If you’re craving a dish that blends nostalgia with a fresh, fun twist, the Kentucky Hot Brown Pizza: Comfort Food with a Cheesy Twist Recipe is just what your taste buds ordered. Imagine the classic flavors of the beloved Kentucky Hot Brown sandwich—smoky turkey, crispy bacon, creamy cheese sauce—all layered over a perfectly chewy pizza crust. It’s comfort food reimagined as a crowd-pleasing pie, bringing warmth, richness, and a whole lot of cheesy goodness to your table. This recipe captures the essence of southern hospitality with every satisfying bite, making it an irresistible meal that you’ll want to share again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing this pizza is a breeze because of its straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From the tender dough to the luscious cheese sauce and savory toppings, every element counts in crafting this special dish.
- Warm water: This activates the yeast to get your dough rising just right.
- Active dry yeast: The key to a light and airy pizza crust, make sure it’s fresh for best results.
- Sugar: A touch of sweetness to feed the yeast and balance the savory flavors.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning the dough and enhancing all other flavors.
- Olive oil: Adds moisture and richness to the dough with a gentle fruity note.
- All-purpose flour: The base of your dough, providing structure and chewiness.
- Butter: Melts into your cheese sauce, creating an indulgent, creamy texture.
- Heavy whipping cream: Gives the cheese sauce its signature velvety smoothness.
- Romano cheese: Offers a sharp, salty bite—perfect for that authentic flavor.
- Ground nutmeg: A subtle hint of warmth and spice, totally optional but wonderfully complementary.
- Smoked turkey breast: Tender and smoky, this star protein elevates the pizza.
- Bacon: Crumbled crispy bacon adds the perfect savory crunch.
- Roma tomato: Fresh slices burst with juiciness and brighten up the richness.
- Paprika: Sprinkled on top to add a mild smoky kick and a pop of color.
- Fresh parsley: A fresh, herbaceous garnish that finishes the pizza beautifully.
How to Make Kentucky Hot Brown Pizza: Comfort Food with a Cheesy Twist Recipe
Step 1: Preparation
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C) with a pizza stone inside to ensure a perfectly crisp crust. This step is crucial because the hot surface will give your pizza that restaurant-quality crunch.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s bubbling gently. Slowly whisk in the heavy whipping cream and Romano cheese, allowing the ingredients to fuse and thicken into a rich, creamy sauce. Let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of nutmeg to bring a cozy warmth to this luscious sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the Dough
Activate the yeast by mixing it with lukewarm water and letting it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy and full of life. Next, stir in sugar, olive oil, salt, and gradually add flour. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. This step may take a little elbow grease, but it’s key to your pizza’s pillow-soft texture.
Step 4: Roll Out and Assemble
Roll your dough into a circle roughly 14 to 16 inches wide, spreading it out evenly on a baking sheet or directly onto the heated pizza stone if you have one. Start building flavor by spreading half of your decadent cheese sauce over the dough’s surface.
Step 5: Layer the Toppings
Next, layer the smoked turkey breast slices generously across the pizza. Pour over the remaining cheese sauce, then sprinkle the crispy, crumbled bacon. Finish with fresh Roma tomato slices for a splash of color and freshness.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop your creation into the oven and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes, until the crust is beautifully golden and the toppings are bubbling and slightly caramelized. The aroma alone will have everyone eagerly waiting.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the pizza rest for a minute. Sprinkle paprika and fresh parsley on top for that extra flavor kick and vibrant presentation. Slice into generous wedges and prepare for a flavor-packed feast!
How to Serve Kentucky Hot Brown Pizza: Comfort Food with a Cheesy Twist Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh parsley and a light dusting of paprika is more than just decorative—it gives your pizza a fresh aroma and subtle spice that perfectly balances the creamy, cheesy richness. These finishing touches make your meal feel more special and inviting.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad featuring tangy vinaigrette, or roasted vegetables to lighten the meal. If you want to stick with hearty comfort, consider creamy mashed potatoes or classic coleslaw to round out the southern-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pizza family-style for casual gatherings or on individual plates with a sprinkle of extra cheese and herbs for a more refined look. For brunch, pair it with a mimosa or iced tea spiked with lemon to complement the rich flavors. You might even try it as a fun twist on a breakfast pizza with a fried egg on top!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover pizza tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. This way, you can enjoy those cheesy, smoky bites again without a fuss.
