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hot brown recipe kentucky - A close-up of a golden, bubbly Kentucky Hot Brown with turkey, bacon, tomato, and Mornay sauce.

Classic Kentucky Hot Brown Recipe

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A rich and decadent open-faced sandwich originating from the historic Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. Layers of roasted turkey, crispy bacon, and tomato wedges are smothered in a creamy, cheesy Mornay sauce and baked until bubbly and golden.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

8 slices Texas Toast (or thick-sliced white bread, toasted)
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for sprinkling
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 lb cooked roasted turkey breast, thinly sliced
8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy
4 small ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange Texas toast slices on a baking sheet. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden and toasted. Set aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet, cook bacon slices over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and set aside. Once cooled, you can break them into smaller pieces if desired.
Step 3: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until a smooth paste (roux) forms and smells slightly nutty.
Step 4: Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency, about 5-7 minutes. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.
Step 5: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the grated Gruyère cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with nutmeg, salt, and black pepper to taste. Keep the sauce warm.
Step 6: For each serving, place two slices of toasted Texas toast side-by-side in an oven-safe dish or on a baking sheet. Arrange half of the sliced turkey over the toast.
Step 7: Generously spoon about half of the warm Mornay sauce over the turkey and toast.
Step 8: Top each with half of the cooked bacon slices and two tomato wedges. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese.
Step 9: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the edges are golden brown. For extra browning, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Step 10: Remove from oven. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use good quality roasted turkey breast. If using leftover turkey, ensure it's warmed through before assembly. The Mornay sauce can be made ahead of time and gently reheated, but it's best made fresh.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Dishes & Savory Recipes
  • Cuisine: American, Southern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 680 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 1500 mg
  • Fat: 45 g
  • Saturated Fat: 25 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
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