewy, perfect for tearing and dipping. The sesame seeds add a subtle nuttiness that complements the rich mozzarella and tangy marinara.

Baking at a high temperature (420°F) ensures the crust crisps up quickly while the cheese melts to a gooey, stretchy perfection.

The shallow indentation in the center holds the sauce bowl securely, making it a self-contained serving dish. This method is both practical and visually appealing, turning a simple pizza into a memorable meal.

Notes and substitutions

Use a high-quality pizza dough, either homemade or store-bought. Fresh mozzarella is preferred for its creamy texture and superior melt, but low-moisture shredded mozzarella also works well. For the sauce, choose a marinara with a robust flavor, as it's the star of the dipping experience.

Sesame seeds can be replaced with poppy seeds or everything bagel seasoning for a different flavor profile. If you don't have a small bowl for the center, use a ramekin or a small oven-safe dish. The parchment paper is essential to prevent sticking and makes transferring the pizza a breeze.

• fresh mozzarella: shredded low-moisture mozzarella (about 2 cups) can be used; it melts more evenly.
• homemade pizza dough: store-bought pizza dough (1 lb) works well; let it come to room temperature before rolling.
• sesame seeds: poppy seeds or everything bagel seasoning can be substituted for a different crunch.
• marinara sauce: use warm pizza sauce or crushed tomatoes seasoned with salt and oregano.

Equipment

• rolling pin
• parchment paper
• large baking sheet
• small bowl (for indenting center)
• pastry brush
• sharp knife or pizza cutter