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Kentucky Mini Hot Browns

A petite version of Kentucky’s favorite open-face sandwich, these miniature hot browns are the perfect appetizer for 'the greatest two minutes in sports' and Derby-watch party!
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: bacon, hot brown, Kentucky Derby, open face sandwich, turkey, Welsh Rarebit
Servings: 24 servings

Equipment

  • 2 inch round cookie cutter

Ingredients

  • 24 2-inch round slices white bread
  • 2 tablespoons butter, unsalted melted
  • 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
  • 1/4 pound thick-cut smoked deli turkey cut into bite-size pieces
  • 24 slices Roma tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup loosely packed chopped parsley
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika

Mornay Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon all purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • dash ground white pepper
  • 1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded Gruyère cheese
  • Freshly grated nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400°. Cut (24) 2-inch round slices using a cookie cutter. Brush both sides of bread rounds with melted butter. Place on a baking sheet. Bake for 4 to 6 minutes, or until lightly golden.
  • Spoon Mornay sauce on top of toasted bread rounds. Sprinkle with bacon. Layer 2 pieces turkey and 1 slice tomato. Sprinkle with parsley and paprika. Serve immediately.

To make Mornay Sauce

  • Place butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat; cook until butter melts, stirring occasionally. Add onion to pan; cook 10 minutes or until tender (do not brown), stirring occasionally. Sprinkle flour over onion; cook 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Gradually add milk to flour mixture, stirring with a whisk until smooth; bring to a simmer. Simmer 10 minutes or until thickened, stirring frequently. Strain mixture through a fine sieve over a bowl; discard solids.
  • Stir in salt, pepper, and nutmeg, if desired.
  • Wipe pan clean with paper towels. Return sauce to pan, and place over medium-low heat. Add Gruyère cheese, stirring until smooth. Serve immediately.
    Makes 1 1/2 cups (serving size: about 2 1/2 tablespoons)

Notes

 
To make ahead, assemble without tomato and parsley and refrigerate. When ready to serve, place in preheated 350° oven on a parchment lined baking sheet for 5 – 10 minutes or until warmed through. Top with tomato and parsley.