Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Serving size: 4
Greetings, food enthusiasts! Today, I will be sharing with you a recipe for the classic Kentucky hot brown. This dish is a true Southern comfort food, and it’s perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread
– 1/2 cup of butter
– 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
– 4 cups of milk
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
– 2 cups of cooked turkey, chopped
– 8 slices of cooked bacon
– 2 medium-sized tomatoes, sliced
– 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Toast the bread slices until they are golden brown.
3. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
5. Add the salt, black pepper, and nutmeg, and stir to combine.
6. Add the chopped turkey to the sauce and stir to coat.
7. Place the toasted bread slices in a baking dish.
8. Pour the turkey sauce over the bread slices.
9. Top each slice with 2 slices of bacon and a few slices of tomato.
10. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of each slice.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Serve hot and enjoy!
And there you have it, folks! A delicious and hearty Kentucky hot brown that is sure to satisfy your cravings. This recipe serves 4, but feel free to adjust the quantities to suit your needs. Until next time, happy cooking!
History:
The Hot Brown Sandwich was invented at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, in the 1920s. The dish was created to feed the late-night crowd who were hungry after dancing the night away at the hotel’s dinner-dance events. Since then, the Hot Brown Sandwich has become an iconic dish throughout Kentucky and has been adapted and modified to suit different tastes and preferences.
Tips:
1. Use high-quality turkey breast, preferably roasted, for the best flavor.
2. If possible, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated cheese for better texture and flavor.
3. Allow time for the sauce to thicken by simmering over low heat.
4. Serve with a knife and fork to prevent the sandwich from falling apart.
Special Techniques:
1. The sauce is a crucial part of the Hot Brown Sandwich. To create a smooth and creamy sauce, keep stirring the mixture until it thickens.
2. To prevent the bread from getting soggy, pre-toast the bread slices before assembling the sandwich.
3. For a flavorful twist, add some sliced avocado or tomato to the sandwich.
Additional Variations:
1. Vegetarian: Swap out the turkey for roasted portobello mushrooms or firm tofu.
2. Bacon Lovers: Add an extra slice of crispy bacon to the sandwich for a more indulgent taste.
3. Southern Style: Add a spoonful of pimento cheese spread to the sandwich for a bit of extra tang and spice.
4. Breakfast Style: Add a fried egg on top of the sandwich for a classic breakfast-style sandwich.