Kentucky Hot Brown Strata
Elevate your brunch game with the bold and comforting flavors of Kentucky Hot Brown Strata, a savory casserole inspired by the iconic open-faced sandwich from the Bluegrass State. This hearty dish layers cubes of French bread, tender turkey, crispy bacon, and fresh tomato slices, all soaked in a creamy, cheesy mornay sauce made with Swiss and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to golden perfection, this strata is easy to prepare ahead of time, making it an ideal centerpiece for leisurely breakfasts or festive brunch gatherings. Garnished with a touch of paprika or fresh parsley, it’s a show-stopping recipe that combines Southern charm with rich, indulgent flavors. Perfect for feeding a crowd, this make-ahead casserole delivers a delicious slice of comfort in every bite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 cups French bread
- 2 cups Cooked turkey breast, shredded or sliced
- 8 slices Bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 large Tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 6 large Eggs
- 2.5 cups Whole milk
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1.5 cups Shredded Swiss cheese
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground paprika (optional, for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Spread the bread cubes evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Layer the shredded turkey evenly over the bread cubes, followed by the bacon crumbles and tomato slices.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden, creating a roux.
Gradually add the milk and cream to the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly, forming a mornay sauce.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the Swiss cheese and Parmesan, reserving a little Parmesan for topping. Season with salt and black pepper. Let the sauce cool slightly.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs. Gradually whisk the cooled mornay sauce into the eggs until well combined.
Pour the egg and sauce mixture evenly over the bread, turkey, bacon, and tomatoes in the baking dish. Gently press down on the layers to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid.
Sprinkle the reserved Parmesan cheese over the top. If desired, garnish with a pinch of paprika for extra color.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the strata is set in the center.
Let the strata cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
5023 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 283.6 g | 364% | |
| Saturated Fat | 140.3 g | 702% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1843 mg | 614% | |
| Sodium | 8054 mg | 350% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 373.7 g | 136% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.0 g | 64% | |
| Total Sugars | 66.6 g | ||
| Protein | 235.3 g | 471% | |
| Vitamin D | 13.8 mcg | 69% | |
| Calcium | 3245 mg | 250% | |
| Iron | 33.1 mg | 184% | |
| Potassium | 3703 mg | 79% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
