Kentucky Hot Brown

why make this recipe

This Kentucky Hot Brown is warm, rich, and quick to make. It gives toast, turkey, and a cheese sauce that people love. It makes a good meal for guests or a cozy dinner at home.

introduction

The Kentucky Hot Brown is an open-faced hot sandwich from Louisville. It uses turkey, toast, tomato, bacon, and a creamy cheese sauce. If you like crisp bacon, try this brown sugar bacon little smokies as a snack to serve with it.

how to make Kentucky Hot Brown

Make the sauce first, toast the bread, layer the turkey and tomato, pour the sauce over, and broil until bubbly. Add bacon, a sprinkle of cheese, paprika, and parsley. Serve hot.

Ingredients :

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, plus extra for topping
• Pinch of ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper
• 14 oz. roasted turkey breast, sliced in half
• 2 slices Texas toast, toasted
• 2 Roma tomatoes, sliced in half
• 4 slices bacon, cooked
• Paprika
• Parsley

Directions :

In a small saucepan melt the butter and then slowly whisk in flour until combined to form a thick roux. Continue to cook roux for 2 minutes over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Whisk the heavy cream into the roux and cook over medium heat until the cream begins to simmer, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the sauce from heat and slowly whisk in the cheese until the sauce is smooth. Add the nutmeg, salt and pepper to taste. Cut off the crusts of each piece of Texas toast. Place each slice of toast in an oven safe dish and cover each with 7 oz. turkey. Take the two halves of Roma tomatoes and place on top of each turkey breast. Pour the sauce over the dish, completely covering it and sprinkle with additional cheese. Place entire dish under a broiler until cheese begins to brown and bubble. Remove and place two pieces of crispy bacon in a crisscross pattern on top. Sprinkle with additional cheese, paprika and parsley and serve immediately.

how to serve Kentucky Hot Brown

Serve hot on the oven-safe dish or move to a plate. Add extra parsley and a small side salad or green beans. Serve with crunchy pickles or a light slaw if you like.

how to store Kentucky Hot Brown

Cool to room temperature, then cover and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm and bubbling to keep the sauce creamy. Do not freeze after it is assembled; the sauce and toast change texture.

tips to make Kentucky Hot Brown

• Make the sauce slowly and whisk well to avoid lumps.
• Use good toasted bread so it does not get too soggy.
• Slice the turkey thin and layer evenly.
• Watch the broiler closely so the cheese browns but does not burn.
• Cook bacon crisp for a good texture contrast.

variation (if any)

• Use white cheddar or Gruyère instead of Pecorino for a milder, creamier sauce.
• Add a splash of sherry or Dijon mustard to the sauce for more flavor.
• Swap turkey for chicken if preferred.
• Make individual portions in small oven-safe dishes for easy serving.

FAQs

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead?
A: Yes. Make the sauce and keep it in the fridge for 1 day. Reheat gently and whisk before using.

Q: What can I use instead of Texas toast?
A: Use thick-sliced sourdough or country white bread. Toast it well so it holds the sauce.

Q: Is there a vegetarian version?
A: Yes. Skip the turkey and bacon. Use roasted mushrooms or cooked eggplant and add extra tomatoes.

Q: Can I bake instead of broiling?
A: Yes. Bake at 375°F (190°C) until the cheese melts and bubbles, about 10–15 minutes.

Kentucky Hot Brown

• Author: arianarecipes
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Broiling
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A warm and rich open-faced sandwich featuring turkey, cheese sauce, and crispy bacon, perfect for a cozy dinner or entertaining guests.

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Ingredients

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• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, plus extra for topping
• Pinch of ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 14 oz. roasted turkey breast, sliced in half
• 2 slices Texas toast, toasted
• 2 Roma tomatoes, sliced in half
• 4 slices bacon, cooked
• Paprika for sprinkling
• Parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Whisk in flour to form a thick roux and cook for 2 minutes.
3. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer for 2-3 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and whisk in the cheese until smooth.
5. Add the nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Cut off the crusts of each Texas toast slice and place in an oven-safe dish.
7. Layer each slice with 7 oz. turkey and top with tomato halves.
8. Pour the cheese sauce over the turkey and tomatoes, covering completely.
9. Broil until the cheese is bubbly and browning.
10. Top with crisscrossed bacon, additional cheese, paprika, and parsley before serving.

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Notes

Serve hot on the oven-safe dish or transfer to a plate. Add extra parsley for garnish and pair with a side salad or green beans.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg