Kentucky hot browns with a smoky twist

Juicy turkey, and a rich, cheesy sauce get an extra layer of flavor in this smoked take on the classic Kentucky hot brown.

Smoked Kentucky Hot Browns Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 T. butter
• 2 T. flour
• 1 ¼ c. milk
• ½ tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
• ½ c. grated gruyere cheese, 2 T. reserved for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 slices brioche or Texas Toast
• 1/3 lb. smoked turkey, sliced thinly
• 2 slices of tomato
• 2 slices bacon, crisply fried
• Fresh chives, chopped

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 400 F.
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add flour and cook until flour is fully cooked and the mixture bubbles.
3. Slowly add the milk and cook until slightly thickened. Then add nutmeg and the bulk of the gruyere cheese, reserving the 2 T. for the tops of the Hot Browns. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Lay the brioche or Texas Toast on a cookie sheet then top with the turkey slices. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper if needed. Top with tomato and pour the cheese sauce evenly on the two Hot Browns. Top with the bacon and sprinkle the remaining cheese.
5. Bake for 10 minutes.