ky hot brown recipe
The Best ky hot brown recipe
I have been making the Kentucky Hot Brown for my family for years now and it is always a hit. This open faced sandwich comes from the Brown Hotel in Louisville and it is pure comfort food. It has turkey, bacon, and a creamy Mornay sauce all baked together until bubbly and golden. My kids ask for it on cold nights and my husband loves it on game day.
It is one of those recipes that feels fancy but is actually pretty simple to put together. The key to this dish is the Mornay sauce which is a cheesy white sauce made with butter, flour, milk, and Parmesan. You want to cook the sauce until it is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Then you layer toasted bread with sliced turkey, pour the sauce over the top, and sprinkle on bacon and tomatoes.
A quick trip under the broiler gives it that beautiful browned crust. The combination of creamy, salty, and savory flavors is just perfect. I love that this recipe can be made ahead of time. You can prep the sauce and slice the turkey the day before.
Then when you are ready to eat, just assemble and bake. It is great for a weeknight dinner or for feeding a crowd. I often double the recipe when we have family over because everyone wants seconds. The leftovers also reheat well in the oven the next day.
Health wise, this dish is not the lightest but you can make some swaps to lighten it up. I use low fat milk and reduced fat cheese in the sauce and that still tastes great. You can also use whole wheat bread for extra fiber. The turkey is lean protein and the tomatoes add a little freshness.
So it is a balanced meal in my book. My family loves it and I feel good serving it to them.
Classic Kentucky Hot Brown
An open faced sandwich with turkey, bacon, and a creamy Mornay sauce baked until bubbly and golden. This dish originates from the Brown Hotel in Louisville and is perfect for a comforting dinner.
🥘Ingredients
For the Mornay Sauce
For the Hot Brown
👨🍳Directions
🔧Equipment
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Classic Kentucky Hot Brown Works
The Kentucky Hot Brown is a classic dish that always feels special. I love that I can make it for a busy weeknight or for a holiday brunch.
It is one of those recipes that brings everyone to the table. For storing leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
To reheat, place the sandwich in a 350 degree oven for about 10 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave it but the bread will get soft.
I like to serve it with a side of fresh fruit or a simple salad to round out the meal. This recipe is a keeper in my house and I hope it becomes one in yours too.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Kentucky Hot Brown
1. Can I make the Kentucky Hot Brown ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Mornay sauce up to two days in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. Assemble the dish just before baking. You can also fully bake it and then reheat individual portions in the oven at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes.
2. What type of bread works best for this recipe?
Traditional Kentucky Hot Brown uses white bread with the crusts removed. You can use Texas toast or thick sliced bread for a sturdier base. Whole wheat or sourdough also work well if you prefer a different flavor.
3. Can I substitute the turkey with another protein?
Absolutely. You can use sliced chicken, ham, or even roast beef. The creamy sauce pairs well with most meats. For a vegetarian version, try using sauteed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
4. How do I prevent the sauce from being lumpy?
Make sure to whisk constantly when adding the milk to the butter and flour mixture. Pour the milk in slowly and keep whisking until the sauce is smooth. If lumps do form, you can strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve before using.
5. What can I serve with the Kentucky Hot Brown?
This dish is quite hearty on its own but goes well with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. Some people like to serve it with a side of coleslaw or potato chips for extra crunch.