Cheesy Bourbon Hot Brown Skillet Dip with Roast Beef
This indulgent skillet dip transforms the classic Kentucky Hot Brown sandwich into a shareable appetizer perfect for entertaining. Tender deli roast beef mingles with three cheeses - cream cheese, white cheddar, and Romano - while bourbon and Worcestershire sauce add sophisticated depth. Crispy bacon and fresh tomatoes provide textural contrast, and the cast iron presentation keeps everything warm and bubbly. The mixture benefits from chilling before baking, allowing flavors to meld beautifully. Serve this crowd-pleasing dip warm with crackers, toasted bread, or fresh vegetables for an elegant party starter that brings Southern comfort food flair to any gathering.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces deli roast beefdeli turkey1:1
similar flavor profile
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 6 ounces white cheddar cheese, shreddedsharp cheddar1:1
slightly stronger flavor
- ½ cup Romano cheese, shreddedParmesan cheese1:1
similar sharp flavor
- ½ cup sour cream
- 4 strips bacon, cooked, finely chopped
- 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons granulated garlic
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F
- 2
Set aside 1 tablespoon parsley, 1 tablespoon chopped bacon, and 1 tablespoon diced tomatoes for garnish
- 3
Combine cream cheese, white cheddar cheese, bacon, roast beef, sour cream, Romano cheese, tomatoes, paprika, garlic, mustard, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, bourbon, and pepper in standing mixer until well incorporated
- 4
Remove bowl from mixer and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until ready to bake
- 5
Spread the dip into 8-inch cast iron or oven-proof skillet
- 6
Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown and edges are bubbling
- 7
Remove from oven and top with remaining bacon, parsley, and tomatoes
- 8
Serve warm with crackers, toasted bread or celery and carrots
Tips
Chilling the mixture for at least 30 minutes before baking allows the flavors to meld and makes the dip easier to spread evenly in the skillet.
Reserve some bacon, parsley, and tomatoes for garnish to add fresh color and texture contrast to the finished dip.
Use a cast iron skillet if possible as it retains heat well and keeps the dip warm longer during serving.
Good to Know
Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven at 300°F until warmed through.
Can be assembled up to 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed.
Serve warm directly from the skillet with crackers, toasted bread, or fresh vegetables.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip the chilling time to avoid a loose, difficult-to-spread mixture.
Avoid overbaking to prevent the cheese from becoming grainy or separating.
Substitutions
similar flavor profile
FAQ
Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes, substitute the bourbon with an equal amount of beef broth or omit entirely for a milder flavor.
What if I don't have a cast iron skillet?
Any 8-inch oven-safe dish works well, though cast iron provides the best heat retention for serving.
How long will this keep in the refrigerator?
The dip stays fresh covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheats well in the oven.