20 Delicious Hot Brown Recipes Classic

20 Delicious Hot Brown Recipes: Classic Twists on a Kentucky Tradition

The Hot Brown, a dish born from the depths of a Louisville hotel kitchen in the early 1900s, has become a beloved classic. This open-faced sandwich of turkey, bacon, tomato, and Mornay sauce on toasted bread is a staple of Southern cuisine. But why stop at just one version? Our collection of 20 hot brown recipes takes this Kentucky tradition to new heights with creative twists and delicious combinations. From casseroles and sandwiches to pizzas and pastas, there’s something for everyone in this mouthwatering list. So get ready to elevate your lunch game and impress your friends with these scrumptious and satisfying hot browns.

Traditional Kentucky Hot Brown

The Kentucky Hot Brown is a beloved sandwich originating from Louisville’s Brown Hotel. This recipe yields a tender, juicy turkey and ham combination smothered in a rich Mornay sauce, served on toasted bread.

Ingredients:

– 4 slices of white bread
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 pound cooked turkey breast, sliced
– 1/4 pound cooked ham, diced
– 1 cup Mornay sauce (see below)
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– Fresh parsley, chopped

Mornay Sauce:

– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Butter bread slices.
3. Top each slice with turkey, ham, Mornay sauce, and cheddar cheese.
4. Place sandwiches under broiler for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley.
6. Cook time: approximately 15 minutes.

Mornay Sauce Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add flour and whisk to combine; cook for 1 minute.
3. Gradually add milk, whisking continuously.
4. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened.
5. Remove from heat and stir in grated cheese.

Hot Brown Casserole

This Hot Brown Casserole recipe combines the flavors of a traditional Hot Brown sandwich with the comfort of a casserole. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound cooked turkey breast, sliced
– 1 cup Mornay sauce (see below)
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 1/2 cups cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup chopped green onions
– 1/4 cup crushed crackers

Mornay Sauce:

– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine turkey, Mornay sauce, and shredded cheese.
3. Pour mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Dot the top with butter.
5. Sprinkle cream of mushroom soup and crushed crackers over the top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Hot Brown Sandwich

The Hot Brown Sandwich is a classic Louisville, Kentucky dish that combines the richness of turkey, bacon, and cheddar cheese with the creaminess of Mornay sauce. This decadent sandwich is perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

– 4 slices of white bread
– 1 pound sliced turkey breast
– 6 slices of cooked bacon
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup Mornay sauce (see below)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Mornay Sauce:

– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat your broiler.
2. Assemble the sandwiches by placing a slice of turkey, two slices of bacon, and a sprinkle of cheese on each bread slice.
3. Spoon Mornay sauce over the top of each sandwich.
4. Place the sandwiches under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Hot Brown Pizza

This Hot Brown Pizza combines the rich flavors of a Hot Brown sandwich with the convenience of a pizza, perfect for a cozy night in or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb pizza dough
– 8 oz cooked turkey breast, diced
– 1 cup Mornay sauce (see below)
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste

Mornay Sauce:

– 2 tbsp butter
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out pizza dough and place on a baking sheet.
3. Spread Mornay sauce over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
4. Top with diced turkey breast, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped parsley.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Hot Brown Sliders

Elevate your slider game with these Hot Brown-inspired bites, featuring roasted turkey, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a party or a quick snack.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound ground turkey
– 4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 4 hamburger buns
– 2 cups chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add crumbled bacon, butter, salt, and pepper to the skillet; stir to combine.
4. Spoon the turkey mixture onto hamburger buns.
5. Top each slider with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped parsley.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes

Hot Brown Pasta

Satisfy your cravings with this creamy, cheesy pasta dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in. This Hot Brown Pasta recipe combines the comfort of mac and cheese with the richness of browned butter and crispy bacon.

Ingredients:

– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add crumbled bacon and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Add heavy cream and stir until combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine cooked macaroni and cheese mixture. Transfer to a baking dish and top with additional grated cheese (optional).
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Hot Brown Stuffed Peppers

Elevate your stuffed pepper game with this creative twist on a classic dish. Our Hot Brown Stuffed Peppers combine the flavors of hot browns (open-faced sandwiches) with bell peppers for a unique and delicious meal.

