Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwiches

For the sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• pinch cayenne pepper
• pinch white pepper
• salt and pepper to taste

For the sandwiches:

• 4 slices toasted sourdough bread
• 9 oz sliced cooked turkey breast
• 1 beefsteak tomato, sliced and patted dry
• pinch salt
• 8 slices crispy cooked bacon

Preparation

1. Melt butter in saucepan over low heat. Whisk in flour and stir until incorporated. Allow to cook for 1-2 minutes until golden in color, stirring often. Whisk in milk and increase heat to medium. Cook for 2 minutes or until thickened, stirring often. Add in cheese.
2. Remove from heat and stir until cheese is melted. Use a metal stick blender to further emulsify the mixture if needed. Add Worcestershire sauce, paprika, cayenne, and white pepper. Add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Arrange bread on lined baking sheet. Add 3-4 slices of turkey followed by 2 tomato slices on each piece of bread. Sprinkle tomatoes with a little salt.
4. Divide cheese sauce between each piece of bread, pouring it over the top. Add 2 bacon slices to each sandwich. Set oven to low broil. Bake for 4-7 minutes or until cheese sauce bubbles. Serve while piping hot.