Kentucky Hot Brown Dip
This Kentucky Hot Brown Dip reimagines the beloved Southern sandwich into a rich, gooey, and utterly crowd-pleasing appetizer. Loaded with savory turkey, crispy bacon, and juicy tomatoes all baked into a cheesy, seasoned sauce, this dip is comfort food at its finest—perfect for parties, potlucks, or any game-day spread.
Kentucky Hot Brown Dip
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1/4 cup |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Whole milk | 2 cups |
| Cream cheese, softened | 8 ounces |
| Sour cream | 1/4 cup |
| Ground nutmeg | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ground cumin | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Paprika | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese | 2 cups (divided) |
| Cooked turkey breast, cubed | 6–8 ounces |
| Cooked bacon, roughly chopped | 8 strips |
| Cherry tomatoes, halved | 1 pint |
| Parsley, chopped (for garnish) | 2 teaspoons |
| Kosher salt | To taste |
| Fresh ground black pepper | To taste |
| Crackers, toast, or bread | For serving |
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep:
Set your oven to 400°F (205°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish. Set aside. - Sauté the Onion:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and translucent. - Build the Roux:
Stir in the flour, whisking constantly until it forms a smooth paste. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. - Create the Cream Sauce:
Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Let the sauce cook and thicken, stirring often, for 4–5 minutes. - Mix in Cheese & Seasonings:
Remove the pan from heat. Add cream cheese, sour cream, nutmeg, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until fully smooth and creamy. - Fold in the Turkey:
Gently mix the cubed turkey into the warm cheese sauce. - Assemble the Dip:
Pour the cheesy mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread evenly. Sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheese, then top with chopped bacon and halved cherry tomatoes. - Bake & Optional Broil:
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top. For a crispier finish, broil on high for about 1 minute—watch carefully! - Garnish & Serve:
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve hot with crackers, crusty bread, or toast points.
