I believe tailgating can be accomplished anywhere;  on a college campus, outside the Kentucky Derby, or in the homes of fans watching one of the most fun sporting events: The Kentucky Derby.  It’s all about the horses, the people, the hats, the colors, the singing of My Old Kentucky Home and the gathering of family and friends and… good food and good Bourbon.

Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May is a special place.  I have received many recipes from Kentucky friends for my tailgating project.  Please enjoy!

The state of Kentucky is known for many different foods and beverages, such as burgoo, benedictine, that famous horse race pie (Derby), Bourbon, and mint juleps.  Louisville, in particular is known for Hot Browns,  originally created at The Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky.

This is a wonderful appetizer version of the legendary Hot Brown Sandwich

Baby Hot Browns

Serving Size: 12-24

Print Recipe

Ingredients

• 24 party bread slices
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 1/2 cup sharp cheddar shredded cheese
• 1 1/2 cup roasted turkey, chopped or shredded
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled, divided
• 5 plum tomatoes, thinly sliced

Instructions

1. Arrange bread slices on lightly greased baking sheet. Broil 3 to 4 minutes.
2. Melt butter in saucepan on low, add flour, and cook, whisking until smooth. Gradually whisk in milk until thick and bubbly.
3. Add cheese until melted.
4. Stir in turkey, salt, and pepper. Top bread evenly with mixture. Sprinkle evenly with parmesan and 1/2 bacon.
5. Bake at 500 degrees for 2 minutes until parmesan melts.
6. Top with tomato and sprinkle with remainder of bacon.

Notes

An appetizer version of the famous Brown Hotel's Hot Brown Sandwich

By Lisa Cochran via KathyMillerTime

Recipe Printed from www.kathymillertime.com

Watch for more famous Kentucky Derby recipes for your Derby party.

Come celebrate with me.  I’ll save you a seat at the table.