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Kentucky Hot Brown Casserole

If there was ever a sandwich that belonged in a casserole dish, it’s the cheesy, gravy-smothered Hot Brown. Created by the chefs of Louisville’s Brown Hotel in the 1920s to satisfy the demands of their late-night dancing guests, this classic sandwich begs to be eaten with a knife and fork. The Kentucky Derby may have been postponed until fall, but that doesn't mean we're missing out on a home-bound Saturday of mint julep sipping and snacking. Fans can tune in to a special broadcast on NBC on May 2, from 3 to 6 p.m. EDT, which will feature the 2015 Kentucky Derby that began the legendary American Pharoah’s historic Triple Crown run. In addition, the NBC broadcast will highlight Churchill Downs’ first-ever virtual horse race—The Kentucky Derby: Triple Crown Showdown, a computer-simulated version of a race under the historic Twin Spires of Churchill Downs. While you watch, enjoy springtime and a hint of normalcy by making a Derby-worthy spread full of all your favorites. For starters, whip up a batch of our best-ever pimiento cheese and a spirited Blackberry Mint Julep to accompany. This classic Derby drink may just become your new favorite cocktail, and if you don't have blackberry jam, don't worry; you can use whatever jam you have on hand. Also, on our must-make list is our cheesy Kentucky Hot Brown Casserole, an ode to the Hot Brown sandwich that became a Kentucky classic when it was founded during the 1920s at Louisville's Brown Hotel. And no spread is complete without dessert. Our Kentucky Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie will have you looking forward to autumn when you can celebrate all over again.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1 ⁄2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese divided
  • 1 ⁄2 cup shredded extra-sharp white Cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 ⁄8 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 4 1-inch-thick slices white bread, toasted
  • 1 pound thinly sliced turkey breast
  • 1 ⁄8 teaspoon paprika
  • 4 slices bacon cooked and halved
  • Garnish: chopped tomatoes fresh parsley

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to broil. Spray an 8x8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
  • In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour, whisking to combine. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth. Cook, whisking constantly, until thickened, approximately 6 minutes. Stir in 1/2 cup Swiss, Cheddar, salt, and pepper until smooth. Remove from heat. Set aside.
  • Place bread in an even layer in prepared dish, trimming as needed to fit. Layer turkey evenly over bread; top with cheese mixture. Sprinkle with remaining 1⁄2 cup Swiss and paprika.
  • Broil until cheese melts and begins to brown, approximately 4 minutes. Top with bacon, tomatoes, and parsley, if desired.