Kentucky Hot Brown Pizza: A Culinary Mashup

The first time I experienced a true Kentucky Hot Brown, I was in Louisville for a culinary conference. The sheer decadence of that open-faced turkey sandwich, smothered in Mornay sauce and broiled until bubbly, was a revelation. It was comfort food elevated to an art form. Reimagining that iconic dish as a pizza? Well, that’s just pure genius! This recipe captures all the creamy, savory goodness of the original Hot Brown, but in a form perfect for sharing with friends and family. Get ready for a truly unique and unforgettable pizza experience.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 7-11 minutes
• Total Time: 27-31 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Yield: 1 (14-inch) Pizza
• Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

For the Mornay Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon sour cream
• 1 tablespoon heaping grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese

For the Pizza:

• 24 ounces fresh pizza dough
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded asiago cheese
• 1 ½ cups chopped roasted turkey breast
• ½ cup chopped cooked bacon
• 1 cup chopped Roma tomato
• ¼ cup chopped parsley

Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Baking sheet or pizza stone

Instructions

1. Prepare the Mornay Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
2. Create a Roux: Whisk in the flour until thoroughly combined with the melted butter. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This mixture, called a roux, is essential for thickening the sauce.
3. Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Add the salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
4. Simmer Gently: Bring the mixture to a slow simmer, being careful not to boil. Continue simmering until the sauce begins to thicken, stirring frequently.
5. Finish the Sauce: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the sour cream and the parmigiano-reggiano cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Set aside.
6. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.
7. Prepare the Pizza Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a 14-inch round or square.
8. Transfer the Dough: Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to a baking sheet or a preheated pizza stone.
9. Assemble the Pizza: Spread the Mornay sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
10. Add the Toppings: Top the sauce with the remaining ingredients in the following order: mozzarella cheese, asiago cheese, chopped roasted turkey breast, chopped cooked bacon, and chopped Roma tomato.
11. Bake the Pizza: Bake for 7 to 11 minutes, or until the crust is puffy and golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle with the chopped parsley. Slice and serve immediately.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Homemade Dough is Best: While store-bought pizza dough works, making your own dough from scratch elevates the pizza to another level.
• Spice it Up: For a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Mornay sauce or sprinkle some red pepper flakes on the pizza before baking.
• Crispy Bacon is Key: Ensure your bacon is nice and crispy before chopping it. This adds a wonderful textural contrast to the creamy sauce.
• Roast Your Own Turkey: If you have the time, roasting your own turkey breast will result in the most flavorful pizza. Leftover Thanksgiving turkey is also a great option!
• Don’t Overload the Pizza: Too many toppings can make the pizza soggy. Be mindful of the quantities and distribute the toppings evenly.
• Pre-Cook the Dough (Optional): For a crispier crust, you can pre-bake the pizza dough for 3-4 minutes before adding the sauce and toppings. This is especially helpful if you’re using a baking sheet instead of a pizza stone.
• Adjust Baking Time: Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep a close eye on the pizza and adjust the baking time as needed.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Kentucky Hot Brown Pizza immediately while it’s hot and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with additional fresh parsley for a pop of color. This pizza pairs well with a crisp green salad or a bowl of tomato soup.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave, but the crust may become a little soggy. For best results, avoid freezing the pizza, as the texture of the sauce and toppings may change upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Please note that this is an estimate, and actual values may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	450 kcal	23%
Total Fat	25g	38%
Saturated Fat	12g	60%
Cholesterol	80mg	27%
Sodium	800mg	35%
Total Carbohydrate	35g	12%
Dietary Fiber	2g	8%
Sugars	5g	N/A
Protein	20g	40%

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pizza dough for a gluten-free version.
• Vegetarian: Substitute the turkey and bacon with mushrooms, spinach, or artichoke hearts.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Mornay sauce or sprinkle some red pepper flakes on the pizza before baking.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheese combinations. Provolone, fontina, or Gruyere would all be delicious.
• Seasonal Tomatoes: Use fresh, seasonal tomatoes for the best flavor. Cherry tomatoes or heirloom tomatoes would be great options.
• Herbs: Add other fresh herbs, such as basil or oregano, to the pizza for a different flavor profile.
• Crust Style: Experiment with different crust styles, such as thin crust, deep dish, or Sicilian.
• Béchamel Sauce: If you’re out of sour cream, you can substitute it with an extra tablespoon of milk in the Mornay sauce.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make the Mornay sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the Mornay sauce up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it gently before using.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked turkey instead of roasted turkey?
A: Absolutely! Pre-cooked turkey from the deli works perfectly fine. Just make sure to chop it into bite-sized pieces.

Q: How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
A: Pre-baking the crust for a few minutes before adding the sauce and toppings can help prevent a soggy crust. Also, be mindful of the amount of sauce and toppings you use.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese for the Mornay sauce?
A: While parmigiano-reggiano is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftover pizza?
A: The best way to reheat leftover pizza is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes. This will help to crisp up the crust and melt the cheese.

Final Thoughts

This Kentucky Hot Brown Pizza is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s a chance to bring the comforting flavors of a Southern classic into a fun, shareable format. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and cheeses to create your own unique version. Gather your friends and family, fire up the oven, and get ready to enjoy a pizza that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. And be sure to let me know what you think! I’m always eager to hear how my recipes turn out in your kitchens. Pair this pizza with a cold glass of Kentucky bourbon barrel ale for the ultimate culinary experience.