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Kentucky Hot Brown Dip

Carly
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Kentucky Hot Brown Dip: A Cheesy, Savory Indulgence

Kentucky Hot Brown Dip

The Kentucky Hot Brown, a classic open-faced sandwich, has captured hearts and taste buds for generations. Its rich, cheesy, and savory flavors have inspired countless variations, including this decadent dip. This transformed Hot Brown experience brings together the beloved elements of the iconic dish – creamy Mornay sauce, tender turkey, crispy bacon, and tangy tomatoes – in a shareable, crowd-pleasing format. Perfect for game days, parties, or a cozy night in, this dip is a must-try for any food lover.

Understanding the Kentucky Hot Brown Dip

Essentially, a Kentucky Hot Brown dip is a reimagined version of the classic sandwich. It takes the core components – a creamy cheese sauce, turkey, bacon, and tomatoes – and transforms them into a dippable delight. The result is a rich, indulgent appetizer that delivers the same satisfying flavors as the original dish.

Ingredients

For the Creamy Base:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, very soft
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground paprika
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese, divided

For the Topping:

  • 6 to 8 ounces turkey breast, cut into cubes
  • 8 strips of bacon, cooked and roughly chopped
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 teaspoons parsley, roughly chopped for garnish

For Serving:

  • Crackers or bread

Optional (for extra flavor or spice):

  • Jalapeños, sliced
  • Green onions, chopped
  • Cooked sausage, crumbled

Other:

  • Kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preparing the Creamy Base:

  1. Sauté the onions: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until softened and translucent.
  2. Create a roux: Whisk in flour to the onion mixture, forming a paste. Cook for a minute or two to remove the raw flour taste.
  3. Build the sauce: Gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened into a creamy sauce.
  4. Incorporate flavors: Remove from heat and stir in cream cheese, sour cream, nutmeg, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and half of the shredded cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assembling the Dip:

  1. Prepare the baking dish: Grease an 8x8-inch baking pan.
  2. Combine ingredients: Fold cubed turkey into the creamy sauce.
  3. Layer the flavors: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Top with the remaining shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, and halved cherry tomatoes.

Baking the Dip:

  1. Bake to perfection: Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown. For an extra crispy top, broil for an additional minute.
  2. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately with crackers or bread.

Tips for the Perfect Kentucky Hot Brown Dip

  • Use high-quality ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for good-quality turkey, bacon, and cheese.
  • Don't skimp on the cheese: A generous amount of cheese is essential for a truly indulgent dip.
  • Adjust the spice level: Customize the heat by adding more or less garlic powder, cumin, or paprika to taste.
  • Experiment with toppings: While bacon and tomatoes are classic choices, feel free to get creative with your toppings. Try adding jalapeños, green onions, or crumbled cooked sausage.
  • Serve with a variety of dippers: Offer a selection of crackers, bread, or even vegetables for dipping.

By following these steps and incorporating the provided tips, you'll create a Kentucky Hot Brown dip that is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. Enjoy!

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