Hot Brown Recipe

Cooked turkey breast: Sliced turkey that adds a tender, savory layer to the dish.

Cooked bacon: Crispy bacon slices that bring a smoky crunch.

Toasted Texas toast: Thick, toasted bread that holds all the toppings well.

Mornay sauce: A creamy cheese sauce that makes the dish rich and comforting.

Grated parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor and helps create a golden crust.

Paprika: A mild spice that gives a little color and warmth.

Chopped parsley: Fresh herb used as a bright, colorful garnish.

One of the most important steps in this Hot Brown Recipe is pouring the mornay sauce over the sandwiches just right. Here’s a simple way to do it without making a big mess or missing spots:

1. Hold your spoon or small ladle close to the sandwich, almost touching the turkey and bacon.
2. Pour the sauce slowly and evenly, moving the spoon around to cover all the slices.
3. If you see any spots without sauce, gently spoon a little more there.
4. Try not to pour too much in one spot or it might spill over the edges when baking.

Doing this carefully helps every bite get that creamy, cheesy flavor from the mornay sauce. It also keeps the sandwich from getting soggy or too watery on the bottom. When the sauce is spread evenly, it melts perfectly in the oven and makes the whole dish taste richer and more comforting.

I remember the first time I made this, I poured the sauce too fast and it dripped all over the baking dish. It was a bit messy, and the sauce pooled in one corner instead of covering the sandwiches. After that, I learned to slow down and take my time pouring. Now, I even use a ladle because it gives me better control. It’s a small step, but it really makes a difference in how the Hot Brown turns out.

So, next time you’re making this, just think of the sauce like a gentle hug for the turkey and bacon. Pour it slowly and evenly, and you’ll get that perfect, bubbly topping every time!

• Turkey breast - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast is a lean protein similar to turkey and will provide a similar texture and flavor profile.

• Bacon - Substitute with prosciutto: Prosciutto offers a salty and savory flavor similar to bacon, and it crisps up nicely when cooked.

• Texas toast - Substitute with sourdough bread: Sourdough bread has a hearty texture and a slightly tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients well.

• Mornay sauce - Substitute with béchamel sauce with cheese: Béchamel sauce with added cheese can mimic the creamy and cheesy qualities of a mornay sauce.

• Parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano: Pecorino romano is a hard cheese with a sharp and salty flavor similar to parmesan.

• Paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a similar color and a smoky depth of flavor that enhances the dish.

• Parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro provides a fresh and vibrant flavor, though it is more pronounced than parsley.

• Allow the hot brown to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the texas toast soggy.

• Once cooled, wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This ensures that each portion is protected from air exposure, preserving its flavor and texture.

• Place the wrapped sandwiches in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This adds an extra layer of protection against freezer burn and helps maintain freshness.

• For short-term storage, keep the hot brown in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This is ideal if you plan to enjoy them soon.

• For longer storage, place the wrapped sandwiches in the freezer. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without significant loss of quality.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the hot brown in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the integrity of the mornay sauce and prevents the texas toast from becoming too mushy.

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°f (175°c). Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.

• For a crispier texture, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating. This will help the bacon regain its delightful crunch.

• If you're in a hurry, you can also reheat the hot brown in the microwave. Place it on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until heated through, though be aware this method may result in a softer texture.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover Hot Brown on a baking sheet. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the turkey and bacon from drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until the mornay sauce is bubbly and everything is warmed through.

• For a quicker method, use the microwave. Place the Hot Brown on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to trap moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating. Be cautious, as the mornay sauce can heat unevenly.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the Hot Brown inside and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method helps maintain the crispiness of the bacon and the toast while ensuring the mornay sauce is hot.

• On the stovetop, use a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the pan. Place the Hot Brown in the skillet, cover with a lid, and heat for about 5-10 minutes. This method helps keep the texas toast crispy while warming the inside.

• Oven: Used to bake the assembled Hot Brown, ensuring the sauce becomes bubbly and the cheese melts perfectly.

• Baking dish: Holds the Texas toast, turkey, and bacon, allowing them to bake evenly in the oven.

• Toaster: Used to toast the Texas toast slices to a golden brown before assembling the dish.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the mornay sauce and parmesan cheese.

• Grater: Used to grate the parmesan cheese if starting from a block, ensuring it melts smoothly.

• Knife: Useful for chopping parsley for garnish and slicing the turkey if not pre-sliced.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping parsley and slicing turkey.

• Spoon or ladle: Used to pour the mornay sauce evenly over the sandwiches.

• Spatula: Helps in transferring the toasted bread and assembling the layers neatly in the baking dish.

Pre-cook ingredients: Use pre-cooked turkey breast and bacon to save time. This way, you only need to assemble and bake.

Use store-bought sauce: Opt for a store-bought mornay sauce to cut down on preparation time.

Batch toast: Toast multiple slices of texas toast at once in the oven to streamline the process.

Pre-grated cheese: Purchase pre-grated parmesan cheese to avoid the extra step of grating.

Assemble ahead: Prepare the sandwiches in advance and refrigerate. Simply bake when ready to serve.