The Hot Brown sandwich is a beloved Louisville tradition that has been satisfying the cravings of locals and visitors alike for nearly a century. This mouthwatering open-faced sandwich is a masterclass in comfort food, featuring a delicate balance of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. In this article, we’ll delve into the rich history of the Hot Brown, explore its key ingredients, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to make this iconic sandwich in the comfort of your own home.
A Brief History of the Hot Brown
The Hot Brown sandwich was born in the 1920s at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. During the Prohibition era, the hotel’s restaurant, the Brown Hotel Lobby Bar, was a popular gathering spot for locals and travelers looking for a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The hotel’s chef, Fred K. Schmidt, created the Hot Brown as a late-night snack for revelers who had been out dancing the night away. The original recipe consisted of toasted bread topped with turkey, bacon, tomato, and Mornay sauce, all served in a delicate broiler until golden brown.
The Evolution of the Hot Brown
Over the years, the Hot Brown has undergone several transformations, with various restaurants and chefs putting their own spin on the classic recipe. Some variations feature additional ingredients, such as ham or roast beef, while others use different types of cheese or sauces. However, the core elements of the Hot Brown have remained the same, and its enduring popularity is a testament to the timeless appeal of this beloved sandwich.
Key Ingredients of the Hot Brown
So, what makes the Hot Brown so special? The answer lies in its carefully selected ingredients, each of which plays a crucial role in the overall flavor and texture of the sandwich.
The Bread
The foundation of the Hot Brown is toasted bread, typically made from a crusty white bread or a hearty whole wheat. The bread serves as a sturdy base for the various toppings, providing a satisfying crunch that complements the softness of the other ingredients.
The Turkey
Thinly sliced turkey breast is a staple of the Hot Brown, adding a lean protein element to the sandwich. Look for high-quality, oven-roasted turkey breast for the best flavor.
The Bacon
Crispy bacon is a crucial component of the Hot Brown, providing a smoky, savory flavor that enhances the overall flavor profile of the sandwich. Thick-cut bacon is preferred, as it holds up well to the broiler and adds a satisfying crunch.
The Tomato
Fresh tomato slices add a burst of juicy sweetness to the Hot Brown, balancing out the richness of the other ingredients. Look for ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the best results.
The Mornay Sauce
Mornay sauce is a creamy, cheesy sauce made from a combination of butter, flour, milk, and grated cheese. This indulgent sauce is the crowning glory of the Hot Brown, binding the various ingredients together and adding a rich, velvety texture.
How to Make a Hot Brown Sandwich
Now that we’ve explored the history and key ingredients of the Hot Brown, it’s time to learn how to make this iconic sandwich in the comfort of your own home. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating the perfect Hot Brown:
Step 1: Toast the Bread
Preheat your broiler and toast four slices of bread until lightly browned. You can use a toaster or toast the bread in the oven for a few minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Turkey
Slice four ounces of turkey breast into thin strips and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
Cook four slices of bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 4: Prepare the Tomato
Slice two medium tomatoes into thin rounds and set aside.
Step 5: Make the Mornay Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt two tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add two tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk until smooth, cooking for one minute. Slowly add one cup of milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, stirring occasionally. Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in one cup of grated cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Assemble the Hot Brown
To assemble the Hot Brown, place a toasted slice of bread on a broiler-safe plate. Top the bread with a slice of turkey, a few strips of bacon, a tomato slice, and a spoonful of Mornay sauce. Place the plate under the broiler and cook until the sauce is golden brown and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the Hot Brown from the oven and serve immediately. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives, if desired.
Tips and Variations
While the classic Hot Brown recipe is a timeless favorite, there are many ways to put your own spin on this beloved sandwich. Here are a few tips and variations to try:
Add Some Spice
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the Mornay sauce for an extra kick of heat.
Get Creative with the Cheese
Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyère or Parmesan, for a unique flavor profile.
Add Some Fresh Herbs
Chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, add a bright, freshness to the Hot Brown.
Try a Different Protein
Swap out the turkey for roast beef or ham for a different twist on the classic recipe.
Conclusion
The Hot Brown sandwich is a true Louisville classic, with a rich history and a flavor profile that’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create your own delicious Hot Brown sandwiches in the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re a longtime fan of this beloved sandwich or just discovering its charms, the Hot Brown is sure to become a new favorite. So go ahead, give it a try, and experience the magic of this timeless Louisville tradition for yourself.
What is a Hot Brown Sandwich?
