Star Ring Pizza Recipe
Whether you’re hosting a game night, planning a fun family dinner, or just want to shake up your pizza routine, this Star Ring Pizza Recipe is guaranteed to steal the show. Shaped like a stunning starburst, this unique take on pizza combines everything we love about classic pies with a playful, pull-apart twist. It’s eye-catching, interactive, and—most importantly—absolutely delicious.
As a professional chef with years of experience in crafting crowd-pleasing dishes, I can say with confidence: this star-shaped beauty not only dazzles on the table but also satisfies every time. Let’s dive deep into how to make this edible masterpiece from scratch, with plenty of chef tips, clever variations, and serving ideas to boot.
What is a Star Ring Pizza?
The Star Ring Pizza is a visually striking, ring-shaped pizza formed by folding and twisting the edges of a dough circle over the filling, creating points that resemble a star. It’s part calzone, part stuffed crust, and entirely genius. Each slice pulls away neatly, making it ideal for sharing—think of it as a pizza-meets-party-platter hybrid.
It starts with pizza dough, gets filled with sauce, cheese, and toppings, and then undergoes a magical folding transformation that turns an ordinary pie into a work of edible art.
Ingredients for Star Ring Pizza Recipe
Before we get to the steps, gather your mise en place. Here’s what you’ll need for a classic, crowd-pleasing version of the Star Ring Pizza Recipe. Feel free to tweak the toppings to your liking—I’ve included some variation ideas below.
For the Dough (Homemade Option)
You can also use store-bought dough if you’re short on time.
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tsp olive oil
For the Toppings
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 cup cooked pepperoni or cooked sausage
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ bell pepper, diced
- 1 tsp red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Egg Wash & Garnish
- 1 egg + 1 tbsp water (for brushing)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds or Italian seasoning (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
How to Make Star Ring Pizza – Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s walk through this star-studded recipe from scratch.
Step 1: Make the Dough (or Prep Store-Bought)
If making homemade dough:
- In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center.
- Add yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix and knead for about 8–10 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm area for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
If using store-bought dough, let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to relax the gluten.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat:
- Add olive oil and stir in the tomato paste.
- Add crushed tomatoes, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Let it simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
Chef’s tip: Want a shortcut? Use a good-quality jarred marinara and doctor it up with a touch of sugar, garlic powder, and chili flakes.
Step 3: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Punch down your dough and roll it into a large circle, roughly 14–16 inches in diameter.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Assemble the Star Ring Pizza
- Mark the Center: Place a small bowl or glass in the center of your dough to create a circular guide. Do not cut through it.
- Add the Filling:
- Spread sauce in a ring around the glass.
- Top with cheese, meat, and veggies over the sauce.
- Cut & Fold:
- Remove the center guide.
- Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, make evenly spaced cuts from the inner circle to the outer edge (like slicing a pie), creating 12–16 triangle-shaped flaps.
- Gently lift each point, twist, and fold it over the outer edge, tucking it under slightly to hold the filling in place.
- Egg Wash: Brush the outer dough edges with egg wash for a golden finish.
- Seasoning: Sprinkle sesame seeds or Italian herbs over the dough if desired.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing or pulling apart.
Pro Chef Tips for Perfect Star Ring Pizza
- Chill the Dough Slightly for Easier Folding: If your dough is too soft, it’ll tear. A short 10-minute chill in the fridge firms it up just enough.
- Balance Wet and Dry Ingredients: Avoid over-saucing to prevent a soggy base. Use drier toppings like cured meats, sautéed vegetables, or pre-cooked mushrooms.
- Use a Pizza Stone (Optional): For extra crispy crust, bake on a preheated pizza stone.
- Add Cheese Inside the Points: Want a surprise cheesy pull? Add a cube of mozzarella inside each fold before twisting.
- Pre-cook Moist Vegetables: Onions, peppers, mushrooms, and spinach release water—cook them slightly before adding to the pizza.
