Description
Mini Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwiches are bite-sized Southern delights featuring tender turkey, crispy bacon, creamy Mornay sauce, and melted cheese layered on toasted bread. These easy-to-make sandwiches are perfect for parties, snacks, or any meal where you want rich, savory flavors in a convenient, shareable form.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Turkey breast slices (roasted or deli) – quantity as needed for sandwiches
- Thick white bread – enough slices to cut into mini squares or rounds
- Bacon strips – sufficient for topping each sandwich
- Cheddar or Swiss cheese, shredded – about 1 cup, plus extra for topping
- Mornay sauce (see below)
- Butter – approximately 2 tablespoons for toasting and sauce
- Garlic powder – 1/2 teaspoon
- Onion powder – 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Optional paprika or cayenne pepper – a pinch for garnish or sauce
Mornay Sauce Ingredients
- Butter – 2 tablespoons
- All-purpose flour – 2 tablespoons
- Warm milk – 1 1/4 cups
- Grated cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyere) – 1/2 cup
- Garlic powder – 1/4 teaspoon
- Onion powder – 1/4 teaspoon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper – to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Mornay Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for about 1-2 minutes without browning. Gradually add warm milk while whisking continuously until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in grated cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Toast the Bread: Cut the thick white bread into mini squares or rounds. Lightly butter each piece on both sides. Toast them in a hot skillet or oven until golden and crisp to provide a sturdy base that won’t get soggy from the sauce.
- Layer the Turkey and Bacon: Place a slice of roasted or deli turkey on each toasted bread piece. Top with a crispy bacon strip to add smoky flavor and crunch.
- Add the Sauce and Cheese: Spoon a generous amount of the warm Mornay sauce over the turkey and bacon layers. Sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top. Place the sandwiches under a broiler or in a hot oven until the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and, if desired, a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper over the sandwiches. Serve immediately while warm and melty to enjoy the full Southern flavor experience.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for better toasting and reduced sogginess under the sauce.
- Prepare the Mornay sauce ahead of time and gently reheat before assembling to save time.
- Ensure bacon is cooked fully crispy for optimal texture contrast.
- Keep a close watch when broiling to melt cheese perfectly without burning.
- Try mixing different cheeses like Gruyere or Monterey Jack to add richness and depth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini sandwich
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg