Festive Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwich with Smoked Turkey and Mornay Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic Louisville open-faced sandwich layered with smoked turkey, crispy bacon, and a rich Mornay cheese sauce, perfect for family weekend meals. This american-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 30 minutes blends thick sliced white bread, thinly sliced smoked turkey breast, cooked crisp bacon strips into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly toast 4 thick slices of white bread and place them on a baking sheet.
  2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter. Whisk in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and pale golden.
  3. Step 3: Gradually whisk in 1 1/4 cups whole milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese until melted and smooth. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Arrange 8 oz thinly sliced smoked turkey breast evenly over the toasted bread slices, then spoon the cheese sauce generously over each.
  6. Step 6: Top each sandwich with 2 crisp bacon strips and 1-2 slices of tomato. Sprinkle 1/2 tsp paprika over the top.
  7. Step 7: Bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and lightly browned. Serve warm.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Festive Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwich with Smoked Turkey and Mornay Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Festive Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwich with Smoked Turkey and Mornay Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Festive Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwich with Smoked Turkey and Mornay Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Festive Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwich with Smoked Turkey and Mornay Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Festive Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwich with Smoked Turkey and Mornay Sauce?

American sandwiches & wraps like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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