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Sesame Crust Pizzawith Vodka Sauce

Recipe by Rafi Fronzaglia on InstagramAdded 1 August 2026.

15 minutes to prep, 20 to cook. A crispy pizza with a toasted sesame seed crust, topped with a rich vodka sauce and a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Fresh basil adds a bright finish, making this vegetarian pizza a satisfying weeknight dinner.

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Sesame Crust Pizza with Vodka Sauce by Rafi Fronzaglia, a frame from the Instagram video

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (425°F) and place a 10‑inch cast‑iron skillet inside to heat up.

  2. While the oven heats, toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant; set aside.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: Stir the sesame seeds as they toast and remove when golden and fragrant.

  3. Brush the rolled‑out pizza dough on both sides with olive oil.

  4. Evenly sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and a pinch of salt over the oiled dough, pressing lightly to help them adhere.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: Press the sesame seeds gently into the oiled dough so they stay attached during baking.

  5. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven, place the prepared dough inside, and return the skillet to the oven.

  6. Bake the crust for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the base is crisp.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: The crust edges are golden and the base feels crisp before adding toppings.

  7. Remove the skillet, spread the warmed vodka sauce over the partially baked crust, leaving a small border around the edge.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: Leave a border uncovered so the crust edge can brown.

  8. Scatter the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan evenly over the sauce.

  9. Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: The topping is ready when the cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly browned.

  10. Take the pizza out of the oven, garnish with chopped fresh basil, let it rest for 2 minutes, then slice and serve hot.

Tips while you cook

Toast sesame seeds first
Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes before adding them to the dough.
Preheat skillet with the oven
Place the 10‑inch cast‑iron skillet in the oven while it preheats, then transfer the oiled dough into the hot skillet.
Let the pizza rest briefly
After the final bake, let the pizza rest for 2 minutes before slicing.

Notes from ReelsMeals, based on this recipe's ingredients, times and method. They are not the creator's instructions.

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Rafi Fronzaglia made this.

The recipe comes from Rafi Fronzaglia’s Instagram reel. ReelsMeals wrote it down from the caption and the voiceover. Check the original if something looks off, and for anything about allergens.

Are you Rafi Fronzaglia and want this changed? Email [email protected].

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Pizza, 8 ways

Seven creators posted their own.

  1. Coach Online Matty Sánchez25 min7 ingr.Only this one uses egg whites and turkey
  2. Rafi Fronzaglia35 min8 ingr.Only this one uses sesame seeds, vodka sauce and parmesan cheese
  3. Najim Cocina35 min10 ingr.Only this one uses red lentils, garlic powder and onion powder
  4. Luke Keegan32 min7 ingr.Only this one uses cottage cheese, bread flour and baking powder
  5. Najim Cocina45 min8 ingr.Only this one uses pizza sauce and red bell pepper
  6. Alberto Ugarte25 min7 ingr.Only this one uses queso cotas and ham
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