Get ready to elevate your appetizer game! Today, we’re taking the legendary Hot Brown sandwich and transforming it into exquisite, bite-sized delights. These Mini Hot Brown Tarts capture all the rich, savory flavors of the original in a convenient and elegant package. They are an absolute must-have for any Kentucky Derby Party and will undoubtedly earn a prime spot on your holiday entertaining table.
Each miniature tart offers a delightful contrast: a wonderfully crunchy phyllo shell encasing a warm, creamy, and incredibly rich filling of tender roasted turkey and savory bacon. It’s a flavor explosion that pays homage to its iconic predecessor, designed for effortless enjoyment.
Why Our Readers Love These Mini Hot Brown Tarts
Our community can’t get enough of these tarts! As Julie, a proud Kentucky native now living out of state, shares: “Hi there! Just wanted to say thank you for such an excellent recipe. I grew up in Kentucky, but now live elsewhere, and I have made these for the Kentucky Derby party I’ve hosted the past three years. They are always a hit with my guests! I actually prefer these to regular hot browns (blasphemy, I know!)—I’ve had the ‘real thing’ before, but it’s so rich I find it hard to get through a whole plate; these mini versions have all that great rich flavor in a much tidier and less overwhelming package.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Julie’s experience perfectly encapsulates the magic of these mini tarts: all the beloved flavor, none of the overwhelming richness, making them an instant crowd-pleaser and a staple for any festive occasion.
A Taste of Kentucky History: The Iconic Hot Brown Sandwich
My culinary journey recently took me to the heart of Kentucky, the vibrant city of Louisville, where I had the privilege of experiencing the original Hot Brown Sandwich. This iconic dish was born at The Brown Hotel, a magnificent historic establishment that truly embodies Southern charm and elegance. From the moment you step into its gorgeous two-story lobby, with its breathtaking hand-painted coffered ceiling, you’re transported to a bygone era of sophistication. The Brown Hotel served as our perfect home base during our Louisville adventure, and I wholeheartedly recommend it for anyone seeking unparalleled accommodations in the city.
Even if your visit to Louisville is brief, or you’re staying elsewhere, a trip to The Brown Hotel is absolutely essential. The people-watching in the lobby is a fantastic experience in itself. Grab a classic Old-Fashioned – they’re renowned for serving one of the best in Louisville – and simply relax, soaking in the ambiance. Afterwards, venture downstairs to explore one of the finest hotel gift shops I’ve ever encountered, offering a curated selection of unique Kentucky treasures.
While at The Brown Hotel, tasting the original Hot Brown is non-negotiable. You have several exquisite options to savor this culinary masterpiece. The English Grill, the hotel’s upscale restaurant, serves dinner, while J. Graham’s Cafe is open for breakfast and lunch, offering a more casual yet equally delightful setting. You can also discreetly order one at the elegant lobby bar, adding a touch of old-world charm to your experience.
J. Graham’s Cafe, a charming dining spot within The Brown Hotel.
The Origin Story of the Hot Brown
The Hot Brown was famously created by Brown Hotel Chef Fred Schmidt in 1926. Born out of a need to offer guests a satisfying late-night meal, this open-faced sandwich quickly became a sensation, and its popularity endures nearly a century later. The traditional Hot Brown consists of a slice of white toast, generously piled with succulent roasted turkey, crispy bacon, rich Romano cheese, and blanketed in a creamy, decadent Mornay sauce. When you order this masterpiece at The Brown Hotel, it’s meticulously prepared to order, taking about 20 minutes, then broiled until it’s gloriously hot and bubbly. It truly is one of the most unforgettable dishes you will ever taste. For those unable to make the trip to Louisville anytime soon, you can find The Brown Hotel’s official Hot Brown recipe here to recreate the magic at home.
The legendary Hot Brown as served at J. Graham’s Cafe.
Bringing Kentucky’s Signature Flavor to Your Party: Mini Hot Brown Tarts
Now, let’s bring a taste of Louisville right to your kitchen with these incredible Mini Hot Brown Tarts. They offer all the beloved flavors of the original sandwich in a perfectly portioned, easy-to-manage appetizer format, and the best part is, they are surprisingly simple to make.
Effortless Entertaining: Make-Ahead Magic
One of the greatest advantages of these Mini Hot Brown Tarts is their make-ahead potential, making them ideal for stress-free entertaining. You can prepare the creamy Mornay sauce up to 12, or even 24 hours, in advance. This means the core of your delicious filling can be ready and waiting, significantly cutting down on last-minute preparation time. Having the filling prepped and ready to go means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your guests.
When it’s time for your party, all you need to do is spoon the pre-made filling into the crispy phyllo shells and pop them into the oven for a quick 8 to 10 minutes. This minimal effort ensures a freshly baked, warm, and bubbling appetizer that tastes like you spent hours on it, but without any of the fuss!
Expert Tips for Perfect Mini Hot Brown Tarts
These tarts are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. They are absolutely perfect for utilizing leftover Thanksgiving turkey, transforming holiday remnants into an exciting new dish. When reheating any leftover tarts, always opt for the oven rather than the microwave. The oven ensures the phyllo shells remain wonderfully crispy, while a microwave would quickly turn them soggy, detracting from that delightful texture contrast. For best results, reheat at around 300-325°F (150-160°C) until warmed through and the filling is bubbly.
Consider garnishing your tarts with a tiny sliver of grape tomato for a pop of color and a hint of freshness, just like the traditional Hot Brown. These mini appetizers pair beautifully with a variety of drinks, from a classic Old-Fashioned for an authentic Kentucky feel to a crisp white wine or even a chilled sparkling cider for a non-alcoholic option. Their rich, savory profile makes them adaptable to many beverage choices.
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Explore More Hot Brown Inspired Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with the classic flavors of the Hot Brown, you’re in luck! We have an array of other delicious recipes that capture its essence in various delightful forms:
- Classic Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwich
- Creamy Hot Brown Fondue
- Hearty Hot Brown Casserole
- Quick Kentucky Hot Brown Crescent Casserole
Mini Hot Brown Tarts Recipe
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup finely chopped roasted turkey breast
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped tomato
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Romano cheese
- 2 (15-count) boxes mini phyllo shells
- Grape tomatoes cut into slivers for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C).
- Combine turkey, bacon, and tomato in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the half-and-half. Continue cooking, whisking frequently, until the sauce thickens and is smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in salt, white pepper, cayenne pepper, and Romano cheese until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Pour the Mornay sauce into the bowl with the turkey mixture and stir well to ensure all ingredients are coated.
- Arrange phyllo shells on a baking sheet. Carefully fill each one with the turkey and bacon mixture. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the filling is hot and bubbly and the phyllo shells are golden. Garnish with tomato slivers if desired before serving warm.
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Notes
Nutrition Information
Carbohydrates: 6g |
Protein: 7g |
Fat: 9g |
Saturated Fat: 4g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 3g |
Trans Fat: 0.1g |
Cholesterol: 28mg |
Sodium: 199mg |
Potassium: 81mg |
Fiber: 0.04g |
Sugar: 1g |
Vitamin A: 143IU |
Vitamin C: 0.2mg |
Calcium: 45mg |
Iron: 0.2mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.
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My trip to Louisville was hosted by Go To Louisville. All opinions expressed are my own.
Originally posted September 29, 2017.