Classic Kentucky Hot Brown with Béchamel Cheese Sauce
A classic Southern dish featuring turkey that is layered over toasted bread and covered in a creamy béchamel sauce then broiled to perfection with some bacon. It's the ultimate open-faced sandwich that uses up your left-overs.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups cream/milk
- ½ cups pecorino Romano cheese
- pinch nutmeg
- salt and pepper
- 4 thick slices French bread (or biscuit sliced in half)
- 4-8 thick slices turkey
- 8 slices bacon (cooked)
- 4 slices tomato (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat broiler.
- Place bread on a baking pan under broiler and toast. Remove and place in individual baking dishes.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute. Warm cream/milk in the microwave and add it slowly to the flour mixture whisking for 2-3 minutes until it just comes to a simmer. It should not be too thick. Whisk in ¼ cup cheese, nutmeg and salt and pepper.
- Add turkey slices to the top of the toasted bread. Pour ½ cup of sauce over the top and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Place under the broiler and cook until it is bubbly and lightly brown. Remove and top with cooked bacon and tomatoes if desired and place back under the broiler for a minute.
Barbara's Notes + Tips
- You can use any type of bread for the base.
- If the sauce is too thick, add more milk.
- You can use whole milk, half-and-half or heavy cream.
Nutrition
Calories: 459kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 76mg | Sodium: 810mg | Potassium: 374mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 441IU | Calcium: 310mg | Iron: 1mg
