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Crispy Hot Brown Casserole Kentucky Style Easy Recipe with Bacon and Cheddar

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A comforting Kentucky-style hot brown casserole featuring crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a creamy homemade cheese sauce baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 8 cups cubed day-old white bread (about 12 slices)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus 1/2 cup extra for topping)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk (room temperature)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Hot sauce (optional, a few dashes)
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 8–10 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.
  3. Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in the skillet with bacon fat over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and stir constantly for about 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste without browning.
  4. Gradually pour in 3 cups whole milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until thickened and smooth, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and hot sauce if using. Set aside.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cubed bread and cheese sauce. Toss gently to coat all bread cubes evenly.
  6. Pour half of the bread and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half the cooked bacon over the top, then add the remaining bread mixture. Finish by sprinkling the rest of the bacon and 1/2 cup cheddar cheese evenly over the surface.
  7. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and the top is golden and crispy.
  8. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

Use day-old white bread to prevent sogginess. For a crispier top, broil for the last 2 minutes but watch closely to avoid burning. Thick-cut bacon crisps better and adds more texture. You can make the casserole ahead and refrigerate before baking, adding a few extra minutes to bake time if baking cold.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot brown casserole, Kentucky casserole, bacon casserole, cheddar cheese casserole, comfort food, easy casserole recipe

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/crispy-hot-brown-casserole-kentucky-style-easy-recipe-with-bacon-and-cheddar/