Crown Pizza with Sesame Braided Crust Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the best cheese pull, use fresh mozzarella that's been drained well. If you prefer a crispier crust, roll the dough slightly thinner. To ensure even browning, rotate the baking sheet halfway through.

If the center of the pizza puffs up during baking, gently press it down with a spatula after removing from the oven to make room for the sauce bowl.

The crown pizza is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but you can keep it warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven for up to 30 minutes. If making ahead, prepare the dough and shape the crown, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before baking.

Variations

• Pepperoni Crown: Add 4 oz sliced pepperoni over the mozzarella before shaping the crown. The pepperoni will crisp up during baking, adding a savory, spicy kick.
• Vegetarian Delight: Top the mozzarella with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and red onions before baking. This adds color and flavor while keeping the pizza meat-free.
• Spicy Sausage Crown: Crumble 4 oz cooked Italian sausage over the cheese. The sausage adds a hearty, savory element that pairs well with the marinara dip.
• Herb and Garlic Crown: Mix 1 tsp dried oregano and 1/2 tsp garlic powder into the olive oil before brushing. This infuses the crust with aromatic flavor.

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 for best results.

Freezer

Freeze the baked crown pizza for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in a 375°F oven for 15–20 minutes.

Reheat

Reheat slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 375°F for 5–7 minutes until hot and crispy.

Store leftover crown pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 5–7 minutes, or until the crust is crisp and the cheese is melted.

Avoid microwaving, as it makes the crust soggy. The marinara sauce can be stored separately and warmed before serving.

You can assemble the crown pizza up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator.

When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes, then brush with olive oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds just before baking. This makes it perfect for entertaining.

Serving ideas

Serve the crown pizza as a main dish with a simple green salad on the side. It's also great as an appetizer for a party—just place it on a large board and let guests pull slices directly from the wreath.

The center bowl of marinara is perfect for dipping, and you can add extra bowls of sauce on the side if needed.

For a fun twist, offer additional toppings like pepperoni, olives, or fresh basil to sprinkle on top after baking. The crown shape invites sharing, making it ideal for gatherings. Pair it with a light red wine or a sparkling water with lemon.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crown Pizza with Sesame Braided Crust

Prep 30 minCook 18 minRest 10 minTotal 58 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb homemade pizza dough
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, torn into pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1 cup warm marinara sauce, for serving

Instructions

1. Place the pizza dough on a sheet of parchment paper. Use a rolling pin to roll it into a large circle, about 14 inches in diameter. Place a small bowl upside down in the center of the dough and press gently to create an indentation. Use a sharp knife to cut eight star-burst slits inside the inner circle, radiating from the center to the edge of the indentation.
2. Scatter the torn mozzarella pieces evenly over the dough, focusing on the ring between the outer edge and the inner circle. Make sure the cheese stays within the wreath shape, leaving the outer 1 inch of dough bare for the crust.
3. Pinch the outer edge of the dough at regular intervals and fold it over the cheese, creating a braided or scalloped wreath. Gently press the pinched sections together to seal. This forms the crown shape.
4. Preheat the oven to 420°F (215°C). Brush the entire surface of the dough, including the braided crust, with olive oil. Sprinkle sesame seeds generously over the oiled dough, pressing lightly so they adhere.
5. Transfer the parchment paper with the pizza onto a baking sheet. Bake at 420°F (215°C) for 18 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
6. Remove the crown pizza from the oven and let it rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Carefully transfer to a serving board or platter. Place a small bowl of warm marinara sauce in the center of the crown.
7. To serve, pull a slice from the crown, letting the cheese stretch, and dunk it into the warm marinara sauce. Enjoy while hot.

Contains: gluten, milk, sesame

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

18 g

Carbohydrates

45 g

Fat

18 g

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