If you’re craving a dish that beautifully marries tradition with a fun, cheesy twist, then Kentucky Hot Brown Pizza: Comfort Food with a Cheesy Twist Recipe is your new go-to comfort meal. This inventive pizza draws inspiration from the classic Kentucky Hot Brown sandwich, layering smoky turkey, crispy bacon, and a luscious cheese sauce on a perfectly crispy crust. With every bite, it delivers a warm, satisfying embrace of familiar flavors reinvented in a playful and irresistible way. Trust me, this recipe transforms comfort food into a delightful pizza adventure you’ll want to share with everyone.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, providing a perfect balance of flavors and textures that define this pizza’s character. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering that cheesy richness, smoky depth, and satisfying crust that make this dish such a crowd-pleaser.
- 1 cup warm water: Lukewarm to activate the yeast perfectly without killing it.
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast: Fresh yeast ensures a good rise for a light, fluffy crust.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Feeds the yeast, helping your dough rise beautifully; can use a low-carb sweetener if you prefer.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor; don’t skip it or your dough will be bland.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds moisture and tenderness to the dough; feel free to swap with another oil you love.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of your dough; almond flour or gluten-free blends can work for special diets.
- 4 tablespoons butter: Used in the cheese sauce for richness and silkiness; best not to substitute.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: Creates that creamy base for the cheese sauce; half-and-half can be a lighter substitute.
- 1 cup Romano cheese: Sharp and flavorful, perfectly melds into the sauce; parmesan is a great alternative.
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg (optional): Adds a subtle warm spice to deepen the sauce’s flavor.
- 2 cups smoked turkey breast: The star protein, bringing smoky savoriness and tender texture; leftover turkey works wonderfully here.
- 1 cup bacon: Crispy bacon adds that irresistible crunch and saltiness; pre-cooked saves prep time.
- 1 large Roma tomato: Offers juicy freshness and a pop of color; any ripe tomato will do.
- 1 tablespoon paprika: Adds a smoky, mild heat; perfect for dusting as a final touch.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley: Optional, but a lovely bright note to finish 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). Pop a pizza stone inside if you have one to get it nice and hot—this step is key to achieving that crispy, golden crust that makes this pizza so delightful.
Step 2: Making the Cheese Sauce
In a skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of heavy whipping cream followed by 1 cup of grated Romano cheese. Let this mixture simmer gently for about 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens into a silky, cheesy sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of ground nutmeg to lend a subtle warmth that really elevates this sauce.
Step 3: Preparing the Dough
In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of lukewarm water with 2 ¼ teaspoons of active dry yeast. Let this sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy—that’s how you know the yeast is alive and kicking. Next, stir in 1 tablespoon of sugar, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, mixing it all together until it forms a smooth, elastic dough that’s ready to roll out.
Step 4: Rolling and Assembling the Pizza
Roll your dough out on a floured surface into a circle approximately 14 to 16 inches in diameter. Carefully transfer it to your preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Spread half of your luscious cheese sauce evenly over the dough. Then generously layer on smoky turkey breast slices, followed by dollops of the remaining cheese sauce. Sprinkle crumbled bacon evenly across, and finish with fresh slices of Roma tomato.
Step 5: Baking
Bake the pizza in the hot oven for about 12 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for a crust that’s golden brown and toppings that are bubbling with cheesy goodness. This step merges all those fantastic flavors while crisping the crust to perfection.
Step 6: Final Touches
Once out of the oven, allow the pizza a quick moment to cool slightly—it’s spectacular hot but manageable that way! Then sprinkle on paprika and fresh parsley for bursts of color and that finishing touch of smokiness and freshness. Slice it up, and get ready to dive into your very own Kentucky Hot Brown Pizza: Comfort Food with a Cheesy Twist Recipe masterpiece.
How to Serve Kentucky Hot Brown Pizza: Comfort Food with a Cheesy Twist Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of paprika and fresh parsley not only makes your pizza look restaurant-worthy but also enhances the smoky and fresh herbal notes. You can also experiment with a drizzle of hot honey or a scattering of cracked black pepper for an exciting flavor upgrade.
