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

Tips for success

For the best texture, use a high-protein bread flour if you have it; it gives the dough more chew.

If the dough tears when folding, press it back together with your fingers—it will seal during baking. To get extra crispy points, brush them with a little olive oil before the egg wash.

When slicing the crown, use a sharp pizza cutter and press down firmly to cut through the crispy crust.

Serve the slices with extra tomato sauce for dipping. The crown is best enjoyed warm, when the cheese is still stretchy and the crust is at its crispiest.

Variations

• Spicy Pepperoni Crown: Replace the sucuk with sliced pepperoni and use a spicy tomato sauce. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for extra heat. The pepperoni becomes crispy at the edges, adding a nice texture.
• Vegetarian Crown: Omit the sucuk and use a mix of sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and olives. Add a handful of fresh spinach leaves under the cheese for extra color and flavor. This version is just as satisfying and packed with vegetables.
• Four Cheese Crown: Use a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, and feta instead of kaşar. The combination of melty and sharp cheeses creates a rich, indulgent filling. Sprinkle a little dried oregano on top before baking.
• Breakfast Crown: Swap the tomato sauce for a white sauce (béchamel) and add cooked breakfast sausage and scrambled eggs. Use cheddar or Swiss cheese. Bake as directed, then serve for brunch with a side of fruit.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispness.

Freezer

Freeze the baked crown pizza for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20 minutes.

Reheat

Reheat individual slices in a toaster oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until hot and crispy.

Store leftover crown pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to restore crispness.

The dough can be made a day ahead and kept in the refrigerator after the first rise. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling.

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

Serving ideas

Serve the crown pizza as the centerpiece of a meal, with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables on the side. It's also fantastic as an appetizer for a party—just slice it into smaller pieces and watch it disappear.

For a fun twist, offer a bowl of extra oregano tomato sauce for dipping.

The crown's crispy points are perfect for scooping up sauce, and the cheesy center is irresistible. This ring is best served warm, straight from the oven.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Turkish Crown Pizza Ring with Sucuk and Kaşar

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

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/4 cups warm water
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup oregano tomato sauce
• 8 oz sucuk sausage, sliced
• 2 cups kaşar cheese, shredded
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tbsp toasted white sesame seeds

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Add the warm water and olive oil, then stir until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, until doubled in size.
2. Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a large sheet of parchment paper. Roll it into a wide circle, about 16 inches in diameter. Place a small inverted bowl in the center of the dough round, pressing gently to mark the center.
3. Spread the oregano tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a 2-inch border around the edge. Arrange the sucuk slices and shredded kaşar cheese over the sauce, creating a ring around the center bowl. The center bowl should remain clear.
4. Remove the center bowl. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the dough from the outer edge toward the center into 8 equal star rays, being careful not to cut through the filling. Fold each triangle of dough over the filling, overlapping slightly to form a crown shape. Pinch the ends to seal.
5. Brush the exposed dough points with the beaten egg, then sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the entire crown.
6. Transfer the parchment paper with the crown to a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, until the crust is deep golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. The internal temperature of the sucuk should reach at least 160°F (71°C).
7. Let the crown pizza cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cutting board. Use a pizza cutter to slice between the folds and lift out triangular slices, letting the cheese stretch.

Contains: gluten, eggs, milk, sesame

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

480

Protein

22 g

Carbohydrates

45 g

Fat

23 g

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