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

Tips for success

For a crispier crust, bake the pizza on a preheated pizza stone or a heavy baking sheet. If using a regular baking sheet, you can place it on the bottom rack of the oven for the last 5 minutes.

Letting the dough rest in the fridge for 30 minutes before rolling can also make it easier to handle and result in a flakier crust.

If you want extra color on the cheese, switch the oven to broil for the last 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

You can also sprinkle a little smoked paprika or red pepper flakes over the top before baking for a smoky kick. For a vegetarian version, omit the sucuk and add more peppers or mushrooms.

Variations

• Spicy Sucuk: Increase the amount of sucuk and add a drizzle of hot honey or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before baking for an extra kick.
• Vegetarian: Omit the sucuk and add extra roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or olives for a meatless version.
• Herb Crust: Mix 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs (basil, thyme, rosemary) into the dough before kneading for an aromatic crust.
• Cheese Lovers: Use a blend of kaşar, mozzarella, and parmesan, and add a sprinkle of grated parmesan on top before baking.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it cool completely before refrigerating to keep the crust crisp.

Freezer

Freeze the baked pizza (cooled) in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat slices in a toaster oven or skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. Microwave for a softer texture, 30-60 seconds.

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let the pizza cool completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation from making the crust soggy.

Reheat slices in a toaster oven or a skillet over medium heat to restore crispness, or in the microwave for a softer texture.

The dough can be made up to 2 days ahead. After kneading, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling.

You can also assemble the entire pizza (without baking) and refrigerate for up to 4 hours; add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Serving ideas

Serve the crown ring pizza hot, straight from the oven, so the cheese is still stretchy. Use a pizza cutter to slice into wedges, then let everyone pull their own slice. The ring shape makes it perfect for sharing—place it in the center of the table with a simple green salad and let everyone dig in.

This pizza pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or a cold beer. For a non-alcoholic option, serve with sparkling water with lemon. Leftovers can be enjoyed cold or reheated, making it a great lunch option the next day.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Turkish Crown Ring Pizza with Sucuk and Cheese

Prep 30 minCook 20 minRest 55 minTotal 1 h 45 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm milk
• 5 g dry yeast
• 1 tsp sugar
• 50 ml olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• salt to taste
• sugar to taste
• 1 1/2 cups shredded kaşar cheese
• sliced Turkish sucuk, to taste
• chopped tomatoes, to taste
• diced green peppers, to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, dry yeast, and sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes until the yeast is foamy and active. Add the olive oil, salt, and 4 cups of all-purpose flour. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms, then turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
2. After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a wide circle about 12 inches in diameter. Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place an inverted cereal bowl in the center of the dough, pressing down gently to create a circular border ring. The bowl will keep the center empty while the edges form the crown.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the tomato paste, olive oil, oregano, salt, and sugar. The sauce should be smooth and spreadable. Taste and adjust the seasoning, keeping in mind that the cheese and sucuk will add saltiness.
4. Using a pastry brush, brush the sauce generously over the exposed outer dough ring, avoiding the center where the bowl sits. Make sure to cover the dough evenly, reaching the edges for maximum flavor.
5. Layer the shredded kaşar cheese evenly over the sauce. Top with the sliced sucuk, chopped tomatoes, and diced green peppers, distributing them evenly around the ring. Remove the inverted bowl from the center, being careful not to disturb the toppings.
6. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pizza for 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The edges should be crispy and the center should be set. Let it rest for 3 minutes before slicing.
7. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest on the baking sheet for at least 3 minutes. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes slicing easier. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the ring into wedges, cutting through the crust and toppings.
8. Serve the crown ring pizza warm, pulling apart the slices to reveal the stringy cheese. The crispy crust and savory toppings make it a perfect centerpiece for a casual dinner or party.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

18 g

Carbohydrates

45 g

Fat

19 g

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