Turkey Devonshire a La Quick & Easy: Comfort Food, Elevated

The aroma of melting cheddar, crispy bacon, and warm turkey brings back memories of my childhood. I can almost feel the warmth emanating from the oven as my grandmother prepared her version of a turkey Devonshire. It was always a special occasion dish, reserved for holidays or when we needed a little extra comfort. This quick and easy recipe captures that same nostalgic flavor, perfect for a weeknight treat.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Dietary Type: Comfort Food

Ingredients

For the White Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon flour
• ¾ cup milk (or ¾ cup carb countdown low-carb milk)
• 1 cup shredded New York cheddar cheese
• Fresh ground pepper, to taste

For the Devonshire:

• 4 slices hearty type bread (optional, can be omitted for a lower-carb option)
• 4 slices cooked turkey breast, thick slices (see note)
• 8 slices cooked bacon

Note: For the turkey breast, deli-sliced turkey works great, but be sure to ask for it cut thick, about ¼-inch.

Equipment Needed

• Small stainless steel saucepan
• Whisk
• Microwave oven
• 4 small casserole dishes (optional, for broiling)

Instructions

1. Begin by toasting the bread, if using. Set aside.
2. Next, heat the turkey and bacon in the microwave. This can be done separately or together, depending on your preference. Ensure the bacon is still slightly crispy.
3. Now, prepare the white sauce. In a small, stainless steel saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
4. Whisk in the flour until a smooth paste forms (a roux). This usually takes about 30 seconds to a minute.
5. Add the milk all at once.
6. Increase the heat to medium and continue whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
7. Heat the mixture until it begins to bubble, then cook for one minute longer, still whisking continuously. This will thicken the sauce.
8. Whisk in the cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
9. Add fresh ground pepper to taste.
10. At this point, prepare your serving dishes. Place a potato and a serving of broccoli, or your choice of sides, on each plate.
11. Place one piece of toast (if using) on each plate.
12. Top each toast with two slices of bacon, then cover with turkey.
13. Pour equal portions of the sauce over each plate. Serve any extra sauce on the side.
14. For a more decadent presentation, instead of plates: place the assembled Devonshires into four small casserole dishes.
15. Place the casserole dishes under the broiler for about two minutes, or until the sauce is browned and bubbly on top.
16. If broiling, serve the sides on separate small plates.
17. Warn your guests these dishes are HOT, especially if broiled!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Using pre-cooked turkey and bacon significantly reduces preparation time, making this a true “quick and easy” dish.
• Shred the cheese yourself or buy pre-shredded cheese to save time. While pre-shredded cheese contains cellulose to prevent clumping, freshly shredded cheese melts slightly better.
• The white sauce is best served immediately. Making it ahead of time is not recommended as it tends to thicken too much as it cools. If you must make it ahead, whisk in a little extra milk to thin it out before serving.
• If you don’t have New York cheddar, feel free to substitute with another type of cheddar, or even a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack and Colby.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the bacon to ensure even crisping.
• Adjust the amount of pepper to your preference. A pinch of nutmeg can also add a warm, comforting flavor to the white sauce.
• For extra flavor, try adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the white sauce.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Turkey Devonshire immediately while the sauce is hot and creamy and the bacon is crispy. If you are broiling the assembled dishes in ramekins, be very careful removing them from the oven, as they will be extremely hot.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. The bacon may lose some of its crispness upon reheating. You can also reheat in a conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
This dish isn’t ideal for freezing, as the sauce can separate and become grainy upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	262.2 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	185 g	71%
Total Fat	20.6 g	31%
Saturated Fat	11 g	55%
Cholesterol	61.3 mg	20%
Sodium	567.9 mg	23%
Total Carbohydrate	4.2 g	1%
Dietary Fiber	0.1 g	0%
Sugars	0.1 g	0%
Protein	14.7 g	29%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Lower Carb: Omit the bread entirely and serve the turkey and bacon on a bed of sauteed vegetables. You can also use low-carb bread or cauliflower “toast”. Using Carb Countdown milk will also lower the carb count.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure the flour used for the white sauce is a gluten-free blend. Also, use gluten-free bread or omit it altogether.
• Vegetarian: Substitute the turkey and bacon with grilled halloumi cheese and vegetarian bacon alternatives, and ensure your white sauce uses vegetarian cheese.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the white sauce for a little heat.
• Herby: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the white sauce for an aromatic twist.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese for the sauce?
A: Yes, you can use pre-shredded cheese to save time. However, freshly shredded cheese tends to melt more smoothly due to the absence of cellulose coating.

Q: Can I make the white sauce ahead of time?
A: While it’s best served fresh, you can make the white sauce slightly ahead. Be aware that it will thicken as it cools, so whisk in a little extra milk before serving to thin it out.

Q: What kind of bread works best for Turkey Devonshire?
A: A hearty bread like sourdough or a thick-cut white bread holds up well under the sauce and toppings.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! While the recipe calls for New York cheddar, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or a blend.

Q: Can I bake this instead of broiling it?
A: Yes, you can bake the assembled Devonshires in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the sauce is bubbly.

Final Thoughts

This Turkey Devonshire a La Quick & Easy is more than just a recipe; it’s a gateway to comfort and cherished memories. I encourage you to try this simple yet satisfying dish and make it your own. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, breads, and herbs to create a personalized version that suits your taste. Serve it with a crisp green salad and a glass of your favorite beverage for a complete and comforting meal. Share your creations and feedback; I’d love to hear how you’ve made this classic dish your own!