If you love the classic flavors of the Southern favorite, the Hot Brown, then you are absolutely going to fall head over heels for this Kentucky Hot Brown Wontons Recipe. Imagine the creamy, cheesy mornay sauce enveloping tender turkey and crispy bacon all tucked inside perfectly crisp wonton cups. It’s like a little bite of Kentucky charm wrapped in a golden crispy shell that’s perfect for parties, game days, or any time you want to impress your friends with a comfort food twist. This recipe takes the soul-warming goodness of the Hot Brown and turns it into a fun, finger-friendly appetizer that’s simply irresistible.

Kentucky Hot Brown Wontons Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward yet essential in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this Kentucky Hot Brown Wontons Recipe shine. Each element plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of creamy, savory, and crispy that you’ll crave.

Unsalted butter (2 Tbsp): For a rich base that helps build the smooth mornay sauce without overpowering it.
All-purpose flour (3 Tbsp): Thickens the sauce to a luscious consistency that clings beautifully to the turkey and wonton cups.
Milk (½ cup): Adds creaminess to the sauce, keeping it light yet decadent.
Heavy cream (½ cup): Gives the mornay sauce that silky, indulgent texture packed with flavor.
Salt and black pepper: The perfect seasoning duo that enhances every bite without stealing the spotlight.
Grated parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Brings a nutty and bright savoriness that lifts the sauce to the next level.
Wonton wrappers (24): Crispy, golden vessels to hold all the delicious fillings and crunch with each bite.
Finely chopped turkey (1¾ cup): Tender and juicy, it’s the hearty protein that’s the star of the show.
Mornay sauce (1¼ cup): Creamy, cheesy, and totally decadent, this sauce ties all the flavors together.
Cooked chopped bacon (½ cup): Adds that signature smoky, salty crunch that makes each bite unforgettable.
Small tomato, diced (1): A fresh pop of acidity and color that brightens the dish.

How to Make Kentucky Hot Brown Wontons Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Mornay Sauce

Start by melting the unsalted butter over medium-high heat in a sturdy saucepan. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook it for about a minute, making sure it doesn’t brown, so you get that perfect base. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Season with salt and black pepper, then remove from heat and mix in the grated parmesan cheese. Let it cool just enough to thicken slightly before using.

Step 2: Shape and Bake the Wonton Cups

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and give your muffin pan a good spray with cooking oil. Press each wonton wrapper gently into the muffin cups, making sure to shape them so they’ll hold the filling perfectly. Bake these for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the edges just start to develop a beautiful golden color—this gives you that irresistible crunch.

Step 3: Combine Filling Ingredients

In a medium bowl, mix together the finely chopped turkey, cooked bacon bits, and the luscious mornay sauce. This mixture holds the heart of the Kentucky Hot Brown flavors, creamy and hearty all at once.

Step 4: Fill and Bake the Wontons

Spoon the turkey mixture generously into each crisp wonton cup and top with small diced tomatoes for a burst of freshness and a nice contrast in texture. Pop the tray back in the oven and bake for 10 to 13 minutes, until the filling is bubbly and warm throughout.

How to Serve Kentucky Hot Brown Wontons Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance your Kentucky Hot Brown Wontons Recipe by adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a light dusting of smoked paprika. Both add not only eye-catching color but also subtle layers of flavor that elevate the presentation and taste.

Side Dishes

These wontons are pretty spectacular on their own, but serving them alongside a crisp green salad or a simple slaw can perfectly balance out the richness. For a heartier spread, pair with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a Southern-inspired feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, arrange the wontons on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces like spicy aioli or horseradish cream. You could even turn it into a finger-food bar with extra bacon, tomato slices, and a variety of cheeses for guests to customize their bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Kentucky Hot Brown Wontons Recipe, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the wonton cups crisp by storing the filling separately if possible and assembling before reheating.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this dish, it’s best to prepare the mornay sauce and turkey mixture ahead of time and store them in freezer-safe containers. The wonton cups are best baked fresh to maintain crispness, but the filling can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat and preserve that wonderful crunch, pop the filled wontons back into a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the wontons soggy and takes away from the overall experience.

FAQs

Can I use leftover turkey for this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover turkey works perfectly for the Kentucky Hot Brown Wontons Recipe, making it a fantastic way to transform your leftovers into something exciting and new.

What can I substitute for the parmesan cheese in the mornay sauce?

You can swap parmesan with gruyere or sharp cheddar for a slightly different flavor profile. Both melt wonderfully and add richness to the sauce.

Are there any alternatives to wonton wrappers?

If you can’t find wonton wrappers, small phyllo dough cups or even baked tortilla chips can work, although they will change the texture slightly.

How spicy is this recipe?

This Kentucky Hot Brown Wontons Recipe is mild and savory on its own, but you can add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a little kick if you prefer.

Can I prepare the wonton cups ahead of time?

You can bake the wonton cups a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Just fill and bake them with the turkey mixture right before serving to keep them extra crispy.

Final Thoughts

Making this Kentucky Hot Brown Wontons Recipe is like giving a nostalgic Southern classic a fresh, fun twist that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a comforting snack, these crispy, creamy, and savory bites are easy to whip up and impossible to resist. So grab your ingredients and dive into this delicious adventure—your taste buds will thank you!

Kentucky Hot Brown Wontons Recipe

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4 from 45 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 24 servings 1x

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Description

Kentucky Hot Brown Wontons are a delightful twist on the classic Hot Brown sandwich, featuring crispy baked wonton wrappers filled with a creamy, savory blend of turkey, bacon, and cheese-rich mornay sauce. Topped with fresh diced tomatoes and baked until bubbly, these bite-sized appetizers are perfect for parties or a comforting snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Mornay Sauce

2 Tbsp unsalted butter
3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
½ cup milk
½ cup heavy cream
Salt and black pepper, to taste
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

Wontons and Filling

24 wonton wrappers
1¾ cup finely chopped turkey
1¼ cup mornay sauce (prepared from above)
½ cup cooked chopped bacon
1 small tomato, diced

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Instructions

Make the Mornay Sauce: Melt the unsalted butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly for about 1 minute, ensuring the mixture does not brown.
Add Dairy: Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a low boil. Continue stirring constantly and cook for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Finish Sauce: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to cool slightly while you prepare other components.
Prepare Wonton Cups: Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a muffin pan with cooking spray. Gently press each wonton wrapper into the muffin cups, forming small cups.
Bake Wonton Shells: Bake the wonton wrappers in the preheated oven for 5 to 7 minutes or until the edges start to turn a golden brown. Remove the muffin pan from the oven.
Mix Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the finely chopped turkey, cooked chopped bacon, and the prepared mornay sauce. Mix gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
Assemble Cups: Spoon the turkey mixture into each pre-baked wonton cup evenly. Then, top each filled cup with a small amount of diced tomato for freshness and color.
Bake Filled Wontons: Return the muffin pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 13 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and heated through.

Notes

Ensure the mornay sauce is not too hot when adding to the turkey and bacon mixture to preserve texture.
Use cooked turkey and bacon leftovers if available to save time.
Wonton wrappers crisp quickly; watch closely during baking to prevent burning.
Substitute parmesan cheese with gruyere or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Can be served as an appetizer or a fun finger-food at parties.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American