Hot Brown Panini

This richly delicious sandwich was inspired by reader Julie Morgan's recipe for a Kentucky classic.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Yield: Makes 8 servings

Ingredients

• 2  tablespoons  melted butter
• 16  (1/2-inch-thick) Italian bread slices
• 1  cup  (4 oz.) shredded Swiss cheese, divided
• 3  cups  chopped cooked chicken or turkey
• 4  plum tomatoes, sliced
• 3  cups  warm White Cheese Sauce, divided
• 13  cooked bacon slices, crumbled

Preparation

1. Brush melted butter evenly on 1 side of 16 bread slices. Place, butter sides down, on wax paper.

2. Sprinkle 1 Tbsp. Swiss cheese on top of each of 8 bread slices; top evenly with chicken, tomato slices, and 1 cup warm White Cheese Sauce. Sprinkle with bacon and remaining cheese, and top with remaining bread slices, butter sides up.

3. Cook sandwiches, in batches, in a preheated panini press 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with remaining 2 cups warm White Cheese Sauce for dipping.