Simple Kentucky Hot Brown Casserole

The Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwich at its most basic form consists of bread, turkey, mornay sauce, bacon, and tomato. Variations on these basic ingredients and my version is made conveniently in a 13x9 to form a sort of casserole. Try my take on this delicious Kentucky comfort food.







What you will need:

Butter
Flour
Heavy Cream
Parmesan Cheese
Nutmeg, Salt, Pepper, Paprika
Turkey Breast, cooked and sliced
Thick cut toast, buttered and seasoned with garlic (ex Texas Toast)
French Fries, homemade or store bought
Bacon (thick cut is best)
Roma Tomatoes

Step 1: Start by making a roux of equal parts butter and flour. I typically use a quarter cup but this can be adjusted as needed by adding more butter or flour. Start by melting the flour in a sauce pan. When the butter is melted on low heat whisk in the flour. Whisk constantly over medium heat until a thick paste is formed. Continue to cook for 2 minutes then begin whisking in heavy cream (1 qt for 1 13x9).

Step 2: when the sauce is totally combined and just starts to bubble, add 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and paprika to taste, and whisk until combined, shut off the heat and cover, sauce will continue to thicken.

Step 3: Grease a 13x9 or casserole dish. Place the toast in and place into oven until slightly browned but not toasted completely. This gives you a sturdy base to build the sandwiches. Meanwhile, fry bacon, 1-2 slices per piece of toast.

Step 4: Place sliced turkey breast on toasted bread. Top with cooked french fries. Take sauces and pour generously over entire dish. Next criss-cross bacon slices over each sandwich. Top with a sliced tomato. Sprinkle each with Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Turn the oven to broil. Place dish under broiler until cheese is bubbly and starting to brown. Tomatoes should cook slightly and parmesan cheese should brown.

Step 6: Remove and enjoy!

Cover and refrigerate leftovers, these keep pretty well and taste great re-heated or cold.