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Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwiches

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Kentucky Hot Brown: A Decadent Southern Classic

Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwiches

The Kentucky Hot Brown is a culinary masterpiece that hails from the heart of the Bluegrass State. This open-faced sandwich is a sumptuous blend of rich flavors and textures, making it a truly indulgent treat. Created at the Brown Hotel in Louisville in the 1920s, the Hot Brown has since become a beloved Southern classic.

Understanding the Hot Brown

A Hot Brown is essentially an open-faced turkey sandwich elevated to new heights. It features thick slices of toasted bread generously layered with tender turkey, juicy tomato slices, and a creamy, cheesy Mornay sauce. To finish it off, crispy bacon is added, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

For the Mornay Sauce:

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper
  • Pinch of white pepper
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sandwiches:

  • 4 slices sourdough bread, toasted
  • 9 ounces sliced cooked turkey breast
  • 1 beefsteak tomato, sliced and patted dry
  • Pinch of salt
  • 8 slices crispy cooked bacon

Instructions

Course: Main Course Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes Servings: 4

Preparing the Mornay Sauce:

  1. Melt the butter: Gently melt the butter in a medium-sized saucepan over low heat.
  2. Create a roux: Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden brown, stirring constantly.
  3. Add milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, increasing the heat to medium. Cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
  4. Melt the cheese: Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted. For a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to emulsify the sauce.
  5. Season: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, paprika, cayenne, and white pepper. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assembling the Hot Browns:

  1. Prepare the bread: Place the toasted sourdough bread slices on a baking sheet.
  2. Layer the ingredients: Top each bread slice with turkey, tomato slices (sprinkled with salt), and a generous amount of Mornay sauce.
  3. Add bacon: Place two slices of crispy bacon on top of each sandwich.
  4. Broil: Broil the sandwiches under low heat for 4-7 minutes, or until the cheese sauce is bubbly and golden brown.
  5. Serve: Enjoy the Hot Browns immediately while the cheese is still melted and bubbly.

Tips for the Perfect Hot Brown

  • Bread choice: For a classic Hot Brown, sourdough bread works best. However, you can experiment with other types of bread like brioche or Texas toast.
  • Turkey: Use high-quality, thinly sliced turkey breast for the best flavor and texture.
  • Tomatoes: Ripe, beefsteak tomatoes are ideal for this recipe. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture before adding to the sandwiches.
  • Bacon: Thick-cut bacon adds a satisfying crunch to the Hot Brown. Cook it until crispy for the best results.
  • Mornay sauce: Don't overcook the roux, as it can result in a bitter taste. Be patient when whisking in the milk to prevent lumps.
  • Broiling: Watch the sandwiches closely while broiling to prevent the cheese from burning.
  • Serving: Serve Hot Browns immediately after broiling for optimal enjoyment.

By following these steps and incorporating the provided tips, you can create a truly authentic and delicious Kentucky Hot Brown that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy this iconic Southern dish!

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