Kentucky Hot Brown Casserole

Roasting the tomatoes

1. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees.
2. Line a baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper.
3. Slice the tomatoes in half. Place them in a medium sized bowl and add the oil and salt and pepper. Toss together.
4. Pour the tomatoes onto the prepared baking sheet.
5. Place into the oven and roast at 250 degrees for 45 minutes.

Make the bacon

1. Either using your microwave or your stove-top or oven, make the bacon. Once it’s done, allow it to drain on paper towels and then chop it up. Reserve ½ cup in a measuring cup. Set aside.

Toast the bread

1. Once the tomatoes are roasted, move onto the next step.
2. Cube the Texas Toast or another type of thicker bread.
3. Melt the unsalted butter in a large bowl. Then add in the cubed bread, salt and pepper. Toss with tongs until all of the bread is covered with the seasonings and butter.
4. Preheat the oven to 375. Place a piece of parchment paper on a large baking sheet.
5. Pour the buttered bread cubes onto the baking sheet.
6. Place the baking sheet in the oven and toast the bread until it’s nice and golden brown. Approximately 20 to 30 minutes. This will widely depend on your oven.
7. Once the bread is done, remove it from the oven and set aside.

Prepare the casserole

1. Lightly spray a 9 x 13 casserole pan with your favorite non-cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, milk, and heavy whipping cream.
3. Put the toasted bread crumbs into the casserole pan, layer the turkey slices and the bacon, and then pour the egg mixture over the bread, turkey, and bacon.
4. Place in the oven at 375 degrees and bake until the eggs have set, approximately 45 minutes.
5. Remove from the oven and let it sit once it’s done.

Make the roux

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter, add in the flour, whisk together and cook for approximately 5 to 6 minutes as you want to cook the flour, so you get rid of the flour taste. You want the color to be a nice golden brown.
2. Then SLOWLY whisk in the milk and the heavy whipping cream. Continue whisking the roux until it starts to boil then cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until you get it to the consistency you are looking for. Then add in the cheese and continue to cook until all of the cheese is melted.
3. Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven, cut into squares, serve then top with the white sauce. Add additional bacon, cheese (if desired), the roasted tomatoes, and a piece of parsley (optional).