When I was a kid growing up in Kentucky, a Hot Brown was a standard on lunch menus where I lived. It was so popular in fact, you would hear the name roll off of diners’ tongues as often as a Reuben or a grilled cheese.
Originally created at the historic Brown Hotel in Louisville, a Hot Brown is a turkey and bacon sandwich with a cheesy sauce that is generally served open faced and, as the name implies, hot. I’ve seen tons of variations on it over the years, but this recipe is the way that I like it. Fresh slices of turkey, crispy bacon, sliced juicy ripe tomato and sharp cheddar to accompany every last bite. I forgo the sauce because it’s very rich and just takes too much time to prepare.
If you’re looking to pack an enviable sandwich for your kids’ first day of school, I totally suggest this one!
Photo by Maren Caruso
Kentucky Hot Brown Panini
Ingredients
- 8 slices whole wheat bread
- 8 slices sliced turkey breast
- 2 tomatoes, sliced
- 8 slices crispy cooked bacon (turkey bacon works great too)
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Place 2 slices of turkey breast on one slice of toast.
- Top with 2 slices of tomato, 2 slices of bacon, 1 tbsp of parmesan cheese and 1 slice of cheddar cheese.
- Cover the sammie with another slices of toast and place in a panini maker.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes or until bread becomes golden and cheese is melted.
- Continue to make the rest of the paninis.
- Slice in half and serve.
great recipes
This looks delicious for kids and their moms 🙂 I’ll use gluten free bread for my daughter who has celiac. Thanks for another great idea!
-Dana (just bought the Planet Box launch system for my girl and we both love it)
Absolutely! Let it cool completely before storing in the fridge to prevent condensation!
Can you make this the night before?
When I send panini to school they are eaten at room temperature. I make it and let it cool before packing in the lunch container. I always include an ice pack in lunch so everything stays at a safe temperature!
How would you recommend sending this for lunch? Sending it cold with an ice pack? Making or warming it in the morning and sending it warm? How would it stay warm?