Kentucky Hot Brown Open-Faced Turkey Sandwich

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A regional classic from Kentucky, this open-faced sandwich layers roasted turkey with creamy Mornay sauce and crispy bacon, broiled until bubbly and golden. This american-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 30 minutes pairs sliced white sandwich bread, sliced thin roasted turkey breast, strips bacon strips for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 620 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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 620 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your broiler to high. Cook 6 bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, then drain on paper towels.
  2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute until bubbly but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Slowly whisk in 2 cups whole milk, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp white pepper until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Lightly toast 4 slices of white sandwich bread and place on a baking sheet. Layer each slice with 2 oz sliced roasted turkey breast and one thin tomato slice.
  5. Step 5: Spoon the cheese sauce generously over each sandwich, then top with 1-2 bacon strips per sandwich.
  6. Step 6: Place sandwiches under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and golden. Remove, sprinkle 1/2 tsp paprika evenly over all sandwiches and serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Kentucky Hot Brown Open-Faced Turkey Sandwich take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Kentucky Hot Brown Open-Faced Turkey Sandwich?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep sliced white sandwich bread from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Kentucky Hot Brown Open-Faced Turkey Sandwich?

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 Kentucky Hot Brown Open-Faced Turkey Sandwich 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 Kentucky Hot Brown Open-Faced Turkey Sandwich?

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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