Golden Crown Ring Pizza with Sesame Crust Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the best texture, make sure the milk is warm but not hot – too hot will kill the yeast. If you have a stand mixer, use the dough hook on low speed for 5-6 minutes.

The dough is ready when it pulls away from the sides of the bowl and feels smooth and elastic.

When folding the flaps, work gently to avoid tearing. If the dough sticks to your fingers, lightly flour them.

For an extra golden finish, you can brush the crust with a little melted butter after baking. Let the pizza rest for 5 minutes before cutting – this helps the cheese set and makes slicing easier.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Replace sucuk with grilled zucchini slices or roasted mushrooms. Add extra bell peppers and corn for a colorful, veggie-packed crown.
• Spicy: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot honey before baking. Use spicy sucuk or pepperoni and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Cheese Lover: Use a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, and feta for a richer, tangier filling. Add a sprinkle of grated parmesan on top before baking.
• Breakfast Crown: Swap the pizza sauce for a white sauce, use scrambled eggs and bacon instead of sucuk, and top with chives. Bake as directed.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze the baked pizza for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until hot and crisp. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust crunchy.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is crisp and the cheese is melted. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.

The dough can be made up to 1 day ahead. After kneading, place it in a greased bowl, cover, and refrigerate.

Let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes before rolling. You can also assemble the pizza completely and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking.

Serving ideas

Serve the crown pizza hot, fresh from the oven, as the centerpiece of a meal. It pairs well with a crisp green salad and a light vinaigrette. The individual slices are perfect for grabbing – no plates needed, just napkins.

For a heartier meal, serve alongside grilled vegetables or a bowl of soup. The pizza is also great for parties – set it on a large cutting board and let guests pull off pieces. The dramatic shape makes it a conversation starter.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Golden Crown Ring Pizza with Sesame Crust

Prep 25 minCook 20 minRest 10 minTotal 55 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm milk
• 7 grams dry yeast
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tbsp tomato pizza sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 4 oz sliced Turkish sucuk
• 1/2 cup diced red and green bell peppers
• 1/2 cup sweet corn kernels
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Brush the folded dough with the egg yolk, then sprinkle with sesame seeds. This will give the crust a golden, shiny finish.
7. 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.
8. 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.

Contains: gluten, milk, eggs, sesame

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

480

Protein

18 g

Carbohydrates

55 g

Fat

21 g

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