Kentucky Hot Brown Dip

This Kentucky Hot Brown Dip transforms the iconic open-faced sandwich into a creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible appetizer. Rich turkey, crispy bacon, and sweet tomatoes are baked in a luscious, seasoned cheese sauce, making it a truly decadent and satisfying dip perfect for any gathering.

Kentucky Hot Brown Dip

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter, and set it aside.
2. Sauté Onions: In a medium saucepan, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the 1/4 cup chopped onion and sauté until soft and slightly translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Make Roux: Once the onions are soft, whisk in the 2 tablespoons of flour, stirring constantly to form a smooth paste (a roux). Continue whisking for 1 to 2 minutes to cook off the rawness of the flour.
4. Create Sauce Base: Gradually add the 2 cups of whole milk to the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue to whisk as the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce, about 4 to 5 minutes.
5. Finish Cheese Sauce: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the 8 ounces of very soft cream cheese, 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, and 1 cup of the shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until completely smooth and the cheese is melted and incorporated.
6. Fold in Turkey: Gently fold the 6 to 8 ounces of cubed turkey breast into the prepared cheese sauce.
7. Assemble & Bake: Pour the dip mixture into the prepared 8×8-inch baking pan, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese, followed by the 8 strips of roughly chopped cooked bacon and the 1 pint of halved cherry tomatoes.
8. Bake & Broil (Optional): Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbling around the edges and the cheese on top is golden. To get the dip even more golden and crispy on top, you can broil it on high for 1 minute (watch carefully to prevent burning).
9. Garnish & Serve: Remove from the oven. Garnish with 2 teaspoons of roughly chopped parsley. Serve hot with crackers, crusty bread, or toast points for dipping.

Enjoy this rich and flavorful Kentucky Hot Brown Dip!