introduction
This Open-Faced Hot Brown Sandwich with Mornay Sauce is warm, simple, and rich. It uses roasted turkey, bacon, tomato, and a creamy cheese sauce. The mix of turkey, tomato, and bacon gives this dish a hearty, comfort-food feel similar to other easy bacon treats like brown sugar bacon little smokies.
why make this recipe
- It is quick to put together and feels special.
- The Mornay sauce is smooth and cheesy.
- You can use leftover turkey or roast meat.
- It makes a filling lunch or light dinner.
how to make Open-Faced Hot Brown Sandwich with Mornay Sauce
- Make the Mornay sauce first so it is ready to spoon over the sandwiches.
- Lightly toast the bread so it holds the sauce.
- Layer turkey, tomato, and bacon on each slice of toast.
- Spoon the hot Mornay sauce over each open sandwich.
- Broil briefly until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve right away while hot.
Ingredients :
- 1 pound roasted turkey breast (thickly sliced)
- 4 slices thick Texas toast (or white bread, crusts trimmed)
- 8 slices cooked bacon
- 2 medium tomatoes (sliced)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/4 cups freshly shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
- Salt and white pepper to taste
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
- Small splash of dry sherry or white wine
Directions :
- Make the Mornay Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook to form a roux.
- Slowly whisk in milk and cream until smooth. Cook, stirring, until sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat. Stir in Gruyère and Parmesan until melted. Season with salt, white pepper, nutmeg, and a small splash of sherry.
- Preheat the broiler. Toast the bread lightly so it holds the toppings.
- On each toast slice, lay roasted turkey, then tomato slices, then bacon. Spoon generous amounts of Mornay sauce over the top.
- Broil 2–4 minutes until the sauce and cheese are golden and bubbly. Watch closely so it does not burn.
- Serve hot. Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley if you like. Serve with a green salad or steamed vegetables.
how to serve Open-Faced Hot Brown Sandwich with Mornay Sauce
Serve each open sandwich hot from the broiler. Add a simple green salad or steamed vegetables on the side. A lemon wedge or light vinaigrette on the salad helps cut the richness.
how to store Open-Faced Hot Brown Sandwich with Mornay Sauce
- Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Store leftover turkey separately from bread and tomatoes. Reheat turkey and sauce gently on the stove.
- Do not store assembled sandwiches with sauce on the bread; the bread will get soggy.
tips to make Open-Faced Hot Brown Sandwich with Mornay Sauce
- Use warm sauce over cold turkey so the sandwich heats evenly.
- Grate your own Gruyère for best melting and flavor.
- Watch the broiler closely—only a few minutes are needed to brown the top.
- Trim crusts if you want a neater, classic look.
variation (if any)
- Use Swiss cheese if you do not have Gruyère.
- Add a thin slice of ham under the turkey for extra flavor.
- Swap the Texas toast for sourdough or whole wheat for a different texture.
- Add a little Dijon mustard to the sauce for a mild tang.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the Mornay sauce ahead?
A: Yes. Keep it in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat gently and whisk before using.
Q: Can I use leftover turkey?
A: Yes. Leftover roasted turkey works well and saves time.
Q: Can I bake instead of broil?
A: Yes. Bake at 400°F (200°C) until the top is golden, about 6–10 minutes, but broiler gives a faster, browned top.
Q: Is there a non-dairy option?
A: You can try a plant-based milk and vegan butter and cheese, but texture and flavor will change.
Q: How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
A: Toast the bread well and spoon sauce just before broiling. Serve quickly.
Open-Faced Hot Brown Sandwich with Mornay Sauce
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Description
A warm and rich open-faced sandwich topped with roasted turkey, crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and a creamy Mornay cheese sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound roasted turkey breast (thickly sliced)
- 4 slices thick Texas toast (or white bread, crusts trimmed)
- 8 slices cooked bacon
- 2 medium tomatoes (sliced)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/4 cups freshly shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
- Salt and white pepper to taste
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
- Small splash of dry sherry or white wine
Instructions
- Make the Mornay Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook to form a roux.
- Slowly whisk in milk and cream until smooth. Cook, stirring, until sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat. Stir in Gruyère and Parmesan until melted. Season with salt, white pepper, nutmeg, and a small splash of sherry.
- Preheat the broiler. Toast the bread lightly so it holds the toppings.
- On each toast slice, lay roasted turkey, then tomato slices, then bacon. Spoon generous amounts of Mornay sauce over the top.
- Broil 2–4 minutes until the sauce and cheese are golden and bubbly. Watch closely so it does not burn.
- Serve hot. Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley if you like. Serve with a green salad or steamed vegetables.
Notes
Use warm sauce over cold turkey for even heating. Grate your own Gruyère for best melting and flavor. Trim crusts if you prefer a neater look.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg