Creamy, meaty, and cheesy are the ingredients that elevate an ordinary dish from yum to wow in an instant. Sure, we all have our go-to casseroles and dips, but do you have anything that covers all the bases and soothes the soul like this recipe for Kentucky Hot Brown Dip? Probably not. All of the iconic bluegrass state staple’s ingredients are present, but in a meltier, cheesier dip shape that everyone can get right in!This iconic open-faced sandwich originated at the Brown Hotel in the 1920s, but it has since become a culinary staple.

While the initial sandwich is delicious, preparing many sandwiches for a crowd is not pleasurable. This Kentucky Hot Brown Dip takes the sandwich’s components and bakes them in a casserole dish until they’re gooey and melty, ready to dip crackers and toast in. An fragrant onion base boils down in fat to form the dip’s basis. The Mornay sauce, a fancy term for a roux-based white sauce, is the dip’s (and sandwich’s) crowning glory.

In a pot, melt the butter and then whisk in the flour to make a roux. Whisking the roux for a few minutes removes the lumps from the flour while also eliminating the raw flour flavor. Next, carefully pour in the milk, whisking after each addition, until it is thoroughly combined with the roux.When the sauce has come together, turn off the heat; this is when the true magic occurs. Cream cheese, sour cream, nutmeg, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and one cup of cheese are combined to create a delicious sauce.

Fold in the chopped cooked turkey breast and pour into the prepared pan. Finally, the dip is topped with cheese, crumbled bacon, and sliced cherry tomatoes.
Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake until the sides bubble and the top is melted and golden brown. There’s no need to wait for it to cool; this is best served immediately!The Mornay (now officially a béchamel with all of the cheese) is rich and creamy thanks to the cream cheese and sour cream.

Bits of turkey, bacon, and tomatoes are scattered throughout the dip, creating an intriguing and delectable mix of textures and flavors.The cheese adds a delicious texture to the dip that is not only visually appealing but also flavorful. No other dish can compete with this one during Sunday football season or holiday potlucks!