Ingredients:

– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place them in a baking dish.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until browned, breaking up meat with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Stir in milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
5. Stuff each bell pepper with the meat mixture and top with shredded cheese.
6. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, or until peppers are tender.

Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes

Hot Brown Breakfast Skillet

Start your day off right with this hearty breakfast skillet packed with crispy bacon, tender sausage, and scrambled eggs, all nestled in a bed of creamy mashed potatoes and topped with melted cheddar cheese.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb boneless pork sausage
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon
– 4 large eggs
– 2 cups of mashed potatoes
– 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until browned and cooked through.
3. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside. Leave the drippings in the pan.
4. Add the bacon to the skillet and cook until crispy, flipping halfway through. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside with the sausage.
5. Crack in the eggs and scramble them up in the remaining drippings until cooked to your liking.
6. Stir in the mashed potatoes and shredded cheese until well combined.
7. Add the cooked sausage and bacon back into the skillet, stirring to combine.
8. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Hot Brown Dip

This rich and creamy dip is perfect for game day gatherings or casual get-togethers with friends. With its velvety texture and savory flavors, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

– 1 (16 oz) container of cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, half-and-half or heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish or a small cast-iron skillet.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the dip is hot and bubbly.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Hot Brown Soup

This creamy soup combines the flavors of turkey, Mornay sauce, and crispy bacon to create a rich and satisfying meal. Perfect for a chilly day or as a unique appetizer.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound cooked turkey breast, diced
– 1/4 cup Mornay sauce (see below)
– 6 slices of crispy bacon, crumbled
– Salt and pepper to taste

Mornay Sauce:

– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened (3-4 minutes).
2. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, milk, and turkey to the pot. Stir to combine.
3. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes or until heated through.
4. Stir in Mornay sauce and crumbled bacon.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional crispy bacon if desired.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Hot Brown Quesadilla

Get ready to elevate your quesadilla game with this creative take on the classic Hot Brown sandwich. This recipe combines the crispy, cheesy goodness of a quesadilla with the rich flavors of turkey, bacon, and Mornay sauce.

Ingredients:

– 2 large flour tortillas
– 1 pound cooked turkey breast, diced
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup Mornay sauce (or substitute with a mixture of grated cheddar and heavy cream)
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the turkey, bacon, and cheese on half of the tortilla.
3. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
4. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
5. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
6. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!

Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes

Hot Brown Nachos

Elevate your snack game with this indulgent take on traditional nachos, featuring the rich flavors of Hot Browns. This recipe combines crispy tortilla chips with creamy brie cheese, savory turkey, and tangy cranberry sauce for a truly unforgettable snacking experience.

Ingredients:

– 1 bag of tortilla chips
– 8 oz brie cheese, softened
– 1 lb cooked turkey breast, diced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp cranberry sauce
– 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Arrange tortilla chips in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. In a separate bowl, mix softened brie cheese with diced turkey, chopped parsley, cranberry sauce, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined.
4. Spread the cheese-turkey mixture evenly over the tortilla chips.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Remove from oven and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Hot Brown Stuffed Mushrooms

Elevate your snack game with these decadent Hot Brown Stuffed Mushrooms, featuring creamy cheese and savory turkey. Perfect for parties or cozy nights in.

Ingredients:

– 12 large mushrooms (such as portobello or cremini), cleaned and stemmed
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 1/4 cup crumbled cooked turkey breast
– 1 tablespoon butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together cheeses, turkey, and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Stuff each mushroom cap with the cheese mixture, dividing it evenly among the mushrooms.
4. Dot the top of each mushroom with butter.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Hot Brown Waffles

Elevate your brunch game with these crispy and indulgent Hot Brown Waffles, inspired by the classic Open-Faced Turkey Hot Browns of Louisville’s iconic Brown Hotel. These waffles are a twist on the original, packed with sweet and savory flavors.

Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 4 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup milk
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup crumbled cooked turkey breast (optional)
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and melted butter.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; stir until just combined (do not overmix).
5. Pour approximately 1/4 cup batter onto center of waffle iron.
6. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown. Repeat with remaining batter.
7. Top with crumbled turkey breast and shredded cheese, if using.