Serving Suggestions
The beauty of the Star Ring Pizza Recipe is in its versatility. Here are some fun serving ideas:
- Game Night Appetizer: Serve with dipping sauces like garlic butter, ranch, or spicy marinara.
- Main Course Showstopper: Add a fresh arugula salad or roasted veggies on the side.
- Breakfast Twist: Try scrambled eggs, cheese, and cooked bacon in the center for a brunch-worthy version.
- Holiday Entertaining: This pizza makes a fantastic edible centerpiece for festive gatherings.
Creative Variations
Want to put your own spin on the Star Ring Pizza Recipe? Here are some themed ideas:
1. Mediterranean Star Ring
- Toppings: Feta, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach
- Sauce: Pesto or tzatziki
- Garnish: Fresh dill and lemon zest
2. Buffalo Chicken Ring
- Toppings: Shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, mozzarella, red onions
- Sauce: Ranch or blue cheese dressing inside
- Garnish: Chopped scallions
3. BBQ Pulled Pork Pizza Ring
- Toppings: BBQ pulled pork, cheddar, red onions
- Sauce: Tangy BBQ sauce
- Garnish: Fresh cilantro
4. Margherita Star Ring
- Toppings: Fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil leaves
- Sauce: Simple tomato sauce
- Garnish: Drizzle of olive oil & balsamic glaze
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Planning ahead? This recipe is surprisingly freezer- and fridge-friendly.
- Make-Ahead Dough: Prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and store in the fridge.
- Freeze Assembled (Unbaked): Assemble the ring on a tray, freeze until solid, then wrap well. Bake from frozen—just add 5–8 minutes to the bake time.
- Leftovers: Store cooked slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for best texture.
Nutrition Facts (Est. per Slice)
Based on 12 servings with pepperoni and mozzarella
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 570mg
For a lighter version, use whole wheat dough, lower-fat cheese, and more veggies.
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This Star Ring Pizza Recipe
This Star Ring Pizza Recipe isn’t just a meal—it’s a moment. It combines the familiar, comforting flavors of traditional pizza with a fun presentation that encourages sharing, conversation, and second helpings. It’s a reminder that sometimes, cooking can be both playful and impressive.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat your family to something special, this pizza ring is your new go-to. So roll up your sleeves, grab your favorite toppings, and start folding—your pizza night just got a serious upgrade.
Star Ring Pizza Recipe
Ingredients
For the Dough (or use store-bought pizza dough):
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 ¼ cups warm water 110°F
For the Pizza Ring:
- 1 cup pizza sauce homemade or store-bought
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni or substitute with cooked sausage, mushrooms, etc.
- ¼ cup chopped green bell pepper
- ¼ cup sliced red onion
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 egg for egg wash
- 1 tbsp milk
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough (Skip if using ready-made dough)
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms. Knead for 7–10 minutes until smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Roll Out and Shape the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 2 equal balls.
- Roll out one ball into a 12-inch circle and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This will be the base.
- Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce in a ring around the center, leaving a clear inner and outer margin.
- Sprinkle mozzarella, Parmesan, and desired toppings evenly over the sauce.
Step 3: Top and Cut the Star Points
- Roll out the second dough ball into a 12-inch circle and place over the filling to cover.
- Place a small bowl upside-down in the center to create a guide circle.
- Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut 16 evenly spaced strips from the edge of the center circle to the outer edge.
- Twist each strip 2–3 times to expose the filling, creating a “starburst” pattern.
Step 4: Egg Wash and Bake
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg and milk together.
- Brush the surface and edges of the dough with the egg wash for a glossy finish.
- Sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Allow to cool slightly.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy pulling apart each cheesy star point!
Notes
- Dough Tip: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate overnight for a more developed flavor.
- Filling Options: Customize with your favorite pizza toppings — try mushrooms, olives, jalapeños, or cooked bacon.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
- Freezing: Assemble the ring and freeze unbaked. Bake straight from frozen at 375°F for 30–35 minutes.