Dive into crispy, smoky bacon, tender turkey, and velvety golden Mornay sauce—a trio that creates your new ultimate comfort food obsession Turkey and Mornay Sauce! 🥓🍗🧀 Layers of savory perfection bake into a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece that’s equal parts hearty and elegant. Perfect for Sunday suppers, holiday feasts, or anytime you crave a hug on a plate. Easy to make, impossible to resist!
The Kentucky Hot Brown: A Love Letter to Comfort
Think of crispy bacon, tender roast turkey, and velvety Mornay sauce piled high on golden toast, browned until bubbling and crowned with a dust of paprika. The Kentucky Hot Brown is more than a sandwich — it’s a big, fat hug on a plate. Born in 1926 at Louisville’s Brown Hotel, this dish was created for late-night carousers with a hankering for something a bit more decadent than ham and eggs. Today, it’s a Southern standby that’s all nostalgia and excess. Here’s how to get it at home. Crispy Bacon, Turkey and Mornay Sauce
The Ultimate Kentucky Hot Brown Recipe
Serves 4 Crispy Bacon, Turkey and Mornay Sauce
Ingredients
- 8 slices Texas toast (or thick sourdough, crusts trimmed)
- 1 lb roasted turkey breast (thickly sliced, leftovers work!)
- 12–16 slices crispy bacon
- 2 large tomatoes (½-inch slices)
- 1.5 cups Mornay sauce (recipe below)
- ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano (or Parmesan)
- Paprika + fresh parsley (for garnish)
Mornay Sauce:
- 4 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup flour
- 3 cups whole milk (warmed)
- ½ cup shredded Gruyère
- ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano
- Salt + white pepper to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg
Steps Crispy Bacon, Turkey and Mornay Sauce
- Make the Mornay Sauce:
- Melt butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour to form a blond roux (2–3 mins).
- Gradually whisk in warm milk until smooth. Simmer 5–7 mins until thickened.
- Off heat, stir in cheeses, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Crispy Bacon:
- Bake bacon on a wire rack at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 mins.
- Assemble & Broil:
- Layer toast with turkey, tomatoes, and Mornay sauce. Sprinkle Pecorino.
- Broil 4–6 inches from heat for 3–5 mins until golden.
- Top with bacon, paprika, and parsley.
Pro Tips for Perfection Turkey and Mornay Sauce
- Bacon Hack: Add a sprinkle of brown sugar before baking for sweet-salty crispiness.
- Turkey Shortcut: Use store-bought rotisserie chicken or Thanksgiving leftovers.
- Sauce Savvy: Keep Mornay warm in a thermos if prepping ahead.
- Bread Trick: Lightly toast slices first to avoid sogginess.
Why This Dish is Comfort Food Royalty Turkey and Mornay Sauce
- Texture Heaven: Crispy bacon, creamy sauce, juicy tomatoes, and chewy toast.
- Nostalgia Factor: A taste of Kentucky history and Derby Day tradition.
- Versatile Indulgence: Dress it up for brunch, down for dinner, or batch it for parties.
FAQ: Your Kentucky Hot Brown Questions, Answered Turkey and Mornay Sauce
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Swap turkey for roasted portobello mushrooms and use vegan cheese sauce.
Q: What if I don’t have Gruyère?
A: Substitute with sharp cheddar, Swiss, or smoked Gouda for depth.
Q: Can I prep this ahead?
A: Yes! Prep Mornay sauce and bacon 1–2 days ahead. Assemble and broil fresh.
Q: How do I fix grainy Mornay sauce?
A: Remove from heat before adding cheese, and blend with an immersion blender.
Q: Gluten-free options?
A: Use GF bread and swap flour for a 1:1 GF blend in the sauce.
Q: Can I use deli turkey?
A: Yes, but opt for thick-sliced roasted deli turkey (avoid thin, processed slices).
Q: What sides pair well?
A: Simple arugula salad, bourbon-glazed carrots, or cheesy grits.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store components separately. Reheat sauce with a splash of milk before assembling.
Final Bite
The Kentucky Hot Brown is more than a meal—it’s a celebration of Southern comfort. Whether you’re hosting a Derby party, craving nostalgia, or just want to treat yourself, this dish delivers. Pair it with a mint julep, gather friends, and lean into the delicious mess. After all, the best comfort food is meant to be shared (or not—we won’t judge).
🍴 Pro Tip: Leftover Mornay? Toss with pasta for a quick mac and cheese upgrade! Crispy Bacon, Turkey and Mornay Sauce
Hungry for more? Tag your creations with #HotBrownMagic and let us know your twist! 🥓Turkey & Mornay Sauce🧀
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