Kentucky Derby Hot Brown (Printable view)

Flatbread layered with turkey, bacon, tomatoes, and creamy cheese sauce, baked to golden perfection.

# What You Need:

→ Flatbread & Sauce

01 - 2 large flatbreads (naan or pre-baked pizza crusts)
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
04 - 1 cup whole milk
05 - 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
06 - 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
08 - Pinch of ground nutmeg

→ Toppings

09 - 1 1/2 cups cooked turkey breast, sliced or shredded
10 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
11 - 4 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
12 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
13 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
14 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
15 - 2 to 3 thin tomato slices, optional for garnish

# How To Make:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
03 - Gradually whisk in milk and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Pecorino Romano, white pepper, salt, and nutmeg until smooth. Set aside.
04 - Place flatbreads on prepared baking sheet. Spread each with a generous layer of Mornay sauce.
05 - Top each flatbread evenly with turkey, cherry tomatoes, crumbled bacon, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
06 - Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and edges are golden brown.
07 - Remove from oven. Garnish with fresh parsley and optional tomato slices. Slice and serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • A perfect fusion of Southern comfort food and crowd-pleasing pizza format
  • Ready in just 40 minutes from start to finish
  • Uses simple, accessible ingredients you can find at any grocery store
  • The homemade Mornay sauce adds restaurant-quality richness without complicated techniques
  • Perfect for Derby Day parties, game day gatherings, or a special family dinner
  • Easy to customize with your favorite cheeses or protein substitutions
02 -
  • Prep your bacon and turkey in advance to streamline assembly when you're ready to bake
  • Don't skip the nutmeg in the Mornay sauce—it adds an essential warmth and depth that makes the sauce truly special
  • Use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded for better melting and flavor
  • Watch the flatbreads carefully during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning
  • Let the flatbreads rest for 2-3 minutes after removing from the oven before slicing for cleaner cuts
  • Double the Mornay sauce recipe and keep extra in the fridge—it's delicious on vegetables, pasta, or eggs
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