Golden Crown Ring Pizza with Sesame Crust Step-by-step instructions

Before you start

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Gather all ingredients. Warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C) – it should feel warm but not hot to the touch. Measure the flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and olive oil.

Have the ceramic bowl, baking paper, and baking sheet ready. If using sucuk, slice it thinly. Dice the bell peppers and drain the corn if using canned.

Instructions

Make and Roll the Dough

1. 1Make the Dough
   In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, dry yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Add the salt, olive oil, and flour. Knead by hand or with a stand mixer until a soft, supple dough forms. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
   Look for The dough should be smooth and elastic, not sticky.
   Tip If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
2. 2Roll Out the Dough
   On a sheet of baking paper, roll the dough into a large circle, about 12 inches in diameter and 1/4-inch thick. Keep the dough on the baking paper for easy transfer.
   Look for The dough should be evenly thick and large enough to fold over the filling.
   Tip Roll from the center outward for an even circle.

The dough should be smooth, soft, and elastic after kneading. When rolled out, it should be a large circle about 12 inches in diameter and 1/4-inch thick. The dough should not tear when lifted. If it springs back, let it rest for a few minutes before rolling again.

Assemble the Crown

3. 3Create the Ring
   Place a ceramic bowl upside down in the center of the dough. Spread the tomato pizza sauce in a ring around the bowl, leaving a 1-inch border. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the sauce.
   Look for The sauce and cheese should form a neat ring, leaving the center clear.
   Tip Use a spoon to spread the sauce evenly, keeping it off the center.
4. 4Add the Toppings
   Layer the sliced sucuk, diced bell peppers, and sweet corn evenly over the cheese. Carefully lift the ceramic bowl away to reveal the plain dough center.
   Look for The toppings should be distributed evenly around the ring.
   Tip Press the toppings gently into the cheese so they stay in place when folding.
5. 5Cut and Fold
   Using a knife, slice the inner circle into 8 triangular flaps. Fold each flap outward over the toppings, tucking the points under the outer edge to create a braided crown effect.
   Look for The flaps should overlap slightly, covering the filling.
   Tip Work gently to avoid tearing the dough.
6. 6Brush and Sprinkle
   Brush the folded dough with the egg yolk, then sprinkle with sesame seeds. This will give the crust a golden, shiny finish.
   Look for The dough should be evenly coated with egg yolk and seeds.
   Tip Use a pastry brush for a thin, even layer of egg yolk.

The sauce and cheese should form a neat ring around the center, with toppings evenly distributed. The folded flaps should cover the filling completely, creating a braided pattern. The surface should be evenly brushed with egg yolk and sprinkled with sesame seeds.

Bake to Golden Perfection

7. 7Bake the Crown Pizza
   Transfer the pizza on the baking paper to a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
   Look for The crust should be deep golden and the cheese visibly melted.
   Safe temperature 160°F (71°C) internal temperature (egg dishes)
   Tip Rotate the baking sheet halfway through for even browning.
8. 8Rest and Serve
   Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Use a pizza cutter to cut through the crown, pulling away slices with melted cheese.
   Look for The cheese should be stretchy and the crust crisp.
   Tip Letting it rest helps the cheese set slightly for cleaner slices.

The crust should be deep golden brown and the cheese bubbling. The sesame seeds should be toasted and fragrant.

When sliced, the cheese should stretch and the crust should be crisp. The internal temperature of the dough should be at least 160°F (71°C) where the egg was brushed.

Common mistakes

One common mistake is overfilling the ring, which makes folding difficult and can cause the dough to tear. Keep the toppings in a single layer. Another is not sealing the edges properly – make sure the folded flaps overlap the outer edge.

Avoid opening the oven too often, as temperature fluctuations can affect browning. Finally, don't skip the egg wash – it gives the crust its signature shine and golden color.

How to tell it’s done

The crown pizza is done when the crust is deep golden brown and the cheese is bubbling, with some spots of char for extra flavor.

The internal temperature of the dough should reach at least 160°F (71°C) where the egg yolk was brushed. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing – this allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to cut clean slices.

• Egg dishes: 160°F (71°C) in the thickest part