Kentucky Hot Brown Bites

Name: Kentucky Hot Brown Bites
Prep time: 11 min
Cook time: 23 min
Total time: 34 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 brioche loaf, sliced 1/2 inch thick (18-20 rounds); 8 oz roast turkey breast, sliced thin; 2 Roma tomatoes, sliced 1/4 inch; 6 strips thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp; 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for toasting); Smoked paprika and fresh parsley; 3 tbsp unsalted butter (Mornay); 3 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups whole milk, warmed; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 cup sharp white cheddar, grated; 1/2 cup pecorino or parmesan, finely grated; 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp white pepper, 1/2 tsp salt; 1 egg yolk (optional)

The classic Kentucky Hot Brown as party bites: turkey and tomato on toasted brioche under bubbly Mornay and bacon.

Total time

34 min

Serves

8

Difficulty

Medium

play_circle Watch episode 271

As seen on Episode 271

The pantry

kitchen

Essentials · serves 8

1 brioche loaf, sliced 1/2 inch thick (18-20 rounds) 8 oz roast turkey breast, sliced thin 2 Roma tomatoes, sliced 1/4 inch 6 strips thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for toasting) Smoked paprika and fresh parsley 3 tbsp unsalted butter (Mornay) 3 tbsp all-purpose flour 1 1/2 cups whole milk, warmed 1/2 cup heavy cream 1 cup sharp white cheddar, grated 1/2 cup pecorino or parmesan, finely grated 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp white pepper, 1/2 tsp salt 1 egg yolk (optional)

·

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The preparation

6 steps, about 34 minutes start to finish.

01
Cook bacon on parchment-lined sheet pan at 400°F, 14-16 min. Drain and break in half.
02
Cut brioche into 2-inch rounds. Brush with melted butter. Toast at 400°F for 5-7 min, flipping halfway.
03
Mornay: Melt 3 tbsp butter, whisk in flour, cook 1-2 min. Slowly whisk in warm milk, then cream. Cook 4-5 min until it coats a spoon.
04
Off heat, whisk in cheddar and pecorino until melted. Season with nutmeg, white pepper, salt. Temper and add egg yolk if using.
05
Assemble: brioche round → turkey fold → blotted tomato → generous Mornay → extra pecorino.
06
Broil 2-4 min until Mornay bubbles and browns. Top with bacon, dust with paprika and parsley. Serve hot.

lightbulb The chef's notes

“Blot your tomato slices on paper towels before assembling: wet tomatoes make soggy bites. The Mornay goes in off heat so the cheese melts smoothly instead of breaking.”

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