Print

Classic Kentucky Hot Brown with Creamy Mornay Sauce

Classic Kentucky Hot Brown - featured image
Print Recipe

A rich and comforting open-faced sandwich featuring turkey, bacon, tomato, and a silky Mornay cheese sauce on toasted bread. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or special occasion with southern charm.

Ingredients

  • Thick-sliced white bread or Texas toast
  • Cooked turkey breast, sliced (leftover roast turkey or deli turkey)
  • Crisp bacon strips (smoked bacon preferred)
  • Fresh ripe tomato slices
  • Shredded mozzarella or mild cheddar cheese (for topping)
  • Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
  • Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons)
  • All-purpose flour (1/4 cup)
  • Whole milk, warmed (2 cups)
  • Gruyère cheese, shredded (1 cup)
  • Parmesan cheese, grated (1/2 cup)
  • Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
  • White pepper (1/4 teaspoon)
  • Freshly grated nutmeg (a pinch)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) or prepare broiler setting.
  2. Lightly toast thick slices of bread until just golden (4-5 minutes under broiler or 6-7 minutes in toaster oven).
  3. Fry bacon strips until crispy, drain on paper towels and set aside.
  4. Make the Mornay sauce: Melt butter in medium saucepan over medium heat.
  5. Whisk in flour and cook for about 2 minutes until pale roux forms.
  6. Slowly whisk in warmed milk, cook and whisk until sauce thickens and coats back of spoon (5-7 minutes).
  7. Remove from heat and stir in Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
  8. Season sauce with salt, white pepper, and nutmeg; adjust seasoning to taste.
  9. Assemble sandwiches: place toasted bread on baking dish.
  10. Layer each slice with 3-4 ounces of turkey breast.
  11. Add 2-3 strips of crispy bacon on top of turkey.
  12. Arrange 2-3 slices of fresh tomato over bacon.
  13. Pour generous ladle of Mornay sauce over all layers.
  14. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or mild cheddar cheese evenly on top.
  15. Bake assembled sandwiches for 8-10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  16. Optional: broil for last 1-2 minutes for extra browning, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  17. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Keep the roux light and pale for a smooth sauce. Warm milk before adding to avoid lumps. Use freshly grated cheese for best melt and texture. Watch the broiler carefully to prevent burning. If sauce thickens too much, whisk in a splash of warm milk to loosen. For gluten-free, substitute flour with cornstarch or gluten-free blend. For dairy-free, try coconut milk and vegan cheese but note it won’t be traditional.

Nutrition

Keywords: Kentucky Hot Brown, Mornay sauce, open-faced sandwich, turkey sandwich, comfort food, southern recipe, creamy cheese sauce

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/classic-kentucky-hot-brown-recipe-easy-homemade-with-creamy-mornay-sauce/