Hot Brown Recipe

White bread: Slices of soft, white bread form the base of the sandwich.

Roasted turkey breast: Sliced, cooked turkey breast adds a savory, meaty layer.

Tomato: Fresh tomato slices provide a juicy, acidic contrast.

Bacon: Crispy, cooked bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch.

Butter: Used to create the base of the Mornay sauce.

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

Milk: Warmed milk is used to create the creamy Mornay sauce.

Parmesan cheese: Grated cheese adds a rich, nutty flavor to the sauce.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Ground black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the sauce.

When making the mornay sauce, ensure you whisk constantly while adding the warm milk to avoid lumps. This will result in a smooth and creamy sauce that coats the turkey and bread evenly. Additionally, make sure the parmesan cheese is finely grated so it melts quickly and integrates well into the sauce.

• white bread - Substitute with whole grain bread: Whole grain bread adds more fiber and nutrients, making the dish healthier.

• sliced roasted turkey breast - Substitute with sliced roasted chicken breast: Chicken breast is a versatile and widely available alternative that provides a similar texture and flavor.

• tomato - Substitute with roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers offer a sweet and smoky flavor that complements the other ingredients well.

• cooked bacon - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon is a leaner option with less fat and calories, while still providing a similar savory taste.

• butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier fat option that can still create a rich and creamy sauce.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can be used as a thickening agent and is gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

• warmed milk - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk: Unsweetened almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that works well in sauces and has a mild flavor.

• grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar texture and a slightly stronger flavor, which can add a unique twist to the dish.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a depth of umami flavor and reduce the need for additional salt.

• ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor but with a slightly different, more subtle taste.

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

• Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This ensures that they stay fresh and prevents any flavors from mingling with other items in your fridge or freezer.

• Place the wrapped sandwiches in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This adds an extra layer of protection against freezer burn and helps maintain the quality of the turkey and mornay sauce.

• Label the container or bag with the date. This helps you keep track of how long the sandwiches have been stored and ensures you consume them while they are still at their best.

• Store the sandwiches in the refrigerator if you plan to eat them within 2-3 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer where they can last up to 2 months.

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place the sandwiches on a baking sheet. Cover loosely with foil to prevent the bread from drying out.

• Bake for 15-20 minutes if refrigerated, or 25-30 minutes if frozen, until the mornay sauce is bubbly and the turkey is heated through. For a crispier top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.

• Alternatively, you can reheat in a microwave. Place the sandwich on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes if refrigerated, or 4-6 minutes if frozen, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover Hot Brown on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps maintain the crispiness of the bacon and the texture of the bread.

• For a quicker option, use a microwave. Place the Hot Brown on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to prevent splattering. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating. Be cautious as the mornay sauce can get very hot.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the Hot Brown inside and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method will help keep the bacon crispy and the bread slightly toasted.

• For stovetop reheating, use a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. 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. This method can help maintain the texture of the bread and bacon.

• If you prefer a toaster oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the Hot Brown on a piece of aluminum foil or a baking tray and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This method is great for achieving a slightly crispy texture on the bread and bacon.

• Oven: Used to preheat to 400°F (200°C) and bake the sandwiches until the sauce is bubbly and lightly browned.

• Saucepan: Used to melt the butter, cook the flour, and prepare the mornay sauce.

• Whisk: Essential for gradually whisking in the warm milk to ensure a smooth sauce.

• Baking dish: Holds the slices of bread topped with turkey, tomato, and mornay sauce for baking.

• Knife: Used to slice the roasted turkey breast and tomatoes.

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

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the butter, flour, salt, and pepper accurately.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the milk and grated parmesan cheese.

• Spatula: Useful for stirring the sauce and spreading it over the sandwiches.

• Tongs: Handy for placing the cooked bacon on top of the sandwiches.

• Oven mitts: Essential for safely handling the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.

Use pre-cooked turkey: Save time by using pre-cooked turkey breast from the deli section instead of roasting your own.

Pre-made mornay sauce: Purchase pre-made mornay sauce to skip the sauce preparation step.

Toast bread in advance: Toast the bread slices ahead of time and store them in an airtight container.

Microwave bacon: Cook the bacon in the microwave for quicker preparation.

Assemble the night before: Assemble the sandwiches the night before and store them in the fridge, then bake when ready.