Hot Brown Recipe

Turkey breast: Cooked slices of turkey breast provide the main protein for this dish.

Bacon: Crispy, cooked bacon adds a smoky flavor and crunch.

White bread: Toasted white bread serves as the base for the sandwich.

Milk: Used to create the creamy cheese sauce.

Butter: Melted butter is combined with flour to make a roux for the sauce.

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

Parmesan cheese: Grated parmesan cheese is stirred into the sauce for a rich flavor.

Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the overall taste.

Black pepper: A pinch of black pepper adds a bit of spice.

Paprika: Sprinkled on top for garnish and a hint of color.

When making the cheese sauce, ensure you whisk continuously while gradually adding the milk. This prevents lumps from forming and results in a smooth, creamy texture. Additionally, make sure the butter and flour mixture, known as a roux, is cooked for about a minute to eliminate any raw flour taste.

• cooked turkey breast - Substitute with cooked chicken breast: Chicken breast has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a suitable alternative.

• cooked bacon - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon is a leaner option and provides a similar smoky flavor.

• toasted white bread - Substitute with whole wheat bread: Whole wheat bread adds more fiber and nutrients while maintaining a similar texture.

• milk - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that works well in sauces.

• butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a dairy-free option with a similar fat content.

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

• grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar salty and nutty flavor.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt provides a similar level of seasoning with a slightly different mineral content.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat and flavor but with a different color.

• paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a similar color and a smoky depth of flavor.

• Allow the Hot Brown to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
• Transfer the Hot Brown to an airtight container. If you have multiple servings, layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• For longer storage, wrap each Hot Brown individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the Hot Brown in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the Hot Brown in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
• Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the bacon and bread.
• Alternatively, you can reheat individual servings in the microwave. Place the Hot Brown on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to prevent splatters. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover Hot Brown in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the turkey and bacon from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese sauce is bubbly and the dish is heated through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to allow the top to crisp up slightly.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the Hot Brown on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. If needed, continue heating in 30-second intervals until the cheese sauce is hot and bubbly.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat.
  2. Place the Hot Brown in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  3. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even heating.
  4. If the cheese sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk to loosen it up.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the Hot Brown on a toaster oven tray.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil to keep the turkey and bacon moist.
  4. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, removing the foil for the last few minutes to crisp up the top.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the Hot Brown in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
  4. If the cheese sauce starts to dry out, add a small amount of milk before finishing the heating process.

• Oven: Used to bake the sandwiches until the sauce is bubbly and lightly browned.

• Saucepan: Used to melt the butter and cook the flour, then to make the cheese sauce by gradually whisking in the milk.

• Whisk: Essential for stirring the flour into the melted butter and for gradually whisking in the milk to create a smooth sauce.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the milk and flour accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the salt, pepper, and paprika.

• Baking dish: Used to hold the toasted bread slices topped with turkey and bacon, and to bake the assembled sandwiches.

• Toaster: Used to toast the white bread slices before assembling the sandwiches.

• Knife: Used to slice the cooked turkey breast if it's not pre-sliced.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface for slicing the cooked turkey breast.

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

• Spatula: Useful for spreading the cheese sauce evenly over the sandwiches.

• Oven mitts: Used to safely handle the hot baking dish when placing it in and removing it from the oven.

Use pre-cooked turkey: Save time by using pre-cooked turkey breast from the deli section.

Microwave bacon: Cook bacon in the microwave for a quicker alternative to frying.

Pre-made cheese sauce: Substitute homemade sauce with a store-bought cheese sauce to cut down on prep time.

Toast in batches: Toast bread slices in the oven all at once instead of using a toaster.

Assemble ahead: Prepare the sandwiches in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to bake.