Mornay-Sauced Hot Brown Sandwich with Crispy Bacon
A Louisville classic featuring turkey and bacon layered under a rich cheese sauce, served on toasted sourdough for a comforting bite. This american-inspired quick meals ready in about 30 minutes pairs sourdough bread, cooked turkey breast, bacon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 4 oz cooked turkey breast
- 2 slices bacon
- 4 oz, shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup, grated Gruyere cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter. Whisk in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in 1 cup milk until smooth and thickened. Reduce heat to low, then stir in 1/2 cup grated Gruyere cheese until melted and smooth. Keep warm.
- Step 2: Cook 2 slices bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble.
- Step 3: Melt 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat. Place 4 slices sourdough bread in the skillet and toast until golden, about 2 minutes per side.
- Step 4: Spread 1/4 cup Mornay sauce on the toasted side of each bread slice. Top each with 1 oz sliced turkey, 1/2 oz crumbled bacon, and 1 oz shredded cheddar cheese. Place the remaining bread slice on top, sauce-side down.
- Step 5: Transfer assembled sandwiches to a baking sheet and broil on high for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mornay-Sauced Hot Brown Sandwich with Crispy Bacon take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 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 Mornay-Sauced Hot Brown Sandwich with Crispy Bacon?
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 sourdough bread from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Mornay-Sauced Hot Brown Sandwich with Crispy Bacon?
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 Mornay-Sauced Hot Brown Sandwich with Crispy Bacon for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Mornay-Sauced Hot Brown Sandwich with Crispy Bacon?
American quick meals 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved it! The bacon was perfectly crispy and the sauce elevated the sandwich.
- ★★★★★
This was a hit at my dinner party! The mornay sauce was creamy perfection.
- ★★★★☆
Great sandwich overall, but the sauce was slightly bland for my taste.
