Looking for a great way to turn leftover Thanksgiving turkey into something different and delicious? This air fryer Kentucky Hot Brown dip is a great option. Packed with turkey, bacon, and cheese, it’s like the classic sandwich in a dip format perfect for game day!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Inspired By A Classic: It transforms the iconic Kentucky Hot Brown sandwich into an easy-to-share appetizer
- Creamy And Cheesy: Rich, melty cheese makes every scoop warm and satisfying
- Loaded With Flavor: Turkey and bacon bring plenty of savory flavor to the creamy base
- Perfect For Parties: It’s easy to serve with crackers, toasted bread, or vegetables for dipping
- Great For Game Day: A hearty, cheesy dip is always welcome on a game-day spread (especially right after Thanksgiving)!
- Easy To Make: Simple ingredients come together for a crowd-pleasing appetizer
- Comfort Food Favorite: It delivers all the cozy flavors of the classic sandwich in dip form
- Easy To Customize: Add extra bacon, cheese, or your favorite Hot Brown-inspired toppings!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it ahead of time so it’s ready to heat and serve when guests arrive
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Ingredients List
- 1 cup turkey, shredded or diced (use leftovers or a thicker carved deli turkey)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
- 5.3 ounce block garlic and herb Boursin cheese (or herb and garlic cream cheese)
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black or white pepper (or to taste)
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp hot sauce (optional; adjust to taste)
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese (about 4 ounces), divided
- Sourdough baguette or crackers for dipping
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- Instead of sour cream, you can use Greek yogurt, mayo, or milk (which will be a little thinner) instead
- All seasonings can be adjusted to taste. Other good additions include ½ tsp garlic powder or paprika, or a pinch of nutmeg if you like it (but they aren’t necessarily “true” to the Hot Brown)
- White cheddar cheese is traditional, but you can substitute Swiss or Gruyere if preferred
Equipment Notes
You’ll need a dish that fits in your air fryer for this recipe. I have a Dual Zone air fryer, so I use two smaller oval casserole dishes and split it between both baskets. If you have a single basket, feel free to use one larger dish instead!
Anything that is oven safe is also air fryer safe, so a cake pan, pie dish, casserole dish, small oven-proof skillet, au gratin dish, or really anything similar is a great option here depending on what fits.
Step By Step Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the Boursin, sour cream, hot sauce (if using) and all the seasonings until well combined and smooth
- Add the turkey, bacon, tomatoes, parmesan cheese, and half the shredded cheddar cheese, and stir until well distributed
- Spread the mixture in a greased baking dish(es) that fits in your air fryer’s basket, then transfer to the air fryer
- Cook on the air fry setting at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, until hot, bubbly, and lightly browned on top. Times can vary between air fryers and dish sizes slightly; adjust as needed
- Add the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top, and cook for 3-5 more minutes, until melted and browned to your liking
- Top with extra bacon, tomatoes, or fresh parsley if desired (all optional) and serve with crackers or toasted baguette slices for dipping. Enjoy!
Pairing Suggestions
Hot Brown dip is rich, creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory turkey and bacon, so the best pairings add crunch, freshness, or a little acidity. It’s especially well suited to game-day spreads, holiday gatherings, and casual parties!
Dippers
- Toasted Baguette Slices: Crisp edges and a sturdy texture make them ideal for scooping up the creamy dip. Check out my Air Fryer Bruschetta recipe if you want to learn how to toast them in the air fryer!
- Rye or Sourdough Bread: Its earthy flavor adds a nice contrast to the rich cheese and turkey
- Crackers: Choose sturdy crackers that won’t break under the weight of the dip
- Pretzel Crisps: Their salty crunch provides a great sweet-free contrast
- Pita Chips: A crisp, neutral option that lets the Hot Brown flavors take center stage
Crunchy Sides
- Celery Sticks: Cool, crisp celery cuts through the richness of the dip
- Apple Slices: Tart, crisp apples provide a surprisingly good contrast to the savory turkey and bacon
- Simple Green Salad: A lightly dressed salad adds freshness if you’re serving the dip as part of a larger meal
- Pickles: Their tangy, briny flavor is excellent alongside rich cheese and bacon
Party Favorites
- Chicken Wings: A classic game-day pairing that works especially well with a creamy dip. Try my sweet and spicy Hot Honey Wings!
- Deviled Eggs: Their creamy texture and savory flavor fit naturally on a party appetizer spread
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Earthy mushrooms complement the turkey, bacon, and cheese
- Vegetable Platter: Carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, and cucumber add color and freshness
Drinks
- Light Lager: Crisp carbonation helps cut through the richness of the dip
- Dry Cider: Apple and acidity provide a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors
- Pinot Noir: Its bright fruit and moderate body work well with turkey and bacon
- Iced Tea: A simple, refreshing option for a casual gathering
- Peach Mint Julep: Serve it up in Kentucky Derby style with this inspired dip!
Recipe FAQs
Can I Make This In The Oven Instead?
