Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsThe CaféKentucky Hot Brown Recipe

Kentucky Hot Brown Recipe

Inspired by The Café
Time45m
Serves2

Roasted turkey breast, house-made mornay sauce, sliced tomatoes, applewood-smoked bacon, toast points.

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Ingredients

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Meat

Vegetables

Method

Preparation of Ingredients

  1. 1

    Prepare the Bacon

    In a skillet over medium heat, cook the applewood-smoked bacon until crispy. Once done, remove and drain on paper towels. Crumble it into pieces when cooled.

  2. 2

    Prepare the Turkey

    If using leftover roasted turkey breast, slice it into thin strips, approximately 1/4 inch thick. If cooking fresh turkey, roast it according to your preferred method and allow to cool before slicing.

  3. 3

    Slice the Tomatoes

    Wash and slice the tomatoes into medium-thick slices. Set aside.

  4. 4

    Toast the Bread

    Lightly toast the bread slices until golden brown. This can be done in a toaster or on a skillet.

Making the Mornay Sauce

  1. 5

    Create the Roux

    In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is golden and bubbly.

  2. 6

    Add the Milk

    Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Keep cooking until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

  3. 7

    Add the Cheeses

    Once thickened, remove the sauce from heat and stir in the sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Mix until completely melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.

Assembling the Hot Brown

  1. 8

    Layer the Ingredients

    On a plate, place two slices of toasted bread. Top each slice with an equal portion of sliced turkey breast, followed by a layer of sliced tomatoes.

  2. 9

    Add the Mornay Sauce

    Pour the mornay sauce generously over the turkey and tomatoes on each toast.

  3. 10

    Add the Bacon

    Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top of the sauce.

Final Cooking

  1. 11

    Broil the Dish

    Preheat the broiler in your oven. Place the assembled plates under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and golden brown.

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