Kentucky Hot Brown

Name: Kentucky Hot Brown
Yield: Serves 4 or 8
Ingredients: 1 boneless turkey breast, about 3 pounds; 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, softened; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper; 2 cups whole milk, plus more if needed; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1/2 pound sharp white cheddar cheese, grated (2 cups); 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg; 4 large eggs; 1 1/2 cups whole milk, or more if needed; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper; 8 (1/2-inch-thick) slices day-old Pullman or other good-quality white sandwich bread; 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter; 6 tablespoons canola oil; 3 ripe beefsteak tomatoes, sliced 1/2 inch thick; 6 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese, grated (1 1/2 cups); 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 16 (1/4-inch-thick) slices bacon, cooked until crisp (see page 49); Fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, for garnish

December 14, 2011

The Kentucky sandwich. Built on a base of savory French toast, this open-faced sandwich needs no doubling up. Thick slices of turkey breast and juicy tomatoes are topped with a decadent cheese sauce, broiled until bubbly and golden brown, then crowned with crisp slices of bacon. It’s no surprise that this dish, named for its birthplace at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, has become Kentucky Derby lore.

Recipe notes

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

Gochujang Turkey Sweet Potatoes

Fully loaded, meal-prep friendly, and ready to be dressed up, down, or sideways.