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.

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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

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Instructions:

1. Preheat & Prep:
   Set your oven to 400°F (205°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish. Set aside.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Fold in the Turkey:
   Gently mix the cubed turkey into the warm cheese sauce.
7. 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.
8. 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!
9. Garnish & Serve:
   Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve hot with crackers, crusty bread, or toast points.