Yes! Transfer the prepared dip to an oven-safe baking dish and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Add the remaining half the cheese on top and broil for a few minutes to get a golden brown finish.
Is A Hot Brown A Kentucky Thing?
Yes! The Hot Brown originated at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1926. It has since become a signature Kentucky dish and a well-known regional specialty.
What Is A Traditional Hot Brown?
A traditional Hot Brown is an open-faced sandwich made with roasted turkey and thick toast, then topped with Mornay sauce and baked until bubbly. It’s typically finished with tomato and crispy bacon.
Tips For the Best Hot Brown Dip
- As pictured, this recipe was made in my Ninja Dual Zone air fryer and I cooked it for 10 minutes before adding cheese, and 5 minutes after adding the cheese on top, with no preheating. Other air fryers and dish sizes can cause this to vary, so adjust as needed for your specific setup and preferences
- If the top starts to get too brown while the dip is cooking, stir it to redistribute it and it should be fine. You can also loosely cover it with foil (but too much can slow down cooking)
- Planning to serve directly from the baking dish? It will be hot, so I recommend letting it rest for 10-15 minutes, and make sure to use a trivet as well!
Storage and Reheating
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate Leftovers Promptly: Transfer cooled dip to an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of serving
- Keep the dip refrigerated and use within 3-4 days for the best quality
- If using bacon or other fresh or crispy toppings, store them separately and add them after reheating
Reheating Tips
- Air Fryer. Put dip in an oven-safe dish that fits in your air fryer and heat at 350°F for 5-6 minutes, stirring halfway, until heated through
- Oven. Place the dip in an oven-safe dish and warm at 350°F until heated through and bubbly (around 10 minutes, but it can vary by side of portion)
- Microwave. For smaller portions, microwave in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until hot
- Add A Little Moisture If Needed: If the dip seems thick or dry after refrigeration, a small splash of milk can help restore its creamy consistency
- Don’t Overheat. Excessive heat can cause the cheese and creamy ingredients to separate and become greasy
- Refresh Before Serving: Add freshly cooked bacon, a little extra cheese, or your favorite Hot Brown toppings before serving!
Make Ahead
Assemble the dip in its baking dish, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake it. Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, then air fry or bake as directed.
- Italian Turkey Sausage Sandwich
Final Thoughts
This air fryer Hot Brown dip is a fun spin on the classic Kentucky sandwich! It features all your favorite flavors, like turkey, savory bacon, creamy cheese, and fresh tomatoes, baked to perfection and served with crackers or toast.
I love it as a way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey (it’s especially great as a game day dip for football right after the holiday)! However, you can grab carved deli turkey and serve it any time of year, and it makes a great Kentucky Derby themed appetizer option as well.
Katie’s tip
For more great ways to enjoy turkey (both fresh and as a leftover), check out all of my Air Fryer Turkey Recipes for options to fit any occasion! Additionally, if you’re looking to build out a game day spread, my Air Fryer Dip Recipes have lots of great choices to check out!
Air Fryer Kentucky Hot Brown Turkey Dip
Equipment
- Spatula (or spoon; for mixing)
- Casserole dish (or similar oven safe dish that fits in your air fryer)
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded or diced cooked turkey (use leftovers or a thicker carved deli turkey)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (or ¼ bacon bits)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes (halved or quartered depending on size)
- 5.3 ounce block garlic and herb Boursin cheese (or herb and garlic cream cheese)
- ¼ cup sour cream (regular or light)
- ¼ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black or white pepper (or to taste)
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp hot sauce (optional; adjust to taste)
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese (divided)
- Toasted sourdough baguette slices or crackers for dipping
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the Boursin, sour cream, hot sauce (if using) and all the seasonings until well combined and smooth5.3 ounce block garlic and herb Boursin cheese, ¼ cup sour cream, ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black or white pepper, ½ tsp dried parsley, ½ tsp hot sauce
- Add the turkey, bacon, tomatoes, parmesan cheese, and half the shredded cheddar cheese, and stir until well distributed. You can reserve a little bit of the bacon and tomatoes for topping after cooking, if you like1 cup shredded or diced cooked turkey, 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled, ½ cup cherry tomatoes, ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- Spread the mixture in a greased baking dish(es) that fits in your air fryer’s basket, then transfer to the air fryer
- Cook on the air fry setting at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, until hot, bubbly, and lightly browned on top. Times can vary between air fryers and dish sizes slightly; adjust as needed
- Add the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top, and cook for 3-5 more minutes, until melted and browned to your liking1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- Top with extra bacon, tomatoes, or fresh parsley if desired (all optional) and serve with crackers or toasted baguette slices for dipping. Enjoy!Toasted sourdough baguette slices or crackers for dipping
Notes
- Instead of sour cream, you can substitute Greek yogurt, mayo, or milk (which will result in a thinner consistency) instead
- All seasonings can be adjusted to taste. Other good additions include ½ tsp garlic powder or paprika, or a pinch of nutmeg
- White cheddar cheese is traditional, but you can use Swiss or Gruyere (or a blend) if preferred
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any sauces or toppings added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