Cooking Time: Approximately 12-15 minutes (depending on waffle iron)

Hot Brown Grilled Cheese

Elevate your grilled cheese game with this indulgent take on the classic, featuring roasted turkey and creamy brown sauce. This Hot Brown Grilled Cheese is perfect for a comforting meal or snack.

Ingredients:

– 2 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, divided
– 2 slices of deli turkey breast
– 1/4 cup of brown sauce (such as Thousand Island dressing)
– 2 slices of cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one slice, butter-side down, on the grill.
4. Top with a slice of turkey, a sprinkle of brown sauce, and a slice of cheese.
5. Place the second bread slice, butter-side up, on top.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes or until the other side is also toasted.

Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes

Hot Brown Salad

This Hot Brown Salad combines the warm, comforting flavors of the traditional Hot Brown sandwich with the freshness of a salad. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal or as a unique side dish.

Ingredients:

– 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
– 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1/2 cup crispy bacon, crumbled
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine chopped lettuce, cooked chicken, crispy bacon, and grated cheese.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the mayonnaise mixture over the salad and toss to coat.
5. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top and serve warm.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Hot Brown Meatballs

This recipe takes the traditional meatball and adds a spicy kick with hot sauce and a sweet and tangy glaze, perfect for serving at your next party or gathering.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well with hands or wooden spoon until just combined.
3. Use your hands to shape mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
5. While meatballs are baking, mix hot sauce and brown sugar in a small bowl. Remove meatballs from oven and brush with hot sauce mixture.
6. Return to oven for an additional 2-3 minutes or until glaze is caramelized.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Hot Brown Lasagna

This classic Hot Brown Lasagna is a twist on traditional lasagna, featuring the creamy goodness of Mornay sauce and the savory flavors of browned turkey and ham. Perfect for a comforting dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients:

– 8 lasagna noodles
– 2 cups cooked turkey breast, diced
– 1 cup diced ham
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups Mornay sauce (see note)
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
3. In a large skillet, sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add turkey and ham; cook until heated through.
4. Spread a layer of Mornay sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange 4 lasagna noodles on top.
5. Spoon half of the turkey-ham mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Repeat layers, finishing with a layer of cheese.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Hot Brown Pot Pie

This savory pie combines the flavors of hot browns with a flaky crust, perfect for a cozy night in or a comforting meal on-the-go. With its rich brown sauce, tender chicken, and crispy topping, this pot pie is sure to become a new favorite.

Ingredients:

– 1 package puff pastry, thawed
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and diced
– 1 cup hot brown sauce (or your favorite gravy)
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to desired thickness.
3. In a bowl, combine chicken, hot brown sauce, and cheddar cheese.
4. Spoon the mixture onto one half of the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border around edges.
5. Fold the other half of the pastry over filling, pressing edges to seal.
6. Brush with egg wash (beaten egg mixed with water) and sprinkle with green onions.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Hot Brown Deviled Eggs

Elevate your deviled egg game with this creative twist on a classic: Hot Brown Deviled Eggs. This recipe combines the creamy, savory flavors of deviled eggs with the bold, cheesy goodness of hot browns.

Ingredients:

– 6 large eggs, hard-boiled and peeled
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped cooked bacon
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cut eggs in half lengthwise and carefully remove yolks.
2. In a bowl, combine yolks, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and horseradish. Mix until smooth.
3. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and chopped bacon until well combined.
4. Spoon the yolk mixture into egg white halves.
5. Sprinkle with additional paprika and chopped bacon for garnish.
6. Chill in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Cooking Time: None! These deviled eggs are ready to go straight from the fridge.

Summary

Get ready to indulge in the rich flavors of Kentucky’s iconic Hot Brown! This classic dish has been reimagined into 20 mouth-watering recipes that will satisfy any appetite. From traditional Hot Browns served on toasted bread to innovative twists like pizza, pasta, and even waffles, there’s something for everyone. Discover how this beloved comfort food can be transformed into a breakfast skillet, meatballs, or even deviled eggs. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, these recipes are sure to impress!