Side Dishes
This pizza packs enough flavor and richness to stand on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. It’s a light contrast that cuts through the richness beautifully. Roasted vegetables or a simple soup also complement this dish nicely for a cozy feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving this pizza straight from the stone adds a rustic charm. For parties, try cutting it into small, bite-sized squares for easy sharing. Another fun idea is to serve alongside sliders inspired by the same Kentucky Hot Brown flavors, turning your gathering into a themed comfort food celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Kentucky Hot Brown Pizza: Comfort Food with a Cheesy Twist Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, and your cheesy, smoky slices will still taste delicious with a little reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover slices by wrapping them individually in parchment paper and foil before placing them in a freezer bag. They keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat your pizza slices in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to restore crispness and melty cheese. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the crust soggy and the toppings less flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of Romano?
Absolutely! Parmesan, Asiago, or even a sharp white cheddar can make excellent substitutes. Just choose a cheese with a bold flavor that melts well to preserve that creamy sauce texture.
Is it necessary to use a pizza stone?
A pizza stone helps create a crispier crust by evenly distributing heat, but if you don’t have one, a baking sheet or pizza pan will work fine. Just preheat it in the oven for better results.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that works for baking. You might need to adjust the amount slightly to get the right dough consistency, but it’s a delicious adaptation.
What if I don’t have smoked turkey breast?
Feel free to substitute with roasted turkey, chicken, or even ham. The smokiness is a nice touch, but the recipe is flexible depending on what you have available.
How spicy is this pizza?
This Kentucky Hot Brown Pizza: Comfort Food with a Cheesy Twist Recipe is mild and comforting, with just a hint of smoky warmth from paprika. You can add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you like a little more kick.
Final Thoughts
I’m so excited for you to try making Kentucky Hot Brown Pizza: Comfort Food with a Cheesy Twist Recipe, because it truly hits every note of what comfort food should be—warm, cheesy, smoky, and delightfully satisfying. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this pizza will quickly become a beloved favorite on your menu. Roll up your sleeves, gather these simple ingredients, and treat yourself to a slice of cheesy Southern comfort that’s bursting with personality and flavor.
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Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Kentucky Hot Brown Pizza combines the classic flavors of the iconic Hot Brown sandwich with the fun, shareable format of pizza. Featuring a homemade yeast dough topped with creamy cheese sauce, smoked turkey breast, crispy bacon, and fresh Roma tomato slices, this dish delivers comfort food with a cheesy, savory twist perfect for any gathering or casual meal.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (lukewarm, not hot)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar (can substitute with a low-carb sweetener)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (can replace with almond flour or gluten-free blend)
Cheese Sauce Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 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
- 1 cup pre-cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 large Roma tomato, sliced
- 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, creating a crisp crust environment.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1 cup of heavy whipping cream and 1 cup of grated Romano cheese. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-7 minutes until thick and creamy, stirring occasionally. Add a pinch of ground nutmeg if desired.
- Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of lukewarm water with 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. In a large bowl, mix in 1 tablespoon sugar, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and 1 teaspoon salt. Gradually add 2 ½ cups flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead lightly if needed.
- Shape the Dough: Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a circle about 14-16 inches in diameter. Transfer it carefully to a pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Assemble the Pizza: Spread half of the cheese sauce evenly over the rolled dough. Layer the smoked turkey breast slices evenly on top. Spread the remaining cheese sauce over the turkey, then evenly distribute the crumbled bacon and sliced Roma tomato over the top.
- Bake: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the toppings are bubbly and hot.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Sprinkle with paprika and fresh parsley, slice into wedges, and serve while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the yeast is fresh and active for proper dough rise.
- Using a pizza stone helps achieve a crispier crust but a baking sheet will also work.
- Pre-cooked bacon saves time and ensures crispy texture.
- You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour if needed.
- The cheese sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for convenience.
- Adjust paprika amount according to your preference for spice and color.
