Hot Brown Recipe

Toasted bread: Provides the base for the sandwich, adding a crunchy texture.

Sliced turkey: Adds a savory and tender protein layer to the dish.

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

Flour: Combined with butter to thicken the cheese sauce.

Milk: Forms the base of the cheese sauce, making it creamy and smooth.

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

Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the sauce, providing a rich, cheesy taste.

Tomato: Adds a fresh, juicy element to the sandwich.

Cooked bacon: Provides a crispy, salty topping that complements the creamy sauce.

When making the roux, ensure you cook it for at least a minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk to avoid lumps, and keep stirring until the sauce thickens to a smooth consistency. This will give your cheese sauce a velvety texture that coats the turkey and tomato slices perfectly.

• toasted bread - Substitute with toasted whole grain bread: Adds more fiber and nutrients for a healthier option.

• sliced turkey - Substitute with sliced chicken: Offers a similar texture and flavor profile.

• butter - Substitute with margarine: Provides a dairy-free alternative with a similar fat content.

• flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Works as a thickening agent and is gluten-free.

• milk - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk: A dairy-free option that maintains the creamy texture.

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

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded gouda: Provides a creamy and slightly sweet flavor.

• slices tomato - Substitute with slices roasted red pepper: Adds a smoky and sweet flavor.

• cooked bacon - Substitute with cooked turkey bacon: A leaner option with less fat and calories.

• Allow the Hot Brown to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the bread soggy.

• For short-term storage, place the Hot Brown in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• If you plan to freeze the Hot Brown, wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help prevent freezer burn and maintain the dish's flavor.

• Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness. The Hot Brown can be frozen for up to 2 months.

• When ready to reheat, thaw the Hot Brown in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove any plastic wrap or foil and place the Hot Brown in an oven-safe dish.

• Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese sauce from drying out. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

• For a crispier top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking. This will help the cheese sauce become bubbly and golden brown again.

• Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place the Hot Brown on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Always ensure the Hot Brown reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving to ensure it is thoroughly reheated.

• 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 cheese sauce from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the turkey and cheese sauce are warmed through.
  5. For a crispy finish, remove the foil in the last 5 minutes of reheating.

• 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 to heat in 30-second intervals until the turkey and cheese sauce are hot.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Place the Hot Brown in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  3. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even warming.
  4. If the cheese sauce starts to separate, add a splash of milk and stir gently to bring it back together.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the Hot Brown in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn't overcook.
  4. This method will give you a crispy bacon and a bubbly cheese sauce.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the Hot Brown on the toaster oven tray.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil to keep the cheese sauce moist.
  4. Heat for 10-15 minutes, removing the foil in the last few minutes for a golden-brown finish.

• Oven: Used to bake the dish until the cheese sauce is bubbly and golden brown.

• Saucepan: Utilized for melting butter, making the roux, and cooking the cheese sauce.

• Whisk: Essential for blending the flour into the melted butter and for gradually incorporating the milk to make a smooth sauce.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the butter, flour, milk, and cheeses.

• Baking dish: Holds the assembled sandwiches while they bake in the oven.

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

• Knife: Handy for slicing the turkey and tomatoes if they aren't pre-sliced.

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

• Grater: Needed for grating the parmesan and cheddar cheese if they aren't pre-shredded.

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

• Tongs: Helps in placing the cooked bacon slices on top of the sandwiches.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and organize all ingredients before starting. This ensures a smooth cooking process.

Use pre-cooked bacon: Save time by using store-bought pre-cooked bacon. Just heat it up when needed.

Pre-toast the bread: Toast the bread slices while preparing the cheese sauce to streamline the process.

Shred cheese ahead: Shred the cheddar cheese and grate the parmesan beforehand to save time during cooking.

Use a microwave for the roux: Speed up the roux by using a microwave-safe bowl to melt the butter and mix in the flour.