The Hot Brown is a Kentucky classic sandwich that originated at the Brown Hotel in Louisville. This open-faced sandwich features layers of turkey, bacon, and Mornay sauce, all broiled until bubbly and golden brown. It's a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients
- 8 slices of thick-cut bacon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 loaf of thick slices of Texas toast
- 1 pound roasted turkey breast, sliced
- 8 slices of ripe tomato
- Paprika for garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Preheat your oven to broil.
- Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, then drain on paper towels and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.
- Place the Texas toast slices on a baking sheet and broil until lightly toasted.
- Top each toast slice with a few slices of turkey, a slice of tomato, and a couple of bacon slices.
- Pour a generous amount of the Mornay sauce over each sandwich.
- Sprinkle paprika over the sandwiches and broil until the sauce is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Interesting Facts
The Hot Brown was created by Fred K. Schmidt in the 1920s at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky.
The sandwich was designed as a late-night meal for the hotel's dinner dance guests who were looking for something a little different than the traditional ham and egg after hours.
The Hot Brown quickly became a hit and is now a beloved classic in Kentucky and beyond.