The “Texas” Hot Brown: A Chef Dean Fearing Homage

The first time I tasted a Hot Brown, I was completely unprepared for the explosion of flavors and textures. I was a young culinary student working a summer internship in Louisville, Kentucky, and this open-faced sandwich, smothered in creamy cheese sauce and adorned with bacon, tomato, and turkey, was a revelation. It was far from the delicate French cuisine I had been studying, but its bold, comforting flavors immediately won me over. It reminded me of home, of hearty Southern cooking with a touch of sophistication. Years later, when I encountered Chef Dean Fearing’s “Texas” style Hot Brown, it brought back those memories, adding a spicy kick that only enhanced the experience.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: 4 sandwiches
• Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup flour
• 2 cups milk
• ¼ cup grated spicy Monterey Jack cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

For the Sandwiches:

• 8 slices trimmed toast
• 1 lb sliced turkey breast
• 8 slices tomatoes
• 8 slices pre-cooked bacon
• 4 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
• Parsley, for garnish

Equipment Needed

• Saucepan
• 13×9-inch baking dish
• Grater
• Knife
• Cutting board

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
2. Create a Roux: Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until a smooth paste forms. This mixture is called a roux and it is the base for your sauce. Make sure there are no clumps.
3. Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring it is fully incorporated before adding more, to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce begins to thicken. This should take around 5-7 minutes.
4. Melt the Cheeses: Reduce the heat to low and add the grated spicy Monterey Jack cheese and Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Season the Sauce: Stir in the salt and Worcestershire sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Keep the sauce warm while you assemble the sandwiches.
6. Prepare the Toast: Cut each slice of toast into triangles.
7. Assemble the Sandwiches: Arrange the toast triangles in a 13×9-inch baking dish.
8. Add Turkey: Arrange the sliced turkey breast evenly over the toast.
9. Smother with Sauce: Generously pour the hot cheese sauce over the turkey and toast.
10. Top with Tomatoes and Bacon: Arrange the tomato slices on top of the cheese sauce, followed by the pre-cooked bacon slices.
11. Sprinkle with Parmesan: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
12. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) until the sandwiches are bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly browned, approximately 10-15 minutes.
13. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Spice it Up: For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
• Cheese Choice: While the recipe calls for spicy Monterey Jack, you can experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack, Gruyere, or even a smoked Gouda for a unique flavor profile.
• Make Ahead: The cheese sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently, before using.
• Bacon Perfection: For perfectly crispy bacon, bake it in the oven at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper until crispy. This method prevents splattering and ensures even cooking.
• Prevent Soggy Toast: To prevent the toast from getting soggy, lightly brush it with melted butter and bake it for a few minutes before assembling the sandwiches. This creates a barrier that helps keep the toast crisp.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Hot Brown immediately while it’s hot and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for added visual appeal.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the Hot Brown with foil and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but the toast may become slightly soggy. Reheating is recommended over freezing, as freezing will drastically affect the texture of the toast and sauce.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	558.8 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	251 g	45%
Total Fat	28 g	43%
Saturated Fat	12.9 g	64%
Cholesterol	134.6 mg	44%
Sodium	1105.4 mg	46%
Total Carbohydrate	36 g	11%
Dietary Fiber	1.7 g	6%
Sugars	1.9 g	7%
Protein	39.2 g	78%

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian Hot Brown: Substitute the turkey with grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread for the toast and a gluten-free flour blend for the cheese sauce. Ensure that the Worcestershire sauce you select is also gluten-free.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for an extra kick.
• Different Cheese: Experiment with different cheese combinations in the sauce. Gruyere, fontina, or even a smoked Gouda would add interesting flavor profiles.
• Herbed Cheese Sauce: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage to the cheese sauce for a more aromatic dish.
• Open-Faced Omelet: Use this recipe as a blueprint to create an open-faced omelet. Instead of toast, pour an omelet mixture into a cast-iron skillet, then add the turkey, tomato, and bacon toppings. Bake until the eggs are set, then top with the cheese sauce and bake until bubbly.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese for the cheese sauce?
A: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting as smoothly. It’s best to grate your own cheese for a creamier sauce.

Q: Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, the cheese sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently, before using.

Q: How can I prevent the toast from getting soggy?
A: To prevent the toast from getting soggy, lightly brush it with melted butter and bake it for a few minutes before assembling the sandwiches.

Q: Can I freeze the Hot Brown?
A: Freezing is not recommended as it will drastically affect the texture of the toast and sauce. It’s best to enjoy it fresh or refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days.

Q: What kind of bacon is best for a Hot Brown?
A: Thick-cut bacon that is crispy but still slightly chewy is ideal. You can use your favorite type of bacon, but a smoky variety will complement the other flavors nicely.

Final Thoughts

Chef Dean Fearing’s “Texas” Hot Brown is more than just a sandwich; it’s a culinary hug, a dish that evokes comfort, and satisfaction. Don’t be intimidated by the multiple steps; each layer contributes to the overall symphony of flavors. I encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own by experimenting with different cheeses, spices, or toppings. Share your creations and feedback, and perhaps, pair it with a refreshing iced tea or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.