Kentucky Hot Brown

introduction

The Kentucky Hot Brown is an open-faced turkey and ham sandwich with a rich cheese sauce and bacon on top. It started in Louisville and it is warm and filling. If you like easy sides with bacon, try this brown sugar bacon little smokies recipe for a match that goes well with this dish.

why make this recipe

Make this recipe when you want a warm, quick, and honest meal. It uses simple pantry items and cooked turkey. It makes a special weekday dinner or a small party dish. The sauce is creamy and the bacon adds a crisp finish.

how to make Kentucky Hot Brown

Start by making the cheese sauce. Toast the bread and heat your oven. Layer turkey and ham on the toast, add tomato slices, spoon the hot cheese sauce over each sandwich, and top with bacon. Bake until the sauce bubbles. Serve right away so the toast stays crisp.

Ingredients :

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 4 slices toasted bread (sourdough works well)
• 8 slices cooked turkey breast
• 4 slices baked ham
• 8 slices fresh, ripe tomato
• 8 slices crispy cooked bacon

Directions :

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Whisk in flour and cook, whisking, for 3 minutes.
2. Whisk in milk, raise the heat to medium, and continue cooking, stirring, until very thick.
3. Stir in cheese and continue cooking, stirring, until the cheese melts.
4. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside and keep warm.
5. Place toast slices in one layer on prepared baking sheet. Put 2 slices of turkey and 1 of ham on each piece of toast.
6. Place 2 slices of tomato on top of each sandwich. Spoon cheese sauce over top of all.
7. Top with 2 slices of bacon on top of each sandwich, making an ‘X’ shape.
8. Bake until sauce bubbles, around 8 to 10 minutes. Serve immediately.

how to serve Kentucky Hot Brown

Serve hot right from the oven on a plate. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables work well on the side. Offer lemon wedges or a light pickled vegetable to cut the richness if you like.

how to store Kentucky Hot Brown

Cover any leftovers and keep them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a low oven (about 325°F / 160°C) until warm and the sauce bubbles. Avoid microwaving if you want the bacon to stay crisp.

tips to make Kentucky Hot Brown

• Use day-old toast so it holds the sauce better.
• Shred the cheese finely to help it melt fast and smooth.
• Cook bacon extra crispy; it keeps its texture under the sauce.
• Keep the sauce warm but not boiling so it stays smooth.
• Season the sauce little by little and taste before serving.

variation (if any)

• Swap cheddar for Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different cheese flavor.
• Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce to the cheese sauce for heat.
• Use smoked turkey or roast chicken if you prefer a different meat.

FAQs

Q: Can I use low-fat milk?
A: Yes, but the sauce may be thinner and less rich. You can cook it a little longer to thicken.

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead?
A: Yes. Keep it warm on the stove or reheat gently before using. Stir well if it thickens too much.

Q: Can I make this for a crowd?
A: Yes. Arrange the open sandwiches on large trays and bake them together in the oven in batches if needed.

Q: What bread is best?
A: Sourdough or thick white bread works best because it holds the toppings and sauce.

Q: Can I skip the ham?
A: Yes. The sandwich still tastes great with extra turkey and the cheese sauce.

Kentucky Hot Brown

• Author: arianarecipes
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: None

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Description

An open-faced turkey and ham sandwich topped with a creamy cheese sauce and crispy bacon, perfect for a warm meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 4 slices toasted bread (sourdough works well)
• 8 slices cooked turkey breast
• 4 slices baked ham
• 8 slices fresh, ripe tomato
• 8 slices crispy cooked bacon

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Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 3 minutes, stirring continuously.
3. Whisk in the milk, then raise the heat to medium and cook, stirring, until the mixture thickens.
4. Stir in the cheese until melted, then add Worcestershire sauce and season to taste with salt and pepper.
5. Set the cheese sauce aside, keeping it warm.
6. Layer the toast slices on a baking sheet, then add 2 slices of turkey and 1 slice of ham on each piece.
7. Top each sandwich with 2 slices of tomato and spoon cheese sauce over all.
8. Add 2 slices of bacon on top of each sandwich in an ‘X’ shape.
9. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until the sauce bubbles, about 8 to 10 minutes.
10. Serve immediately.

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Notes

Use day-old bread for better sauce absorption and cook bacon extra crispy to maintain texture under the sauce.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 sandwich
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg