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Mini Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwiches

Mini Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwiches
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Mini Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwiches are savory, cheesy, bite-sized versions of the classic Southern dish. Featuring layers of tender turkey, crispy bacon, fresh tomato, and melty Gruyère cheese atop toasted sandwich bread, all smothered with a creamy Mornay sauce, these sandwiches are perfect as appetizers or quick snacks. Easy to prepare and versatile for any meal, they bring comforting, rich flavors in a convenient, crowd-pleasing format.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • Turkey breast slices (thinly sliced, cooked) – approx. 8 ounces
  • White sandwich bread slices – 8 slices, lightly toasted
  • Bacon strips (crisply cooked) – 8 strips
  • Gruyère cheese (shredded) – 1 cup
  • Tomato slices – 4 medium slices
  • Butter – 2 tablespoons (for toasting bread)

Mornay Sauce

  • Butter – 2 tablespoons
  • All-purpose flour – 2 tablespoons
  • Milk – 1 cup
  • Cheddar cheese (shredded) – 1/2 cup
  • Black pepper – to taste
  • Paprika – to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Mornay Sauce: Melt butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Whisk in flour to form a smooth roux and cook for 1-2 minutes without browning. Slowly add milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with a pinch of black pepper and paprika. Keep warm.
  2. Toast the Bread: Lightly butter each slice of white sandwich bread. Toast them in a skillet or in the oven until golden brown and crisp, creating a sturdy base that absorbs flavors without becoming soggy.
  3. Assemble the Sandwiches: On each toasted bread slice, layer tender turkey breast slices evenly. Spoon a generous amount of warm Mornay sauce over the turkey. Top with a fresh slice of tomato, then place crispy bacon strips on top of the tomato. Sprinkle a little black pepper and paprika for added spice.
  4. Add Cheese and Broil: Evenly sprinkle shredded Gruyère cheese over each assembled sandwich. Place the sandwiches under a preheated broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese melts, bubbles, and develops a golden crust. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  5. Serve Warm: Remove from the broiler and serve immediately while the cheese is hot and gooey for the best flavor and texture experience.

Notes

  • Use day-old or slightly stale bread for better texture and to prevent sogginess.
  • Broiling the cheese topping is essential for the iconic bubbly and browned finish.
  • Choose thick, moist turkey breast slices rather than dry, deli-style turkey for superior texture.
  • The Mornay sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable for easy spreading.
  • For consistently crisp bacon, baking it in the oven is recommended.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mini Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwiches, Southern appetizer, hot brown, bite-sized sandwich, Mornay sauce, turkey sandwich, party appetizer

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/mini-kentucky-hot-brown-sandwiches/