Kentucky-style Cheesy Turkey Hot Brown
This Kentucky-style Cheesy Turkey Hot Brown is a delightful take on the classic dish that retains the spirit of the original while adding a personal touch. Ideal for Derby Day celebrations or a cozy lunch, this dish features layers of savory turkey, creamy cheese sauce, and crispy bacon, all served on perfectly toasted bread. With a rich blend of three cheeses, the luxurious cheese sauce is simply irresistible. The hint of sweetness from the brown sugar and the kick from cayenne complements the smokiness of the bacon, making each bite a flavor explosion. Best of all, this dish is not only crowd-pleasing but also allows for flexibility in serving—you can use the leftover cheese sauce over veggies or baked potatoes. Gather your friends and family for a dish that brings both warmth and excitement to the table!
8
Servings
470
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Smoked bacon
8 slices (Raw)
Fresh coarse ground black pepper
to taste (Ground)
Light brown sugar
to taste (Sprinkled)
Cayenne pepper
to taste (Sprinkled)
Onion
1 small (Chopped)
White mushrooms
8 ounces (Chopped)
Butter
8 tablespoons (Melted)
Flour
6 tablespoons (Measured)
Milk
4 cups (Measured)
White pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
Shredded white cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (Shredded)
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (Shredded)
Grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (Grated)
Salt
1 teaspoon (Measured)
Hearty white bread
8 slices (Toasted)
Sliced deli turkey
1 lb (Sliced)
Beefsteak tomato
1 large (Sliced)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a jelly-roll pan with parchment paper and lay the slices of bacon on it without overlapping. Season the bacon with fresh ground black pepper, light brown sugar, and a light sprinkle of cayenne pepper for heat.
2
Bake in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes until crispy. Remove the bacon and let it drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Set aside.
3
While the bacon cooks, prepare the cheese sauce. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and add the chopped onion and mushrooms. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the mushrooms are tender.
4
Gradually sprinkle in the flour, one tablespoon at a time, stirring constantly for about one minute. Season the mixture with salt and white pepper.
5
Slowly incorporate the milk, about one cup at a time, stirring until the ingredients are well blended and the sauce thickens. Once thickened, add the shredded white cheddar, sharp cheddar, and grated Parmesan cheese one half-cup at a time, stirring until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and set aside.
6
To assemble the sandwiches, preheat the broiler. Toast the hearty white bread slices until they are medium-golden brown. Arrange the toasted slices on shallow-rimmed baking pans (you may need two pans).
7
Evenly divide the sliced deli turkey on each piece of bread, folding it to fit nicely. Generously spoon the prepared cheese sauce over the turkey, using a ladle for portioning.
8
Slice the beefsteak tomato into 8 even slices and place one slice on each sandwich. Cut the cooked bacon slices in half and set them aside.
9
Place the baking pans under the broiler one at a time and broil until bubbly and golden brown (about 2 to 3 minutes).
10
Once out of the broiler, arrange the bacon halves on top of the sandwiches in a crisscross pattern and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
43g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Kentucky-style Cheesy Turkey Hot Brown?
It is a savory open-faced sandwich featuring toasted bread topped with turkey, a rich three-cheese sauce, tomato, and seasoned crispy bacon.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to make 8 servings.
What temperature should the oven be set to for the bacon?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How do you season the bacon for this recipe?
The bacon is seasoned with fresh ground black pepper, light brown sugar, and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
How long does the bacon need to bake?
Bake the bacon for 10 to 12 minutes until it becomes crispy.
What vegetables are included in the cheese sauce?
The sauce includes chopped onion and 8 ounces of chopped white mushrooms.
Which three cheeses are used in the cheese sauce?
The recipe uses shredded white cheddar, sharp cheddar, and grated Parmesan cheese.
How much butter is needed for the sauce?
You will need 8 tablespoons of melted butter.
How do you thicken the cheese sauce?
The sauce is thickened by stirring in 6 tablespoons of flour and then slowly incorporating 4 cups of milk.
What type of bread is recommended for the Hot Brown?
Hearty white bread is recommended for this dish.
How much turkey is required for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of sliced deli turkey.
What type of tomato should I use?
A large beefsteak tomato is used, sliced into 8 even pieces.
What are the steps for assembling the sandwiches?
Place turkey on toasted bread, spoon cheese sauce over it, add a tomato slice, and then broil before adding bacon.
How long should the sandwiches be broiled?
Broil the sandwiches for 2 to 3 minutes until they are bubbly and golden brown.
How is the bacon arranged on the finished sandwich?
The bacon halves are arranged on top of the sandwiches in a crisscross pattern.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 470 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 20 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is 25 grams per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 43 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use the leftover cheese sauce for other things?
Yes, the leftover sauce is excellent served over vegetables or baked potatoes.
Is there any heat or spice in this recipe?
Yes, cayenne pepper is used on the bacon to provide a light kick.
How should the onion be prepared?
One small onion should be chopped before being sautéed in butter.
What type of pepper is used in the sauce?
The cheese sauce is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper.
How much flour is used for the roux?
The recipe uses 6 tablespoons of flour.
How much cheese is added to the sauce in total?
The sauce uses 1.5 cups of total cheese (1/2 cup each of three types).
What is the suggested occasion for this dish?
It is described as ideal for Kentucky Derby Day celebrations or a cozy lunch.
Do you toast the bread before adding toppings?
Yes, the bread should be toasted to a medium-golden brown before assembly.
How do you prepare the bacon after baking?
After baking, let it drain on a paper towel-lined plate and then cut the slices in half.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 17 ingredients listed for this recipe.
Should the milk be added all at once?
No, the milk should be incorporated slowly, about one cup at a time, while stirring.