Hot Brown Recipe

Turkey breast: Slices of cooked turkey breast provide the main protein for the dish, offering a mild flavor that pairs well with the rich sauce.

Bacon: Crispy slices of bacon add a smoky, salty contrast to the creamy sauce and tender turkey.

Texas toast: Thick slices of toasted bread serve as the foundation for the sandwich, supporting the toppings without becoming soggy.

Mornay sauce: A creamy cheese sauce made with Parmesan and other ingredients, adding richness and depth to the dish.

Parmesan cheese: Grated cheese that enhances the flavor of the Mornay sauce and adds a savory finish when sprinkled on top.

Paprika: A spice that adds a hint of warmth and color to the dish, complementing the other flavors.

Parsley: Freshly chopped parsley is used as a garnish, adding a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note to the final presentation.

To achieve a perfectly creamy mornay sauce, ensure you whisk continuously while cooking to prevent lumps from forming. Start by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add flour to create a roux. Gradually whisk in milk, allowing the mixture to thicken before adding grated parmesan cheese. This constant whisking will help you achieve a smooth and velvety sauce, perfect for draping over your Hot Brown sandwiches.

• 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.