Description
This Kentucky Hot Brown Pizza offers a delicious twist on the classic comfort food, featuring a rich, creamy cheese sauce, smoked turkey, crispy bacon, and fresh tomatoes atop a handmade pizza crust. Baked to golden perfection, this savory pie combines Southern flavors with a cheesy indulgence that’s perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 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 Ingredients
- 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: Begin by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C) and placing a pizza stone inside to heat up thoroughly.
- 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 gently for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly. Optionally, add a pinch of ground nutmeg for extra flavor.
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of lukewarm water with 2 ¼ teaspoons of active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare the Dough: Mix in 1 tablespoon of sugar, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 1 teaspoon of salt into the yeast mixture. Gradually add 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, stirring to form a smooth dough. Knead briefly if necessary.
- Shape the Dough: Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a circle approximately 14 to 16 inches in diameter. Transfer the dough onto the preheated pizza stone or a baking sheet.
- Add Toppings: Spread half of the prepared cheese sauce evenly over the dough. Layer with slices of smoked turkey breast, then add the remaining cheese sauce on top. Crumble the pre-cooked bacon over the pizza and arrange slices of Roma tomato as the finishing touch.
- Bake: Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the toppings are bubbling gently.
- Garnish 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 hot for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Ensure yeast is fresh and not expired to activate properly.
- Use lukewarm water to avoid killing the yeast.
- Pre-cooked bacon saves time and ensures it crisps well without overcooking the pizza.
- Pizza stone helps achieve a crisp crust but a baking sheet can be used as an alternative.
- Ground nutmeg in the cheese sauce is optional but adds a subtle warmth.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and almond flour for the dough.
- Leftover smoked turkey works great and enhances the flavor.
