Hot Brown Casserole Recipe Easy and Delicious Dinner Idea

The Hot Brown Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic Kentucky Hot Brown sandwich, reimagined into a comforting, hearty casserole that’s perfect for family dinners or cozy weekend meals. This dish combines tender turkey, crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and a creamy Mornay sauce, all layered over toasted bread cubes and baked to golden perfection.

Whether you’re a fan of traditional Southern cuisine or simply looking for a new way to enjoy a savory casserole, this recipe brings together rich flavors and satisfying textures in every bite.

Easy to prepare and wonderfully indulgent, the Hot Brown Casserole has become a favorite for many who crave a warm, cheesy, and flavorful dish. Plus, it can be made ahead of time and baked when you’re ready, making it ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.

Dive into this recipe and discover why the Hot Brown casserole deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Hot Brown Casserole recipe is a crowd-pleaser that delivers all the charm of the original sandwich in an easy-to-make, one-dish format. No need to fuss with assembling individual sandwiches or juggling multiple pans—just layer your ingredients, bake, and enjoy.

The creamy Mornay sauce, made with a blend of cheeses and a hint of nutmeg, perfectly coats the turkey and bread, while the crispy bacon bits add a smoky crunch. Fresh tomato slices on top bring a burst of juiciness that balances the richness beautifully.

Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or a comforting solo meal, this casserole is versatile, filling, and guaranteed to satisfy. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover turkey and bread!

Ingredients

• 6 cups day-old bread cubes (white or sourdough)
• 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ cups whole milk
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Bacon frying pan or skillet
• Oven mitts

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Prepare the bread base: Place the day-old bread cubes in the greased baking dish, spreading them evenly to form the bottom layer.
3. Add turkey and bacon: Evenly distribute the shredded turkey and crumbled bacon over the bread cubes.
4. Make the Mornay sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and golden (this is your roux).
5. Slowly whisk in the milk, continuing to stir constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the Dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth.
7. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the turkey, bacon, and bread layers in the baking dish.
8. Arrange tomato slices over the top of the casserole in a single layer.
9. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
10. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

Tip: Using day-old bread cubes is essential as they absorb the sauce better without turning mushy. If you only have fresh bread, toast it lightly before cubing.

Variation: For a lighter version, substitute half the milk with chicken or vegetable broth and use reduced-fat cheese.

Tip: Swap turkey for cooked chicken or even ham for a different flavor profile. This casserole is extremely versatile!

Variation: Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach in between layers for extra veggies and flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Hot Brown Casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh green salads or steamed vegetables to balance out its richness. A crisp Caesar salad or simple arugula with lemon vinaigrette works beautifully.

For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted potatoes or a light soup such as an Apple Barn Pigeon Forge TN Vegetable Soup Recipe Guide.

If you enjoy casseroles and comfort foods, you might also love exploring Baked Enchilada Recipe Vegetarian Style Made Easy or Slow Cooker Roast Recipe With Vegetables Made Easy for more delicious ideas.

Conclusion

The Hot Brown Casserole is a perfect blend of rich, creamy flavors and satisfying textures that will warm your heart and delight your taste buds. With its layers of turkey, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and fresh tomatoes, it offers everything you love about the traditional Hot Brown sandwich but with the convenience of a casserole.

This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you want a comforting meal that feels special. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients or leftovers, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection.

Give it a try and enjoy this Southern classic reinvented for your kitchen!

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