The Broads’ and the Bonn’s Breakfast Pizza: A Slice of Morning Bliss

I’ll never forget the first time I had breakfast pizza. It was at a family reunion, and my Aunt Carol, a woman known for her creative (and sometimes questionable) culinary concoctions, presented a pizza adorned with sausage, eggs, and what I later learned was a béchamel-inspired gravy. At first, I was skeptical. Pizza for breakfast? But one bite, and I was hooked. The savory flavors, the creamy sauce, the comforting textures – it was a revelation. This recipe, reminiscent of that first encounter, brings back those joyful, slightly chaotic family gatherings and reminds me that sometimes, the most unexpected combinations are the most delicious.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 65 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Yield: 1 pizza
• Dietary Type: Not Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 (13 ounce) container Pillsbury prepared pizza crust
• 5 tablespoons flour
• 5 tablespoons butter
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup half-and-half cream
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 1/2 lb bulk pork sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup Canadian bacon, diced
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 5 eggs
• 1 (6 ounce) box Stove Top stuffing mix (we used sage flavored)
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

Equipment Needed

• Pizza pan or cookie sheet
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Grater

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven according to the package directions for the Pillsbury pizza crust. Spread the pizza dough into a pizza pan or cookie sheet, pressing the dough up the sides to form a crust. Bake the crust according to the package directions. Usually, this involves baking the crust for approximately 8-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
2. While the crust is baking, prepare the other ingredients. It is important to have everything ready before you start assembling the pizza, to ensure the best texture and flavor.
3. If you haven’t already, cook the pork sausage until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess grease. Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it into smaller pieces. Dice the Canadian bacon into small squares.
4. Chop the green onions and basil. Shred the cheddar cheese. You will need 3 cups total, so ensure you have enough after shredding.
5. In a medium bowl, lightly beat the eggs with the seasoning packet from the Stove Top stuffing mix. Add the stuffing mix to the egg mixture and let it soak for a few minutes to soften. This will help the stuffing bind together during cooking. Scramble the egg and stuffing mixture in a skillet over medium heat until the eggs are set and the stuffing is heated through. Set aside.
6. Now, prepare the gravy. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
7. Once the butter is sizzling, add the flour and whisk constantly until the mixture is smooth and there are no dry clumps. This is called a roux, and it’s the base of our gravy.
8. Let the roux gently bubble for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Do NOT let it brown, as this will affect the color and flavor of the gravy. This step helps to remove the starchy taste from the flour.
9. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Slowly pour in the milk and half-and-half cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Make sure everything is smooth before putting it back on the heat.
10. Return the saucepan to the burner and heat over medium heat. Stir constantly until the gravy thickens. It should be much thicker than you would typically make a gravy, almost like a spreadable paste. This is essential to prevent the gravy from soaking into the crust.
11. Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste. Be mindful of the other salty ingredients in the pizza (sausage, bacon, cheese), so use a light hand with the salt.
12. Spread 1 cup of the gravy mixture evenly over the prepared pizza crust.
13. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the gravy.
14. Next, evenly distribute the cooked egg and stuffing mixture over the cheese.
15. Spread another 1 cup of the gravy over the egg and stuffing mixture.
16. Sprinkle the cooked Canadian bacon, pork sausage, and bacon evenly over the gravy.
17. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the meats.
18. Top with the chopped green onions and fresh chopped basil.
19. Bake the assembled pizza in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the pizza is heated through. The crust should be golden brown.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Make-Ahead Gravy: The gravy can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before using. This saves time on the morning you plan to bake the pizza.
• Crispier Crust: For a crispier crust, brush it with olive oil before adding the toppings.
• Cheese Placement: Place a thin layer of cheese directly on the crust under the gravy to act as a moisture barrier and prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
• Even Cooking: Rotate the pizza halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking.
• Gravy Consistency is Key: Make sure your gravy is very thick so it doesn’t make the pizza soggy. It should be spreadable, almost like a thick pastry cream.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the breakfast pizza warm, straight from the oven. Cut into slices and enjoy! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave (though the crust may soften), or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Reheating in a skillet on the stovetop can also work well. I wouldn’t recommend freezing because of the cheese.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	540.2 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	331 g	61%
Total Fat	36.8 g	56%
Saturated Fat	19.7 g	98%
Cholesterol	220.9 mg	73%
Sodium	767.7 mg	31%
Total Carbohydrate	24.1 g	8%
Dietary Fiber	1 g	3%
Sugars	4.6 g	N/A
Protein	27.4 g	54%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

• Crust: For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free pizza crust. You can also use a pre-made flatbread or naan bread.
• Meat: Substitute the pork sausage, Canadian bacon, and bacon with vegetarian sausage crumbles, tempeh bacon, or other plant-based alternatives.
• Cheese: Use your favorite cheese blend instead of cheddar. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a combination of cheeses would work well. You can also try dairy-free cheese alternatives for a vegan version.
• Gravy: For a lighter version, use skim milk instead of whole milk and half-and-half.
• Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the gravy for a little heat.
• Vegetables: Add other vegetables like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the pizza.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of stuffing mix?
A: Yes, you can use any flavor of Stove Top stuffing mix that you prefer. Sage flavor complements the other ingredients well, but feel free to experiment!

Q: Can I make this pizza ahead of time and bake it later?
A: It’s best to bake the pizza immediately after assembling it. If you need to prep ahead, you can prepare the gravy, cook the meats, and chop the vegetables in advance, then assemble and bake the pizza when ready to serve.

Q: My gravy is too thick/thin. What should I do?
A: If the gravy is too thick, whisk in a little more milk or cream until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.

Q: Can I freeze this pizza?
A: While possible, it’s not recommended. Freezing and thawing can change the texture of the cheese and crust. If you do freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and thaw it completely before reheating.

Q: The crust is browning too quickly. What can I do?
A: If the crust is browning too quickly, you can cover the edges with aluminum foil to protect them. You can also lower the oven temperature slightly and bake for a few extra minutes.

Final Thoughts

The Broads’ and the Bonn’s Breakfast Pizza is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s a chance to be a bit adventurous in the kitchen, to combine flavors and textures in unexpected ways, and to create something truly delicious and memorable. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will transform your breakfast routine. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the toppings and adapt the recipe to your own preferences. And most importantly, share your creations with loved ones and enjoy the delicious results. Pair with a mimosa for the ultimate breakfast experience!