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Perfect Open-Face Hot Brown Sandwich Recipe with Creamy Mornay Sauce Made Easy

open-face hot brown sandwich - featured image
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A rich and creamy open-face Hot Brown sandwich featuring thick-cut turkey, crispy bacon, and a silky Mornay sauce, perfect for brunch or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 thick slices white bread or Texas toast
  • 8 oz (225 g) cooked turkey breast slices, deli-style or leftover roasted turkey
  • 6–8 bacon strips, cooked until crispy
  • 3 tbsp (42 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 tbsp (24 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk, warmed slightly
  • 1 cup (110 g) shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1/2 cup (55 g) shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
  • Chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish
  • Optional: sliced tomatoes or a dash of hot sauce for extra zing

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
  2. Toast bread slices lightly in a toaster or under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to prevent sogginess.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about 2 minutes until pale golden roux forms.
  4. Gradually whisk in warm milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in Gruyère and cheddar cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using.
  6. Place toasted bread on a baking dish. Layer turkey slices evenly, then top with 1-2 bacon strips each.
  7. Ladle warm Mornay sauce generously over each sandwich, covering toppings.
  8. Broil on high for 3-5 minutes until sauce bubbles and turns golden brown. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  9. Remove from oven, garnish with chopped parsley or chives, and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Toast bread lightly to prevent sogginess. Whisk constantly when making the roux to avoid lumps. Warm milk before adding to sauce. Add cheese off heat to prevent graininess. Watch broiler closely to avoid burning. For gluten-free, substitute flour with cornstarch or gluten-free blend and use gluten-free bread. For dairy-free, use plant-based milk and vegan cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: Hot Brown sandwich, open-face sandwich, Mornay sauce, turkey sandwich, bacon, creamy cheese sauce, brunch recipe, comfort food

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/perfect-open-face-hot-brown-sandwich-recipe-with-creamy-mornay-sauce-made-easy/