Hot Brown Recipe
Description:
Originating from the kitchens of the historic Brown Hotel in Louisville, KY, the Hot Brown is a culinary masterpiece that has stood the test of time. This iconic dish, aptly named after its place of creation, is a true delight for the taste buds. Combining layers of savory turkey, ham, and crispy bacon, smothered in a creamy cheese sauce, and topped with juicy tomato slices, the Hot Brown is the epitome of comfort food bliss.

Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Recipe Category: Poultry
Keywords: Meat, < 60 Mins
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 836.3
- Fat Content: 60g
- Saturated Fat Content: 30.4g
- Cholesterol Content: 271.9mg
- Sodium Content: 2041mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 18.2g
- Fiber Content: 0.3g
- Sugar Content: 0.2g
- Protein Content: 54.1g
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 1/2 – 1 stick of butter
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 3 cups milk (or cream)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded colby cheese
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
For Each Hot Brown:
- 4 slices of toast
- Cooked turkey slices
- Cooked ham slices
- 12 slices of crispy bacon
- 12 slices of tomato (optional)
- Parmesan cheese for sprinkling
Instructions:
For the Cheese Sauce:
- Melt Butter: In a heavy non-stick saucepan, melt the butter over low heat until it’s completely melted.
- Add Flour: Gradually add the flour to the melted butter, stirring continuously until a smooth mixture forms.
- Simmer: Slowly pour in the milk (or cream) while stirring constantly. Allow the mixture to simmer until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Once thickened, add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce and mix until well combined.
- Set Aside Portion: Remove 1/4 cup of the sauce and transfer it to a separate bowl.
- Beat Egg: Add the egg to the reserved sauce in the bowl and beat until smooth.
- Incorporate Egg Mixture: Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan and mix thoroughly.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the shredded cheddar and colby cheeses, Worcestershire sauce, and pepper until the cheese sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Remove from Heat: Once all ingredients are incorporated, remove the saucepan from the heat and set the cheese sauce aside.
For Each Hot Brown:
- Prepare Toast: Cut each slice of toast in half and place them on a heat-resistant dish.
- Layer Meat: Arrange slices of turkey and ham on top of the toast halves.
- Add Cheese Sauce: Generously spoon the prepared cheese sauce over the turkey and ham layers, ensuring they are evenly covered.
- Top with Bacon and Tomato: Place three slices of crispy bacon and two slices of tomato (if desired) on each Hot Brown.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese: Finish off each Hot Brown by sprinkling some grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the assembled Hot Browns in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese sauce is golden and bubbly.
Serve your homemade Hot Browns hot and fresh out of the oven, and get ready to indulge in a taste sensation that’s sure to please your palate. Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting warmth of this classic dish with friends and family, and savor every delicious bite!