Golden Turkish Crown Pizza Ring with Sucuk Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the best texture, use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour—it gives the crust a chewier bite. If you have time, let the shaped crown rise for 20 minutes before baking; this creates a lighter, airier crust.

To ensure even browning, rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning.

When slicing the baked crown, use a serrated knife or pizza cutter and press gently to avoid squashing the crust. Serve the crown warm, as the cheese becomes less stretchy as it cools.

If making ahead, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes to restore crispness. The crown can also be cut into smaller pieces for appetizers.

Variations

• Spicy Sausage: Replace sucuk with spicy Italian sausage or chorizo for a different heat profile. Cook the sausage and crumble it before adding to the filling. Adjust the amount of mozzarella to balance the saltiness.
• Vegetarian: Omit the sucuk and add roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Sauté the vegetables to remove excess moisture, then arrange them over the sauce. Add extra mozzarella for a cheesy, satisfying filling.
• Cheese Lovers: Use a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan for a richer, more complex cheese flavor. Add a sprinkle of dried oregano or Italian seasoning to the sauce for extra depth.
• Mediterranean: Swap the tomato sauce for a pesto or olive tapenade, and add sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and feta cheese. This variation is bright, briny, and perfect for summer.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes.

Freezer

Freeze the baked crown, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes.

Reheat

Reheat slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for 5-8 minutes until hot and crusty.

Store leftover crown pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the oven or toaster oven to maintain crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the crust soggy.

The dough can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated after the first rise. Let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes before rolling.

The assembled crown can also be refrigerated for up to 8 hours before baking; add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Serving ideas

Serve the crown pizza as a show-stopping main dish with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

It’s also perfect for parties, cut into individual pieces and arranged on a platter. Pair with a simple yogurt dip or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for extra flavor.

For a complete meal, serve alongside a bowl of lentil soup or a crisp green salad. The crown can also be sliced into thin wedges and served as an appetizer. Let guests pull apart the pieces themselves for a fun, interactive dining experience.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Golden Turkish Crown Pizza Ring with Sucuk

Prep 30 minCook 25 minRest 1 hTotal 1 h 55 minServes 8

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp fine salt
• 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 6 oz sucuk (Turkish garlic sausage), thinly sliced
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy. Add the olive oil, salt, and 1 cup of flour, and stir until smooth. Gradually add the remaining flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until doubled in size.
2. Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a large sheet of parchment paper. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a large circle, about 14 inches in diameter and 1/4 inch thick. Keep the thickness even so the ring bakes uniformly.
3. Place a small ceramic bowl (about 4 inches in diameter) upside down in the center of the dough circle. Spread the tomato sauce in a ring around the bowl, leaving a 1-inch border at the outer edge. Arrange the sucuk slices over the sauce, then scatter the shredded mozzarella over the sucuk.
4. Remove the center bowl. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, make cuts from the outer edge of the dough toward the center, spacing them about 1 1/2 inches apart, creating points that will fold over the filling. You should have about 12-14 points.
5. Lift each dough point and fold it over the filling, tucking the tip slightly toward the center. Continue around the entire ring, overlapping the points slightly to create a crowned, braided look.
6. In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water. Brush the beaten egg evenly over the entire surface of the dough crown. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds generously over the top.
7. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer the parchment paper with the crown onto a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the crust is deep golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
8. Remove the crown from the oven and let it rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Carefully transfer to a cutting board. Use a pizza cutter to slice through the crown between the points. Serve warm, pulling apart the pieces to reveal the cheesy, sucuk-filled center.

Contains: gluten, milk, eggs, sesame

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

17 g

Carbohydrates

48 g

Fat

17 g

Fiber

2 g

Sugar

4 g

Sodium

780 mg

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