introduction
The Kentucky Hot Brown is an open-faced sandwich with turkey, ham, tomato, bacon, and a rich cheese sauce. It comes from Louisville and feels warm and comforting. If you want a sweet treat after this meal, try banana pudding brownies recipe for a simple dessert.
why make this recipe
Make this recipe because it is quick, fills a family, and tastes rich. It uses common ingredients and makes a fancy dish without hard steps. It is great for a cozy dinner or a special brunch.
how to make Kentucky Hot Brown
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, placed on paper towel to dry, if needed
- 4 slices baked ham, placed on paper towel to dry if, needed
- 8 slices fresh, ripe tomato, slices placed on paper towel to soak up excess moisture
- 8 slices crispy cooked bacon
Directions :
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Whisk in flour and cook, whisking, for 3 minutes.
- Whisk in milk, raise the heat to medium, and continue cooking, stirring, until very thick.
- Stir in cheese and continue cooking, stirring, until the cheese melts.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce and season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Set aside and keep warm.
- Place toast slices in one layer on prepared baking sheet.
- Put 2 slices of turkey and 1 of ham on each piece of toast (fold slices in half if large).
- Place 2 slices of tomato on top of each sandwich, overlapping if needed.
- Spoon cheese sauce over top of all.
- Top with 2 slices of bacon on top of each sandwich, making an “X” shape.
- Bake until sauce bubbles, around 8 to 10 minutes. Serve immediately.
how to serve Kentucky Hot Brown
Serve hot from the oven on a plate. Add a light green salad or seasoned vegetables on the side. Cut into pieces and eat with a fork. Serve right away so the sauce stays creamy and the bacon stays crisp.
how to store Kentucky Hot Brown
Cool leftovers to room temperature within two hours. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbling to keep the sauce smooth. Do not freeze the assembled sandwich; the sauce and tomato will get watery.
tips to make Kentucky Hot Brown
- Dry the turkey, ham, and tomato on paper towels to avoid a soggy sandwich.
- Cook the sauce until very thick; it will thin a bit when you spoon it over the toast.
- Use sharp cheddar for best flavor, or mix cheddar with a little Parmesan for depth.
- Toast the bread well so it holds the toppings.
- Make the sauce last so it stays warm and pourable.
variation (if any)
- Make a smaller version with one slice of toast per person.
- Use roasted chicken instead of turkey for a different taste.
- Add a pinch of cayenne or paprika to the cheese sauce for heat.
- Replace cheddar with Gruyère for a nuttier flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use low-fat milk?
A: Yes, but the sauce may be less rich. Whole milk gives the creamiest result.
Q: Can I make the cheese sauce ahead?
A: Yes, keep it warm on very low heat or reheat gently before serving. Stir to smooth it out.
Q: How do I keep the toast from getting soggy?
A: Toast it well and pat the turkey, ham, and tomato dry on paper towels. Spoon sauce on just before baking.
Q: Can I skip the ham?
A: Yes. You can make it with turkey only if you prefer.
Q: Is this dish spicy?
A: Not by itself. Add cayenne or hot sauce to the cheese sauce if you like spice.
Kentucky Hot Brown
- 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
Description
A comforting open-faced sandwich featuring turkey, ham, tomatoes, and a rich cheese sauce.
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 sourdough bread
- 8 slices cooked turkey breast
- 4 slices baked ham
- 8 slices fresh ripe tomatoes
- 8 slices crispy cooked bacon
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 3 minutes.
- Add the milk, raise the heat to medium, and cook until very thick.
- Stir in the cheese until melted.
- Mix in the Worcestershire sauce and season to taste.
- Set sauce aside and keep warm.
- Arrange toast slices on a baking sheet.
- Layer 2 slices of turkey and 1 slice of ham on each toast.
- Place 2 slices of tomato on top, overlapping if needed.
- Spoon cheese sauce over all sandwiches.
- Top with 2 slices of bacon in an “X” shape.
- Bake until the sauce bubbles, about 8 to 10 minutes. Serve immediately.
Notes
Dry the turkey, ham, and tomato with paper towels to prevent sogginess. Serve with a side salad or vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg