Jalapeño Cornbread Biscuit Kentucky Hot Brown with Honey Bourbon Bacon

A Taste of Kentucky Comfort: My Jalapeño Cornbread Biscuit Kentucky Hot Brown

As a busy working mom, finding time to cook can be a challenge. But when I crave that home-cooked goodness, I need something quick, flavorful, and satisfying. That’s where this Jalapeño Cornbread Biscuit Kentucky Hot Brown recipe comes in. It’s a delightful twist on a classic, blending the familiar warmth of a Kentucky Hot Brown with the spicy kick of jalapeños and the comforting texture of cornbread biscuits. This recipe is perfect for a cozy weekend brunch, a satisfying weeknight dinner, or even a special occasion.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. It combines readily available ingredients to create a truly impressive meal. You don't need to be a culinary expert to whip this up; even a beginner cook can master it with ease. The combination of textures – crispy bacon, creamy mornay sauce, and fluffy cornbread biscuits – is simply irresistible. The jalapeños add a delightful spicy contrast, cutting through the richness of the other ingredients. And the honey bourbon glaze on the bacon? It's the perfect touch of sweetness and sophistication that elevates this dish beyond the ordinary.

I've always loved the classic Kentucky Hot Brown, but I've always wanted to experiment with different flavors and textures. The idea for this recipe came to me during a particularly hectic week. I was craving comfort food, but I didn’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. This recipe allowed me to create something special without sacrificing my precious time.

The Biscuits: A Foundation of Flavor

The cornbread biscuits are the foundation of this dish. They are incredibly easy to make, requiring only simple pantry staples. I love the combination of cornmeal and flour – it gives the biscuits a beautiful texture and a slightly sweet taste that complements the savory filling. A few simple steps and some careful baking time are all you need to create golden-brown, fluffy biscuits that are perfect for soaking up all that creamy goodness.

The Hot Brown Filling: A Symphony of Flavors

The heart of the Kentucky Hot Brown is its creamy mornay sauce. This recipe uses a classic béchamel as its base, then enhances it with the sharp flavors of cheddar and Parmesan cheese. The addition of the perfectly cooked turkey breast adds a rich savory note, while the juicy tomatoes add a fresh and vibrant counterpoint. The crispy honey bourbon bacon, the star of the show, adds a sweet and smoky element that perfectly balances the savory components.

Assembly and Baking: The Finishing Touches

Assembling the Kentucky Hot Brown is a simple and satisfying process. Simply layer the creamy mornay sauce over the turkey breast nestled in the warm cornbread biscuit halves. A quick broil brings everything together, creating a bubbly, golden-brown top. Then, it’s simply a matter of adding the bacon, tomatoes, and basil for a touch of freshness before serving.

Beyond the Recipe: A Culinary Adventure

This recipe is more than just a dish; it’s an invitation to explore the world of flavors and textures. It's a journey that begins with simple ingredients and culminates in a culinary masterpiece. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, add your favorite herbs, or even swap out the turkey for chicken or another protein. The beauty of cooking is its versatility; it’s about creating something unique and delicious, something that reflects your personality and preferences.

Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice cook, this recipe provides a simple yet rewarding cooking experience. It’s a testament to the fact that extraordinary dishes can be created with readily available ingredients and a little bit of creativity. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and embark on a culinary adventure that is sure to delight your taste buds and impress your family and friends.

This recipe is a reminder that even on the busiest of days, we can still create moments of warmth and deliciousness. The aroma of the baking biscuits and the sizzling bacon, the comforting taste of the creamy mornay sauce – these are simple pleasures that make life a little richer, a little more enjoyable. It’s a small act of self-care, a reminder that we deserve to savor the little things in life, even amidst the chaos of our daily routines.

Step-by-step

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
• In a large bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, salt and pepper. Whisk until combined.
• Using a fork, pastry blender or your hands, add butter pieces to the flour and mix until coarse little crumbles remain.
• Whisk together the buttermilk, egg and honey and pour into the flour. Stir with a spoon until just combined, not overmixing. Use your hands if needed to bring the dough together.
• Fold in the cheddar cheese and jalapeños.
• Use a 1/4 cup measure to drop batter onto a nonstick baking sheet, or press dough on a sheet of parchment paper or cutting board, then use a biscuit cutter to shape the dough into rounds.
• Brush with buttermilk.
• Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until biscuits are golden brown.
• Line a baking sheet with foil. Arrange bacon strips about 1 1/2 inches apart.
• In a small bowl mix together the maple syrup, bourbon and cayenne pepper.
• Brush the mixture evenly over both sides of the bacon.
• Bake 14 to 16 minutes until bacon is browned and crisp.
• Transfer to a piece of wax paper to cool. Do not place the bacon on paper towels as it will stick to the towels. Halve the slices.
• Meanwhile, to make the mornay, heat a small sauce pan over medium heat.
• Add the butter, and once it’s melted and bubbly add the flour.
• Whisk together to create a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes until mixture gets a bit golden in color.
• Add milk, stir and turn down heat to low.
• Continue stirring until the milk thickens.
• Add in the parmesan and cheddar cheese and continue to stir until mixture is smooth.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Keep the sauce over low heat to keep warm.
• Preheat the broiler to high.
• Slice the biscuits in half horizontally and place the bottom halves on a baking sheet.
• Divide the turkey among the biscuits.
• Spoon a little of the mornay sauce over the turkey.
• Place the pan under the broiler for 30 seconds to 1 minutes or until the mornay sauce sauce is all bubbly.
• Remove from the oven and top each biscuit with bacon, sliced tomatoes and a sprig of basil.
• Sprinkle with salt + pepper and then add the top half of the biscuit.
• Enjoy warm.