Hot Brown Casserole (Almost Paula Deen’s Version) – A Kentucky Derby Brunch Classic
If you’re planning the ultimate Kentucky Derby brunch, this Hot Brown Casserole is a must. Inspired by the iconic open-faced sandwich from the Brown Hotel, this version transforms those classic flavors of roasted turkey, crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and a creamy cheese sauce into a simple, satisfying bake.
This “almost Paula Deen” version keeps all the Southern comfort you love but makes it quick and easy to pull together, making it perfect for a relaxed, no-stress Derby morning.
The History of the Hot Brown
The Hot Brown is one of Kentucky’s most iconic dishes, with roots that go back nearly a century. It was first created in the 1920s at the historic The Brown Hotel in Louisville. If you’re in Louisville, be sure you stay at this iconic hotel and enjoy an original hot brown meal in the dining room.
At the time, the hotel hosted elegant late-night dances, and guests were looking for something more satisfying than the standard ham and eggs typically served after the festivities. Chef Fred Schmidt introduced the Hot Brown as a warm, open-faced sandwich made with roasted turkey, toasted bread, and a rich, creamy Mornay sauce, then topped with bacon and tomatoes and broiled until golden.
The dish quickly became a signature of the hotel and remains a beloved Southern classic today. This casserole version takes all of those traditional flavors and transforms them into an easy, crowd-friendly dish that is perfect for brunch, holidays, and especially a Kentucky Derby gathering.
Why You’ll Love This
- Perfect for feeding a crowd
- Classic Kentucky flavor in an easy casserole form
- Great for brunch, holidays, or Derby Day
- Can be prepped ahead for stress-free hosting
Make-Ahead & Store
Make Ahead:
Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning.
Store:
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days.
Reheat:
Warm in oven at 325°F until heated through.
Hot Brown Casserole – Almost Paula Dean’s
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to broil. Spray a deep 13 x 9 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Melt butter over medium heat in a medium saucepan. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, whisking constantly, until thickened for about 6 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in 1 cup of the Swiss, Cheddar, salt, and pepper until melted.
- Place bread in prepared pan, cutting or overlapping to fit. Toast under broil a few minutes, just until toasted & lightly brown. Top evenly with turkey, ham, cheese sauce, and remaining Swiss, then sprinkle with paprika.
- Broil until cheese is melted & slightly bubbly and lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Keep an eye on this so as not to burn. Turn oven off.
- Place 8 slices symmetrically on top of casserole. Criss cross bacon pieces in an "X" on top of each tomato slice. Put casserole back in oven for a few minutes to warm garnish but not completely cook. Remove from oven and finish with a garnish of parsley, desired. Serve immediately,
Whether you’re hosting a full Derby Day spread or just gathering a few friends for mimosas and the race, this Hot Brown Casserole delivers that signature Kentucky flavor without spending all morning in the kitchen. It’s warm, comforting, and comes together quickly, exactly what you want for an easy but memorable brunch.
Serve it alongside fresh fruit, something bubbly, and a few classic Southern sides for a spread worthy of race day at Churchill Downs. Enjoy recipes from this Derby Day Brunch Menu here that pair well with this casserole.
Thank you for reading!