Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwich Bites
I planned on posting this delicious appetizer a year ago for the Kentucky Derby. Since the derby was postponed because of COVID, I decided to hold off sharing as well. Now, since the world is returning a bit more to normal, the derby is back! Whether or not you are planning the ultimate derby party or just looking for a fresh meal idea, these Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwich Bites are sure to fit the bill.
The Hot Brown Sandwich was made famous back almost a century ago when, according to its inventor The Brown Hotel in Louisville, their famous dance parties started going late into the night (and morning), the guests needed a bite to eat. Soaking up their cocktails and giving a little extra nourishment to see them through the evening, their chef created an open-face turkey sandwich topped with bacon and a creamy cheese sauce.
I mean what’s not to love about a sandwich like that.
Bacon AND cheese sauce?
Count me in!
My creation makes this recipe a bit more acceptable to eat without the help of a fork and knife.
Scaling it down and putting all of the ingredients of a hot brown sandwich into bite sized form.
Small circles of puff pastry get cut and formed into mini muffin tins.
Bake until partially cooked and just starting to brown.
Add in deli sliced pieces of turkey, a dollop of homemade cheese sauce, and bacon bits. Heat in the oven a couple more minutes.
Top with some diced tomato and chopped parsley.
Voila!
This simple appetizer is ready for your party or just a fun weeknight dinner to mix up the norm.
Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwich Bites
This simple and easy recipe for Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwich Bites is the perfect appetizer idea for any Kentucky Derby party.
Ingredients
Cheese Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Butter
- 2 tsp Flour
- 6 Tbsp Milk
- 2 Tbsp Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Hot Brown Bites
- 1 Puff Pastry Sheet, thawed
- 4 oz Deli Sliced Turkey, cut into 1-2 inch squares
- Cooked Bacon Slices, crumbled
- Diced Fresh Tomato
- Chopped Parsley
Instructions
Cheese Sauce
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Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking constantly, for about 1 minute.
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Gradually whisk in the milk. Bring to a boil, whisking constantly, for 1-2 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
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Stir in the cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Hot Brown Bites
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Using a 2 inch biscuit cutter, cut the puff pastry dough into circles. Press each circle into greased mini muffin tin cup. (If you pull together the scrap dough, roll, and re-cut, I've been able to get about 24 circles from one puff pastry sheet. If you don't want to re-form the dough, I suggest using a second piece of puff pastry).
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Bake tins at 400°F for about 7 minutes or until pastry is partially baked.
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Remove from oven and using the back of a measuring spoon gently press down the center of each pastry to create a small cup.
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Fill each cup with the pieces of deli turkey, before topping with cheese sauce.
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Add the crumbled pieces of bacon over the top.
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Return to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbling.
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Garnish with finely diced tomato and chopped parsley.
Recipe Notes
Did you make this recipe?
Tag me on Instagram using @MyFarmhouseTable or #MyFarmhouseTable
Can this be cooked ahead of time and reheated?
Hi Marcie, it really is best made day of, but that being said I have reheated in the oven. It is not as good or as pretty, but should work in a pinch.