The Hot Brown Sandwich is a classic dish that originated in Louisville, Kentucky. It is an open-faced sandwich that typically consists of toasted bread topped with sliced turkey, bacon, tomato, and Mornay sauce, which is a type of cheese sauce. The sandwich is then baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
The Hot Brown Sandwich has a rich history that dates back to the 1920s, when it was created by Fred K. Schmidt, the chef at the Brown Hotel in Louisville. The sandwich was originally designed as a late-night snack for partygoers, and it quickly became a hit with the hotel’s guests. Today, the Hot Brown Sandwich is still a beloved dish in Louisville, and it can be found on menus throughout the city.
What is the history of the Hot Brown Sandwich?
The Hot Brown Sandwich has a long and storied history that dates back to the 1920s. The sandwich was created by Fred K. Schmidt, the chef at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. At the time, the hotel was a popular gathering place for the city’s elite, and Schmidt was looking for a way to feed the hotel’s late-night revelers. He came up with the idea for the Hot Brown Sandwich, which quickly became a hit with the hotel’s guests.
Over the years, the Hot Brown Sandwich has remained a beloved dish in Louisville. It has been served at the Brown Hotel for generations, and it has also been featured on menus throughout the city. In 2016, the Hot Brown Sandwich was even named the official state sandwich of Kentucky, cementing its place in the state’s culinary history.
What are the ingredients of a traditional Hot Brown Sandwich?
A traditional Hot Brown Sandwich typically consists of toasted bread topped with sliced turkey, bacon, tomato, and Mornay sauce. The bread is usually toasted until it is crispy, and the turkey is sliced thinly and layered on top of the bread. The bacon is crispy and adds a smoky flavor to the sandwich, while the tomato adds a burst of freshness. The Mornay sauce is a type of cheese sauce that is made with butter, flour, and cheese.
The ingredients of a traditional Hot Brown Sandwich are simple, but they come together to create a rich and satisfying flavor profile. The combination of the crispy bread, savory turkey, smoky bacon, and creamy Mornay sauce is a winning combination that has made the Hot Brown Sandwich a beloved dish for generations.
How do you make a Hot Brown Sandwich?
Making a Hot Brown Sandwich is relatively simple. The first step is to toast the bread until it is crispy. This can be done by placing the bread under the broiler or by toasting it in a toaster. Next, slice the turkey thinly and layer it on top of the bread. Add a few slices of crispy bacon on top of the turkey, followed by a slice or two of tomato.
Finally, spoon the Mornay sauce over the top of the sandwich and place it under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The Mornay sauce can be made by melting butter and flour in a saucepan, then slowly adding cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. The Hot Brown Sandwich is best served hot, straight from the oven.
Where can you find a Hot Brown Sandwich in Louisville?
The Hot Brown Sandwich is a beloved dish in Louisville, and it can be found on menus throughout the city. One of the best places to try a Hot Brown Sandwich is at the Brown Hotel, where the sandwich was originally created. The hotel’s restaurant, the English Grill, serves a traditional Hot Brown Sandwich that is made with the same ingredients and techniques that have been used for generations.
In addition to the Brown Hotel, the Hot Brown Sandwich can also be found at other restaurants throughout Louisville. Some popular spots include the Old Seelbach Bar, the Galt House, and the Bristol Bar & Grille. The Hot Brown Sandwich is also a popular dish at local cafes and diners, where it is often served as a comforting and satisfying meal.
Can you make a Hot Brown Sandwich at home?
Yes, you can make a Hot Brown Sandwich at home. The ingredients are simple and can be found at most grocery stores. To make a Hot Brown Sandwich at home, start by toasting the bread until it is crispy. Then, slice the turkey thinly and layer it on top of the bread. Add a few slices of crispy bacon on top of the turkey, followed by a slice or two of tomato.
Finally, spoon the Mornay sauce over the top of the sandwich and place it under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The Mornay sauce can be made by melting butter and flour in a saucepan, then slowly adding cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Making a Hot Brown Sandwich at home is a great way to enjoy this beloved dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.
What variations of the Hot Brown Sandwich are there?
While the traditional Hot Brown Sandwich is a beloved dish, there are also many variations that can be found in Louisville and beyond. Some popular variations include adding different types of cheese, such as cheddar or Swiss, to the Mornay sauce. Others include adding different types of meat, such as ham or roast beef, to the sandwich.
Some restaurants also offer vegetarian or vegan versions of the Hot Brown Sandwich, which can be made by substituting the turkey with a plant-based protein source, such as tofu or tempeh. Other variations include adding different toppings, such as diced onions or bell peppers, to the sandwich. These variations offer a creative twist on the traditional Hot Brown Sandwich and can be a fun way to experience this beloved dish.