The Kentucky Hot Brown is traditionally a crispy foundation of toasted bread adorned with sliced turkey and a deliciously creamy cheese sauce – all broiled to perfection. Flavorful bacon pieces and plum tomato slices offered the final garnish. The Southern dish originally gained popularity in the 1920s at the Louisville’s Brown Hotel, and since then, countless variations of the iconic meal have been made - including these easy-to-prepare Mini Hot Browns.
Complete with small portions of toasted white bread and a turkey-cheese sauce, this recipe claims all the flavor of the classic dish without any of the hassle. Plus, it’s perfect for wedding showers and garden parties, where no one prefers to eat a dish that’s infamously messy. Mini Hot Browns are the appetizer-version of the traditional hot browns sandwich - and after trying this recipe, you may never go back. Place them on the table at your next Kentucky Derby party or church potluck, and watch as they disappear instantly.
How to Make It
Step 1
Using a biscuit cutter, cut the sandwich bread into circles. Arrange bread slices on a lightly greased baking sheet. Broil 6 inches from heat for 3 to 4 minutes.
Step 2
Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat; add flour, and cook, whisking constantly, until smooth. Gradually whisk in milk; cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until mixture is thickened and bubbly. Add Cheddar cheese, whisking until cheese melts. Stir in diced turkey, salt, and ground red pepper.
Step 3
Top bread evenly with warm cheese-turkey mixture. Sprinkle evenly with Parmesan cheese and half of bacon.
Step 4
Bake at 500° for 2 minutes or until Parmesan is melted. Top with tomato slices, and sprinkle evenly with remaining bacon.
