why make this recipe
This dish is warm, rich, and quick to finish. It uses simple ingredients you may already have. The hot cheese sauce and turkey make a filling meal any time you want comfort food.
introduction
The Kentucky Hot Brown is an open-faced hot sandwich with turkey, cheese sauce, tomato, and bacon. It comes from Louisville and feels fancy but is easy to make at home. For a different bacon idea that pairs well with this kind of savory dish try brown sugar bacon little smokies.
how to make Kentucky Hot Brown
Work step by step. Toast the bread, pile on warm sliced turkey, pour hot mornay sauce, and add grated cheese. Broil until the top bubbles and browns. Finish with roasted tomato slices and two strips of bacon crossed on top. Repeat for each sandwich.
Ingredients :
- 8 slices thick-cut white bread
- 1 pound roasted turkey breast
- 1 batch mornay sauce
- ½ cup Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
- 8 slices oven-roasted tomatoes
- 8 slices bacon
- Paprika
- Fresh parsley
Directions :
Preheat the broiler to high heat. Toast the bread until golden. Place the square toast in the center of a parchment-lined pan, with triangle toasts on each side. Add four ounces of sliced turkey to the center toast. Spoon warm mornay sauce over the turkey until fully covered. Sprinkle grated Parmigiano Reggiano over the sauce. Broil for 4-5 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and lightly browned. Remove from oven and add roasted tomato slices on top, crisscross two bacon strips over the tomato, and finish with more grated cheese, paprika, and chopped parsley. Repeat steps for remaining sandwiches.
how to serve Kentucky Hot Brown
Serve hot from the broiler on a warm plate. Add a side salad or steamed green beans for balance. Cut with a knife and fork and eat right away so the sauce stays warm.
how to store Kentucky Hot Brown
If you have leftovers, store components separately. Keep turkey and toast in one container and sauce in another. Refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat sauce slowly on the stove, then assemble and broil briefly to warm and brown.
tips to make Kentucky Hot Brown
- Use thick-cut bread so it holds the sauce.
- Warm the mornay sauce before spooning it over the turkey.
- Watch the broiler closely so the top browns but does not burn.
- Roast or use oven-dried tomato slices for less liquid.
- Crisp the bacon in the oven for even texture.
variation (if any)
- Swap turkey for roasted chicken if you prefer.
- Use Gruyère or cheddar in the mornay for a different flavor.
- Add a pinch of cayenne to the sauce for heat.
FAQs (minimum three FAQ)
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: You can cook the turkey and sauce ahead, but assemble and broil right before serving.
Q: What is mornay sauce?
A: Mornay is a white sauce (béchamel) with cheese mixed in. It is smooth and rich.
Q: Can I use whole wheat bread?
A: Yes. Use a sturdy slice so it does not get soggy under the sauce.
Q: How long do I broil the sandwich?
A: Broil 4-5 minutes until the sauce bubbles and the top is lightly browned.
Kentucky Hot Brown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Carnivore
Description
A warm, rich open-faced hot sandwich with turkey, cheese sauce, tomato, and bacon, perfect for comfort food.
Ingredients
- 8 slices thick-cut white bread
- 1 pound roasted turkey breast
- 1 batch mornay sauce
- ½ cup Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
- 8 slices oven-roasted tomatoes
- 8 slices bacon
- Paprika
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the broiler to high heat.
- Toast the bread until golden.
- Place the square toast in the center of a parchment-lined pan, with triangle toasts on each side.
- Add four ounces of sliced turkey to the center toast.
- Spoon warm mornay sauce over the turkey until fully covered.
- Sprinkle grated Parmigiano Reggiano over the sauce.
- Broil for 4-5 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and lightly browned.
- Remove from oven and add roasted tomato slices on top.
- Crisscross two bacon strips over the tomato.
- Finish with more grated cheese, paprika, and chopped parsley.
- Repeat steps for remaining sandwiches.
Notes
For optimal texture, use thick-cut bread and monitor the broiler closely to prevent burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
