Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy Kentucky Hot Brown Quiche takes the classic flavors of the iconic open-faced sandwich—turkey, bacon, tomatoes, and creamy Mornay sauce—and transforms them into a rich, savory quiche. With a flaky crust, cheesy custard filling, and hearty ingredients, this quiche makes a standout brunch, lunch, or dinner. It’s a Southern-inspired twist that’s both comforting and indulgent.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

pie crust (homemade or store-bought)eggsheavy creamcooked turkey breast (shredded or chopped)crispy bacon (crumbled)tomatocheddar cheesemozzarella cheeseParmesan cheesebutterall-purpose flourwhole milkgarlic powderonion powdersaltpepperfresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and blind bake the pie crust for 10 minutes. Set aside.

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes.

Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until thickened. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth. This is your Mornay sauce base.

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and heavy cream. Stir in the Mornay sauce once cooled slightly.

Add turkey, crumbled bacon, diced tomato, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella. Mix well.

Pour the filling into the pre-baked crust. Sprinkle extra cheese on top if desired.

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden.

Let the quiche cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 6–8 slices.Preparation time: 20 minutesCooking time: 40 minutesCooling time: 10 minutesTotal time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Swap turkey for cooked chicken if preferred.

Use Swiss or Gruyère cheese for a more traditional Hot Brown flavor.

Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra depth.

Make it crustless for a low-carb option.

Top with a few extra tomato slices before baking for a pretty presentation.

storage/reheating

Store leftover quiche in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.Freeze baked quiche tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

What is a Hot Brown?

A Kentucky Hot Brown is a classic open-faced sandwich made with turkey, bacon, tomato, and Mornay sauce, typically served hot.

Can I make this quiche ahead?

Yes, it can be fully baked and stored in the fridge for easy reheating the next day.

Can I use a store-bought crust?

Absolutely, a pre-made crust works well for convenience.

Do I have to use three kinds of cheese?

No, but using a combination enhances flavor. You can use what you have on hand.

Why blind bake the crust?

Blind baking prevents the crust from becoming soggy once the filling is added.

Can I make it spicy?

Yes, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the Mornay sauce for a kick.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, the familiar turkey and cheese flavors are appealing to kids.

Can I use deli turkey?

Yes, but freshly cooked turkey will provide better texture and flavor.

How do I know when the quiche is done?

The center should be set and not jiggly; a knife inserted near the center should come out clean.

Do I need to rest the quiche before slicing?

Yes, resting allows the filling to firm up for clean slices.

Conclusion

Cheesy Kentucky Hot Brown Quiche brings all the comfort and richness of a Southern classic into an easy, sliceable dish perfect for any meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this quiche delivers flavor and heartiness in every bite. Try it once, and it might just earn a permanent spot in your rotation.