Viral Crown Pizza with Braided Stuffed Crust Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the best cheese pull, use a high-moisture mozzarella and shred it yourself—pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that inhibit melting.

If you want an extra-golden crust, brush the dough with a mixture of olive oil and a beaten egg before baking, but note that this adds an egg wash. The sesame seeds are optional but highly recommended; they toast during baking and provide a nutty, crunchy texture that complements the soft bread.

When cutting the star slits, make sure they are deep enough to reach the edge of the inner circle, but not so deep that they cut through the outer edge. A pizza cutter or a sharp knife works best.

If the dough springs back while rolling, let it rest for 5 minutes and try again. For a crispier bottom, bake the pizza directly on a preheated pizza stone or a baking steel, and consider par-baking the crust for 5 minutes before adding the toppings.

Variations

• Vegetarian Crown: Replace the pepperoni with sliced mushrooms, black olives, and artichoke hearts. Add a sprinkle of dried oregano for extra flavor. The filling stays hearty and satisfying without the meat.
• Spicy Sausage Crown: Use cooked Italian sausage instead of pepperoni. Crumble and brown the sausage before adding it to the filling. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara for a spicy kick.
• Four-Cheese Crown: Swap the cheddar for a mix of provolone, fontina, and Parmesan. Use a blend of mozzarella and these cheeses for a rich, complex flavor. Add a sprinkle of garlic powder to the olive oil brush.
• BBQ Chicken Crown: Replace the marinara with barbecue sauce and the pepperoni with cooked, shredded chicken. Use a blend of mozzarella and cheddar, and add red onion slices. Brush the crust with olive oil and skip the sesame seeds.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftover crown pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Unbaked crown pizza can be frozen for up to 2 months. Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze. Bake from frozen at 420°F (215°C) for 25–30 minutes.

Reheat

Reheat slices in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 5–7 minutes, or in a skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side.

Store leftover crown pizza in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness, or in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes per side. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the crust soggy.

You can assemble the crown pizza up to 4 hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking.

The dough may need an extra 2–3 minutes in the oven if it's cold. Alternatively, you can bake the crown pizza fully, let it cool, and refrigerate it; reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes.

Serving ideas

Serve the crown pizza as the main event at a party or casual dinner. Place it on a large wooden board or platter, and let everyone pull their own slice. The warm marinara in the center is perfect for dipping, and you can also offer extra marinara on the side. Pair it with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to round out the meal.

For a fun twist, set out small bowls of additional toppings like red pepper flakes, grated Parmesan, or fresh basil for guests to add after pulling their slice.

The crown shape makes it easy to portion—each person can cut between the braided sections. This pizza is best enjoyed hot, so serve it immediately after baking for the full cheese-pull effect.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Viral Crown Pizza with Braided Stuffed Crust

Prep 30 minCook 18 minTotal 48 minServes 8

Ingredients

• 1 lb homemade pizza dough
• 1 cup garlic tomato marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 oz sliced beef pepperoni
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions

1. On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a large circle about 14 inches across. Transfer the dough to a sheet of parchment paper. Place a small bowl upside down in the center of the dough and press gently to create an indent. Using a sharp knife, cut eight star-burst slits radiating outward from the inner circle, spacing them evenly.
2. Spread the garlic tomato marinara sauce over the outer ring of dough, leaving the inner circle and the cut points clean. The sauce should cover the dough between the center and the outer edge, but not spill into the center.
3. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar evenly over the sauce. Arrange the sliced beef pepperoni on top of the cheese. Scatter the bell pepper slices over the pepperoni.
4. Lift each of the eight dough points and pull them outward to the outer edge of the dough. Pinch the points firmly to the outer crust to seal, creating a crown-like wreath with the filling enclosed in the braided edge.
5. Brush the entire surface of the dough with olive oil, making sure to coat the braided edges. Sprinkle the sesame seeds evenly over the oiled dough.
6. Bake the crown pizza in a preheated oven at 420°F (215°C) for 18 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. The internal temperature of the pepperoni should reach 160°F (71°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
7. After removing the crown pizza from the oven, place a small bowl of warm marinara sauce in the center of the crown. Let the pizza rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.
8. Use a pizza cutter to slice between the braided sections, creating individual pieces. Serve immediately, pulling each slice to show the cheesy stretch and dunking into the warm marinara.

Contains: gluten, milk, sesame

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

18 g

Carbohydrates

36 g

Fat

22 g

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