Hot Brown Sandwiches

Hot Brown Sandwiches are a delicious way to enjoy leftover turkey or sliced, cooked turkey from the deli counter. This open-faced sandwich is a classic and satisfying dish that originated from the Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. The Taste of Home Test Kitchen shares their fabulous recipe, which features layers of turkey, cheese sauce, bacon, tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese, all broiled to perfection on toasted Italian bread.

INGREDIENTS:

• ¼ cup butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon white pepper
• 8 slices Italian bread (½ inch thick), toasted
• 1½ pounds sliced cooked turkey
• 8 cooked bacon strips, halved
• 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Parmesan cheese

PREPARATIONS:

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the flour until smooth. Gradually add the milk, chicken broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil and cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in the cheddar cheese, salt, and white pepper until the cheese is melted. Remove from heat.
2. Place the slices of toasted bread on a baking sheet. Layer each slice with turkey, cheese sauce, bacon, tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Broil the sandwiches 3-4 inches from the heat for 3-4 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

YIELD: 8 servings

PREP TIME: 25 minutes

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Be careful not to overcook the cheese sauce to maintain a smooth and creamy texture.
• Customize the sandwich by adding your favorite toppings, such as avocado slices or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
• If desired, you can broil the sandwiches individually or assemble them on individual plates and broil them together.

TIPS:

• Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor, including fresh Italian bread, flavorful turkey, and quality cheeses.
• Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a hint of heat or sprinkle some dried herbs for extra flavor.
• Serve the Hot Brown Sandwiches alongside a fresh salad or soup for a complete and satisfying meal.

Hot Brown Sandwiches are a classic and delicious way to enjoy leftover turkey or sliced, cooked turkey from the deli counter. Originating from the Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, these open-faced sandwiches have stood the test of time and continue to be a favorite among sandwich lovers.

The recipe shared by the Taste of Home Test Kitchen combines layers of tender turkey, a rich and creamy cheese sauce, crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and flavorful Parmesan cheese. These ingredients are assembled on toasted Italian bread and broiled until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The result is a hearty and satisfying sandwich with a delightful blend of flavors and textures.

The cheese sauce, made with cheddar cheese, butter, flour, milk, and chicken broth, adds a creamy and savory element to the sandwich. The addition of Worcestershire sauce, salt, and white pepper enhances the overall flavor profile. The sandwich is then topped with turkey, bacon, tomatoes, and a generous amount of shredded Parmesan cheese, which adds a deliciously tangy and nutty flavor.

Hot Brown Sandwiches can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or served alongside a fresh salad or soup. They are perfect for using up leftover turkey after holiday feasts or as a tasty option for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner. The combination of flavors and textures in this sandwich is sure to please your taste buds and leave you craving for more.