Freezing
If you want to keep extra portions for longer, wrap each slice individually in foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen Kentucky Hot Brown Pizza: Comfort Food with a Cheesy Twist Recipe slices will last up to 2 months and make a fantastic quick meal when you’re short on time.
Reheating
To revive leftovers, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through and the crust is crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it tends to make the crust soggy and the cheese lose its lovely texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of Romano?
Absolutely! Parmesan is a great alternative, or you can go for a blend of sharp cheeses like Asiago or Gruyere to add your own twist. The key is to pick cheeses that melt well and have a strong flavor to complement the other ingredients.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will be just as delicious.
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe in advance?
Definitely. The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated to slow the rise. You can also prepare the cheese sauce in advance and gently rewarm it before assembling the pizza. This saves time and allows you to focus on assembly and baking.
What can I substitute for the heavy whipping cream?
If you want a lighter option, half-and-half works well in this recipe, providing creaminess without being too heavy. For a dairy-free version, try coconut cream, but expect subtle flavor changes.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
For sure! Sliced mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers make great additions for more color and nutrients. Just keep in mind that additional veggies might release moisture, so you may want to pre-cook them slightly to avoid a soggy crust.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that wraps up comfort, flavor, and a bit of southern charm into one irresistible package, do yourself a favor and try the Kentucky Hot Brown Pizza: Comfort Food with a Cheesy Twist Recipe. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels wonderfully special yet totally approachable. Once you make it, this pizza will no doubt become one of your go-to favorites, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring any time you want a delicious reminder of home.
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Southern
Description
Kentucky Hot Brown Pizza is a comforting and indulgent twist on the classic Hot Brown sandwich, transformed into a cheesy, savory pizza. Featuring a rich homemade cheese sauce, smoked turkey, crispy bacon, and fresh tomato slices on a buttery crust, this recipe perfectly blends Southern flavors with Italian-style baking for a crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup warm water (lukewarm, not hot)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (ensure it’s not expired)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (can substitute with a low-carb sweetener)
- 1 teaspoon salt (do not omit)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (can substitute with other oils)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (can replace with almond flour or gluten-free blend)
Cheese Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter (do not substitute)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (can swap with half-and-half)
- 1 cup Romano cheese (can substitute with parmesan or a blend)
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg (optional)
Toppings
- 2 cups smoked turkey breast (great for using leftovers)
- 1 cup bacon (use pre-cooked bacon to save time)
- 1 large Roma tomato (substitute with preferred variety)
- 1 tablespoon paprika (for seasoning)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and place a pizza stone inside to heat up thoroughly for an optimal crust crisp.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in 1 cup of heavy whipping cream and 1 cup of grated Romano cheese. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until thickened and cheesy, adding a pinch of nutmeg if desired for warmth.
- Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup lukewarm water with 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast. Let rest for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating yeast activation. Stir in 1 tablespoon sugar, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and 1 teaspoon salt. Gradually incorporate 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
- Shape the Dough: Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a 14 to 16-inch diameter circle. Transfer it carefully onto the preheated pizza stone or a baking sheet if preferred.
- Assemble the Pizza: Spread half of the prepared cheese sauce evenly over the dough base. Layer with smoked turkey breast slices, followed by the remaining cheese sauce. Top with crumbled pre-cooked bacon and thinly sliced Roma tomato.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the assembled pizza into the preheated oven on the pizza stone. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the toppings are bubbling and hot.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for one minute. Garnish with paprika and fresh parsley. Cut into wedges and serve immediately while warm and melty.
Notes
- Ensure the water for the yeast is lukewarm, around 100-110°F, to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
- Using pre-cooked bacon saves time and ensures it crisps nicely when baked.
- Pizza stone helps achieve a better crust but a baking sheet can be used as an alternative.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the yeast is gluten-free certified.
- Leftover smoked turkey breast works perfectly for the topping, adding great flavor and texture.
- Adjust paprika amount based on heat preference; smoked paprika adds an extra smoky flavor.
