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There are sandwiches…and then there is the Kentucky Hot Brown. Rich, cheesy, buttery, and loaded with turkey and crispy bacon, this iconic open-faced sandwich has been a Southern favorite for nearly a century.

Originally created as a late-night meal for hungry hotel guests, the Hot Brown has become one of Kentucky's most beloved comfort foods.

Whether you're looking for a hearty lunch, a cozy dinner, or a way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey, this classic recipe is always a winner.

The History of the Kentucky Hot Brown

The Hot Brown was first created in 1926 at The Brown Hotel by chef Fred K. Schmidt.

At the time, the hotel hosted extravagant dinner dances that lasted well into the early morning hours. Guests wanted something more exciting than the standard ham and eggs served after the festivities, so Chef Schmidt developed an indulgent open-faced turkey sandwich covered in a creamy cheese sauce.

Nearly 100 years later, it's still one of Kentucky's signature dishes and is served throughout the state.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Ready in about 40 minutes
• Perfect for leftover turkey
• Restaurant-quality comfort food
• Rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying
• Great for family dinners or special occasions

Ingredients

For the Sandwich

• 8 slices thick-cut Texas toast, toasted
• 1½ pounds roasted turkey breast, sliced
• 8 slices cooked bacon
• 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Paprika
• Fresh parsley for garnish

For the Mornay Sauce

• 4 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

How to Make a Kentucky Hot Brown

Toast the bread until lightly golden and place two slices on each oven-safe serving dish or baking sheet. Layer generous slices of roasted turkey over each piece of toast.

Prepare the Mornay sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about one minute. Slowly whisk in the milk and cream until smooth. Cook until the sauce thickens. Add the cheddar, Parmesan, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese melts completely.

Pour the warm cheese sauce generously over each turkey sandwich. Top with tomato slices, crispy bacon, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Dust lightly with paprika.

Broil for 2–4 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Tips for the Best Hot Brown

• Use freshly roasted turkey whenever possible.
• Thick Texas toast holds up best under the sauce.
• Freshly grate your cheese for the smoothest Mornay sauce.
• Watch carefully under the broiler—it browns quickly.
• Don't skip the bacon; it balances the richness perfectly.

Variations

Add Ham

Some Kentucky restaurants add smoked ham along with the turkey.

Spicy Version

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.

Mushroom Hot Brown

Sauté mushrooms and layer them over the turkey before adding the sauce.

Thanksgiving Leftovers

Use leftover turkey from Thanksgiving dinner for an incredible next-day meal.

What to Serve with a Kentucky Hot Brown

Although rich enough to be a meal on its own, these sides pair beautifully:

• Fresh fruit salad
• Roasted asparagus
• Green beans
• Mixed greens with vinaigrette
• Sweet tea
• Lemonade

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because of the cream sauce, freezing is not recommended.

Reheating

Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15–20 minutes until warmed through.

Avoid microwaving if possible, as the toast can become soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the Mornay sauce up to two days in advance. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed.

Can I use deli turkey?

Absolutely. Thick-sliced deli turkey works well when you don't have roasted turkey available.

Why is it called a Hot Brown?

The sandwich gets its name from the historic Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, where it was first created in 1926.

Can I make it without tomatoes?

Yes. While tomatoes are traditional, you can leave them off if you prefer.

More Classic Southern Recipes You'll Love

If you love comforting Southern classics, you'll also enjoy:

• Southern Chicken and Dumplings
• Classic Pimento Cheese
• Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits
• Southern Meatloaf

This Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwich is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether you're celebrating Kentucky's culinary heritage or simply looking for a delicious way to use leftover turkey, this iconic dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Copycat Recipes for Regional Favorites

• Arepas de Queso from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
• Fried Perch from Art of Natrual Living
• Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Copycat from That Recipe
• Mock Turtle Soup or Goetta from Creative Cynchronicity
• Molasses Cornbread from Karen's Kitchen Stories

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