Hot Brown Recipe

White bread: The base of the sandwich, providing a soft and absorbent layer for the toppings.

Roast turkey breast: Sliced turkey adds a savory and hearty element to the dish.

Butter: Used to create the roux for the cheese sauce, adding richness and flavor.

All-purpose flour: Combined with butter to thicken the cheese sauce.

Milk: The liquid base for the cheese sauce, making it creamy and smooth.

Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor to the cheese sauce.

Cheddar cheese: Provides a creamy, tangy taste to the cheese sauce.

Tomato: Adds a fresh, juicy element to balance the richness of the dish.

Bacon: Crispy slices that add a smoky, salty crunch to the sandwich.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the cheese sauce.

When making the cheese sauce, ensure you whisk continuously while adding the milk to prevent lumps from forming. This will result in a smooth and creamy sauce that evenly coats the turkey and bread.

• white bread - Substitute with whole wheat bread: Whole wheat bread adds more fiber and nutrients.

• sliced roast turkey breast - Substitute with sliced roast chicken breast: Chicken breast is a versatile and readily available alternative.

• butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used for a dairy-free option.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can thicken sauces similarly to flour and is gluten-free.

• milk - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk: Almond milk is a good dairy-free alternative.

• grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar texture and a slightly stronger flavor.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded gouda cheese: Gouda melts well and has a creamy texture.

• tomato - Substitute with roasted red bell pepper: Roasted red bell peppers add a sweet and smoky flavor.

• crisp bacon - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon is a leaner option with less fat.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a savory umami flavor.

• pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat and spice.

• Allow the Hot Brown to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make the bread soggy.
• Wrap each Hot Brown individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This helps maintain its structure and prevents the cheese sauce from sticking to other items.
• Place the wrapped Hot Browns in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This adds an extra layer of protection against freezer burn.
• Label the container or bag with the date. This ensures you know how long the Hot Browns have been stored.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to keep them longer, place them in the freezer where they can be stored for up to 2 months.
• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the Hot Browns from the wrapping and place them on a baking sheet.
• Cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the bread from drying out. Bake for 15-20 minutes if refrigerated, or 25-30 minutes if frozen, until heated through and the cheese sauce is bubbly.
• For a quicker option, you can reheat in the microwave. Place the Hot Brown on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes if refrigerated, or 4-5 minutes if frozen. Check to ensure it is heated through.
• If the bacon loses its crispness during storage, you can crisp it up separately in a skillet or under the broiler for a few minutes before serving.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover Hot Brown in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with aluminum foil to prevent the bread from drying out. Bake for about 20 minutes or until heated through.

• For a quicker method, use a microwave. Place the Hot Brown on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a microwave-safe cover or another plate to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If you prefer a crispy finish, use a toaster oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and place the Hot Brown on the rack. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, keeping an eye on it to prevent burning.

• For stovetop reheating, 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 and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even warming.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the Hot Brown in the basket and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method will help retain the crispiness of the bacon and the bread.

• Oven: Used to bake the Hot Brown until the sauce is bubbly and the bacon is crisp.

• Saucepan: Used to melt the butter and cook the flour, then to make the cheese sauce.

• Whisk: Essential for whisking in the flour and milk to create a smooth sauce.

• Baking dish: Holds the bread slices and other ingredients while baking in the oven.

• Knife: Used to slice the bread, turkey, and tomatoes if they are not pre-sliced.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface for slicing the bread, turkey, and tomatoes.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the butter, flour, milk, and cheeses accurately.

• Grater: Used to grate the parmesan cheese if it is not pre-grated.

• Spatula: Helps in spreading the cheese sauce evenly over the turkey and bread.

• Tongs: Useful for placing the bacon slices on top of the sandwiches.

Pre-cook the bacon: Cook the bacon ahead of time and store it in the fridge. This way, you can just add it to the sandwiches when assembling.

Use pre-sliced turkey: Buy pre-sliced roast turkey breast to save time on slicing.

Make the cheese sauce in advance: Prepare the cheese sauce a day before and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently before using.

Toast the bread: Toast the bread slices while making the cheese sauce to streamline the process.

Assemble in batches: Assemble multiple sandwiches at once to save time during baking.