Hot Brown Recipe

Cooked turkey breast: Slices of tender, cooked turkey breast are the main protein in this dish.

Toasted white bread: Provides a crispy base for the sandwich.

Butter: Used to create the roux for the cheese sauce.

Flour: Combined with butter to make the roux, which thickens the sauce.

Milk: The liquid base for the cheese sauce.

Grated parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, savory flavor to the sauce.

Shredded cheddar cheese: Sprinkled on top for a bubbly, golden finish.

Tomato: Fresh slices add a juicy, acidic contrast to the rich sauce.

Cooked bacon: Crispy slices that top off the sandwich for added flavor and texture.

When making the roux for the cheese sauce, ensure you cook the flour and butter mixture for at least one minute to eliminate any raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.

• cooked turkey breast - Substitute with cooked chicken breast: Chicken breast provides a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a suitable replacement for turkey breast.

• toasted white bread - Substitute with toasted whole wheat bread: Whole wheat bread adds a nutty flavor and more fiber, making it a healthier option.

• butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a dairy-free alternative that provides a similar texture and flavor.

• 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 dairy-free alternative that can provide a similar creamy texture.

• grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino romano: Pecorino romano has a similar texture and a slightly saltier flavor, making it a good substitute.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded gouda cheese: Gouda cheese melts well and has a creamy texture, making it a suitable replacement for cheddar.

• slices tomato - Substitute with slices roasted red pepper: Roasted red peppers add a sweet and smoky flavor, providing a different but complementary taste.

• cooked bacon - Substitute with cooked pancetta: Pancetta offers a similar salty and savory flavor, making it a good alternative to bacon.

• Allow the Hot Brown to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
• For short-term storage, place the Hot Brown in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• If you plan to freeze the Hot Brown, wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This will help prevent freezer burn and maintain the dish's flavor.
• Label the container with the date so you can keep track of how long it has been stored. The Hot Brown can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the Hot Brown in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the Hot Brown on a baking sheet and cover it with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning.
• Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to let the cheese become bubbly and golden again.
• Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place the Hot Brown on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover Hot Brown on a baking sheet.
  3. Cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the bread from drying out.
  4. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the turkey is warmed through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes if you want the cheddar cheese to get extra crispy.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the Hot Brown on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to keep the moisture in.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through.
  4. If the cheese isn't fully melted, continue heating in 30-second intervals until hot.

• 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, checking occasionally to ensure the bread doesn't burn.
  4. Once the cheese is melted and the turkey is heated through, remove from the skillet and serve immediately.

• 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 even heating.
  4. If the cheese isn't fully melted, continue heating in 1-2 minute intervals until hot and bubbly.

• Oven: Used to bake the assembled Hot Brown until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

• Saucepan: Used to melt the butter and prepare the roux and cheese sauce.

• Whisk: Essential for stirring the roux and gradually incorporating the milk to ensure a smooth sauce.

• Baking sheet: Holds the toasted bread slices topped with turkey, tomato, and cheese sauce for baking.

• Knife: Used to slice the turkey, tomato, and bacon if not pre-sliced.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface for slicing the ingredients.

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

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

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

Pre-cook the bacon: Cook the bacon ahead of time and store it in the fridge. This saves you from waiting for it to cook while assembling the Hot Brown.

Use rotisserie turkey: Purchase a rotisserie turkey from the store. It’s already cooked and sliced, saving you the time of cooking and slicing turkey breast.

Make the sauce in advance: Prepare the cheese sauce the night before and store it in an airtight container. Reheat it gently on the stove before assembling the dish.

Toast bread in bulk: Toast all the bread slices at once in the oven instead of using a toaster. This allows you to prepare other ingredients simultaneously.