Slow Cooker Kentucky Hot Brown Turkey Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To add an extra layer of flavor, consider seasoning the turkey tenderloins with a pinch of kosher salt and cracked black pepper before placing them in the slow cooker.

While the bacon provides significant saltiness, a little extra seasoning on the meat itself helps elevate the overall taste of the dish. If you enjoy a touch of heat, a dash of hot sauce can be added to the sauce during the final minutes of cooking.

If you find the sauce is slightly too thick for your preference, whisk in a tablespoon of warm chicken stock or dry white wine just before serving. This will loosen the consistency without sacrificing the creamy texture.

Additionally, serve the finished dish over a toasted slice of rustic bread or a baked potato to soak up the excess sauce, which is a hallmark of the traditional Kentucky Hot Brown style.

Variations

• Spicy Hot Brown: Add a tablespoon of chopped jalapeños or a generous dash of cayenne pepper to the cheese layer for a spicy kick that cuts through the creaminess of the sauce.
• Herb-Infused Turkey: Sprinkle a teaspoon of dried sage or thyme over the turkey tenderloins before adding the other layers to introduce a classic earthy, poultry-friendly herb profile to the final dish.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freezing is not recommended as the cream cheese-based sauce may separate and change texture upon thawing.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the turkey and sauce are cooled to room temperature within 2 hours of cooking before placing them in the fridge. When reheating, it is best to do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave at reduced power to prevent the sauce from breaking or the turkey from becoming tough.

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the ingredients in advance. Keep the bacon cooked and crumbled, the tomatoes sliced, and the cheeses measured in the refrigerator.

When you are ready to cook, simply layer everything into the slow cooker and start the cycle. Avoid assembling the ingredients in the slow cooker insert hours ahead, as the moisture from the tomatoes can affect the texture of the raw turkey.

Serving ideas

Serve the turkey and creamy sauce over a thick slice of toasted sourdough or brioche bread to capture the spirit of the original open-faced sandwich. The crunch of the toast contrasts beautifully with the tender, saucy turkey.

A simple side salad with a bright vinaigrette provides a refreshing balance to the richness of the cheese-heavy sauce, making for a well-rounded meal.

For a more casual presentation, spoon the turkey and sauce directly into shallow bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and a touch of freshness. This dish is hearty enough to be served on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with roasted asparagus or steamed green beans, which add a light, crisp element to the plate.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Kentucky Hot Brown Turkey

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lb turkey breast tenderloins
• 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

Instructions

1. Place the raw turkey breast tenderloins into the bottom of the slow cooker, arranging them in an even row.
2. Top the turkey with the sliced tomatoes and the crumbled bacon. Sprinkle the Parmesan and white cheddar cheeses over the layers, then place the block of cream cheese directly in the center.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, allow the turkey to rest for 5 minutes before serving with the creamy sauce spooned over the top.

Contains: milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

8 g

Fat

28 g

Fiber

1 g

Sugar

4 g

Sodium

850 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.