Viral Braided Crown Pizza with Pepperoni and Marinara Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To achieve a more professional finish, brush the dough with a beaten egg wash before sprinkling the sesame seeds; this will result in a deeper, glossier golden color.

If you prefer a savory herb crust, you can mix a teaspoon of dried oregano or garlic powder into the olive oil before brushing it over the dough. This adds an extra layer of aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with the marinara dipping sauce.

When placing the warm marinara bowl in the center after baking, consider using a small ramekin that is oven-safe. You can even place the ramekin in the center during the last five minutes of baking to ensure the sauce is piping hot when the pizza is served.

This simple step ensures that the dip is at the perfect temperature to complement the fresh, hot pizza slices as they are pulled from the wreath.

Variations

• Vegetarian Garden Crown: Replace the pepperoni with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and artichoke hearts. Ensure all vegetables are well-drained of excess moisture before layering to prevent the crust from becoming soggy during the baking process.
• Spicy Sausage Crown: Swap the beef pepperoni for cooked, crumbled spicy Italian sausage. Add a few thinly sliced jalapeños underneath the cheese for an extra kick that balances the sweetness of the garlic tomato marinara.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 1 month.

Reheat

Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes until crispy and hot.

If you have leftovers, allow the pizza to cool completely for no more than two hours before transferring it to an airtight container. Keep the pizza separate from any extra marinara sauce to maintain the texture of the crust.

Properly stored in the refrigerator, the pizza will remain fresh for up to three days, though it is best enjoyed within the first 24 hours for optimal flavor and crust crispness.

You can prepare the braided crown up to the point of baking, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to four hours. When ready to serve, brush with oil, sprinkle with seeds, and bake as directed. Note that the dough may rise slightly more in the fridge, so keep an eye on it to ensure it maintains its shape before it goes into the hot oven.

Serving ideas

Serve the pizza immediately while the crust is crisp and the cheese is still molten. Place the entire crown on a large wooden board or a flat serving platter. This makes it easy for guests to pull individual slices away from the wreath. The visual appeal is a key part of the experience, so present it as a centerpiece before cutting or pulling the first piece to dunk into the central bowl of marinara.

Complement the pizza with a fresh side salad, such as arugula with a light lemon vinaigrette, to cut through the richness of the melted cheese and pepperoni. This provides a refreshing contrast to the savory, doughy nature of the crown.

Ensure you have plenty of napkins available, as the pull-apart nature of the braided crust can be quite indulgent and messy, making it a perfect, relaxed meal for social gatherings.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Viral Braided Crown Pizza with Pepperoni and Marinara

Prep 20 minCook 18 minTotal 38 minServes 8

Ingredients

• 1 lb pizza dough, homemade or store-bought
• 1 cup garlic tomato marinara, divided
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 20 slices beef pepperoni
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Roll out the pizza dough into a large circle on a sheet of parchment paper. Place a small bowl in the center to create an indentation. Using a pizza cutter, cut eight star-burst slits radiating outward from the edge of the bowl to the outer edge of the dough circle.
2. Spread a ring of garlic tomato marinara around the outer border of the dough. Layer the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, beef pepperoni, and bell peppers over the sauce. Fold the eight star points over the filling and pinch the ends securely to the outer rim to create a circular crown wreath shape.
3. Brush the braided dough surface with olive oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Place the pizza into an oven preheated to 420°F (215°C) and bake for 18 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and reaches 160°F (71°C). Remove from the oven, place a bowl of warm marinara in the center, and serve immediately.

Contains: gluten, milk, sesame

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

14 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

13 g

Fiber

2 g

Sugar

3 g

Sodium

750 mg

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