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Kentucky Hot Brown Casserole

Kentucky Hot Brown Casserole

Kentucky Hot Brown Casserole is a comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of turkey, bacon, and a creamy Mornay sauce, all baked together in one glorious casserole dish, making it perfect for family dinners and potlucks.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups cooked turkey breast, cubed or shredded
  • 12 slices thick-cut baco
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 3 medium Roma tomatoes, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 cups bread cubes (optional topping)

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish generously with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Cook bacon in a large skillet until crispy. Transfer to paper towels to drain, then crumble into pieces. Set aside for topping your Kentucky Hot Brown Casserole later.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in flour constantly for about 2 minutes to create your roux base.
  4. Gradually pour in milk and cream while whisking continuously. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Add Parmesan cheese, half the cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until cheese melts completely into a smooth Mornay sauce.
  6. Place cubed turkey in the prepared baking dish. Pour the creamy Mornay sauce evenly over the turkey. Gently stir to coat everything thoroughly.
  7. Arrange tomato slices on top. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese, then add crumbled bacon. If using bread cubes, toss them in melted butter and scatter over the casserole.
  8. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the casserole bubbles around the edges and the top turns golden brown.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

This casserole can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. For best results, use freshly grated cheese and let dairy sit at room temperature before use.