These Kentucky Hot Brown Bites are mini versions of the classic dish! With tender turkey, savory cheese sauce, and crispy bacon all on a tasty bread base, they’re pure comfort food.
These bites are perfect for parties or just a cozy night in. I mean, who can resist the combo of bacon and cheese? Plus, they’re super fun to eat—perfect finger food for everyone!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baguette or French Bread: These provide a sturdy base for your bites. If you can’t find them, consider using sourdough or even whole grain bread for a different twist.
Turkey Breast: Cooked turkey breast is ideal for this dish. If you’re looking for a substitution, rotisserie chicken can work well too, and it saves cooking time!
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a nice crunch. For a healthier option, turkey bacon can be used, or you might even try pancetta for a richer flavor.
Swiss Cheese: This adds great flavor and meltiness. If Swiss isn’t available, Gruyère or Monterey Jack are delicious alternatives that will melt beautifully.
Milk: Whole milk gives a rich texture to the cheese sauce, but if you want a lighter version, you can substitute with 2% milk or even some unsweetened almond milk.
How Do I Make a Creamy Cheese Sauce Without Lumps?
Making a smooth cheese sauce is key to this recipe. The technique is straightforward but requires attention to detail:
- Start by melting the butter on medium heat. Once it’s melted, gradually whisk in the flour, cooking it for a minute or two to form a paste.
- When you add the milk, do it slowly and keep whisking continuously. This helps prevent lumps from forming. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Once thickened, add the garlic and onion powders, then stir in the grated cheese until it’s completely melted. This ensures a creamy sauce!
Remember, patience is important! If you find the sauce too thick, mix in a little more milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
How to Prepare Kentucky Hot Brown Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bites:
- 1 small baguette or French bread loaf, sliced into 1-inch rounds
- 1 cup cooked turkey breast, chopped or shredded
- 4 slices bacon
- 1 cup grated Swiss cheese
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnishing:
- Cherry tomato halves
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 25-30 minutes to prepare and cook these delightful bites. This includes around 10 minutes for prep and about 15-20 minutes for cooking. Get ready to impress your friends or family with these tasty treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Bread:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, place the sliced baguette rounds on a baking sheet. Let them toast in the oven for about 5-7 minutes or until they are lightly crisped and golden. Once done, remove them from the oven and set aside.
2. Cooking the Bacon:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until crispy. Once they are crispy, transfer them to paper towels to drain any excess fat. When cooled, cut the bacon into halves or thirds for easy topping later.
3. Making the Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes until it forms a paste and starts to bubble slightly. Gradually whisk in the milk; this is important—make sure to whisk continuously to avoid any lumps! Keep whisking until the sauce thickens, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
4. Adding Flavor:
Once your sauce has thickened, stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and grated Swiss cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste!
5. Assembling the Bites:
Take your toasted bread rounds and arrange them on a serving platter. Start by topping each piece with a spoonful of the chopped turkey. Then, generously spoon some of that delicious cheese sauce over the turkey. It’s the star of the show!
6. Finishing Touches:
Now it’s time to add a piece of crispy bacon on top of the cheese sauce. Finally, place a cherry tomato half on each bite for a pop of color and a fresh taste. You can also sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley for an extra burst of flavor!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Kentucky Hot Brown Bites are ready to serve! Make sure to enjoy them warm for the best experience. These little bites of goodness are sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While a baguette or French bread works best for a sturdy base, you can also use sourdough, ciabatta, or even whole grain bread for a different flavor. Just make sure the bread can hold up to the toppings!
How Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the cheese sauce and cook the bacon a day in advance. Store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the cheese sauce on low heat and assemble the bites just before serving to keep them fresh.
What Should I Do with Leftover Cheese Sauce?
If you have any leftover cheese sauce, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can be reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave. Use it as a dip for veggies, bread, or even drizzle it over another dish for added flavor!
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! To make these bites vegetarian, simply omit the turkey and bacon. You could substitute with sautéed mushrooms or smoked tempeh for added texture and flavor, and use a vegetarian cheese option for the sauce.
