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Classic Comforting Hot Brown Open-Face Turkey Sandwich

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A cozy, indulgent open-face turkey sandwich with creamy Mornay cheese sauce, crispy bacon, and tender turkey on crusty bread, perfect for quick and comforting dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 slices thick-sliced white or sourdough bread
  • 2 cups cooked turkey breast, sliced or shredded
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk, warmed
  • 1 cup (100 g) sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup (45 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional)
  • Tomato slices (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven’s broiler to high and line a baking sheet with foil. Cook bacon strips until crisp, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Set aside. If using tomato slices, have them ready.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Cook the roux for about 2 minutes, whisking constantly until it turns a light golden color.
  3. Slowly pour in 2 cups (480 ml) of warm whole milk while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and starts to bubble gently, about 5–7 minutes.
  4. Lower heat to medium-low and stir in 1 cup shredded sharp white cheddar and ½ cup grated Parmesan. Add 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne if desired. Stir until cheese melts smoothly and sauce is creamy. Remove from heat.
  5. Arrange the bread slices on the baking sheet. If using tomato slices, place them directly on the bread. Layer turkey evenly over the bread or tomato. Spoon a generous amount of Mornay sauce over the turkey, making sure it’s well covered.
  6. Sprinkle chopped bacon over each sandwich, then place under the broiler 6 inches from the heat source. Broil for 3–5 minutes or until the cheese sauce is bubbling and golden brown. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  7. Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley or chives if desired, and serve immediately while warm and melty.

Notes

If sauce is too thick before assembly, whisk in a splash of warm milk to loosen. If too thin, cook longer to thicken. Use sturdy bread to prevent sogginess. Watch broiler closely to avoid burning cheese. Bacon can be cooked in oven on wire rack for even crisping. For lighter version, use 2% milk and turkey bacon. Leftover cranberry sauce pairs well as a sweet contrast.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot brown, open-face sandwich, turkey sandwich, comfort food, Mornay sauce, bacon, easy dinner

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/classic-comforting-hot-brown-recipe-easy-open-face-turkey-sandwich-ideas/