Classic Kentucky Hot Brown Delight
Originally crafted in 1926 by Chef Fred K. Schmidt at the iconic Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, the Hot Brown sandwich revolutionized late-night dining for ballroom guests. Designed during an era of elegance and culinary exploration, this sumptuous sandwich features layers of savory turkey and creamy Mornay sauce, nestled between toasted bread and crowned with crispy bacon and vibrant pimentos. Perfect for lunch or as a nostalgic snack, this dish invites you to indulge in a slice of culinary history, celebrating rich flavors and comfort in each delicious bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
6 tablespoons (Melted)
All-purpose flour
6 tablespoons (Used for thickening sauce)
Milk
3 cups (Whole milk recommended)
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (For sauce)
Egg
1 (Room temperature and beaten)
Salt and black pepper
To taste (For seasoning)
Prepared whipped cream
1/2 cup (Folded into sauce)
White bread
8 slices (Toasted and crust trimmed)
Cooked turkey breast
1 lb (Thinly sliced)
Additional grated Parmesan cheese
For topping (Sprinkled on top)
Diced pimentos
1 (2 ounce) jar (Drained)
Bacon
8 slices (Fried crisp)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until bubbly.
2
Gradually whisk in the flour, stirring constantly until a smooth roux forms and it reaches a light golden color.
3
Slowly pour in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture comes to a gentle boil, thickening into a creamy sauce. Remove from heat.
4
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
5
In a separate small bowl, beat the egg until smooth. Gradually add one cup of the hot cheese sauce to the egg, incorporating it slowly to temper the egg mixture.
6
Once tempered, pour the egg mixture back into the remaining cheese sauce, stirring continuously until well blended. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7
Gently fold in the prepared whipped cream until combined and smooth.
8
To assemble each Kentucky Hot Brown, place two slices of the toasted bread on a metal or flameproof dish.
9
Layer a generous amount of sliced turkey breast over the bread.
10
Spoon a generous amount of the cheese sauce over the turkey, ensuring an even coating.
11
Sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan cheese to add richness.
12
Broil under high heat until the cheese sauce is golden brown and bubbly, about 3-5 minutes—watch closely to prevent burning.
13
Remove from the broiler and top with drained diced pimentos and cross two crisp bacon slices over the top.
14
Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious blast from the past!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Classic Kentucky Hot Brown Delight?
The Kentucky Hot Brown is a famous open-faced sandwich consisting of turkey and bacon covered in a creamy Mornay sauce and broiled until bubbly.
Who invented the Hot Brown sandwich?
The sandwich was originally crafted by Chef Fred K. Schmidt in 1926.
Where did the Hot Brown originate?
It was created at the iconic Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky.
Why was the Hot Brown created?
It was designed as a sumptuous late-night dining option for ballroom guests during the 1920s.
What are the primary ingredients in the cheese sauce?
The sauce is made from butter, flour, milk, Parmesan cheese, an egg, and prepared whipped cream.
What kind of bread is used for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 slices of white bread that have been toasted with the crusts trimmed.
What type of turkey should I use?
Use one pound of thinly sliced, cooked turkey breast.
How is the bacon prepared for the Hot Brown?
The bacon should be fried until crisp and then crossed over the top of the sandwich after broiling.
Why is whipped cream added to the cheese sauce?
The prepared whipped cream is folded in to give the sauce a smooth, light, and airy consistency.
How do you temper the egg for the sauce?
Beat the egg and gradually add one cup of the hot cheese sauce to it, stirring slowly before adding the mixture back into the main pot.
What is the garnish for a Kentucky Hot Brown?
The traditional garnishes are drained diced pimentos and two slices of crispy bacon.
How long do you broil the sandwich?
Broil under high heat for about 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese sauce is golden brown and bubbly.
What kind of cheese is best for this recipe?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is used both in the sauce and as an additional topping.
Can I use a different type of milk?
While you can use others, whole milk is recommended for the creamiest results.
How do you make the roux for the sauce?
Melt butter until bubbly, then gradually whisk in flour until a smooth, light golden roux forms.
Is the Hot Brown served hot or cold?
It is served immediately after broiling while it is hot and bubbling.
What should I look for while broiling?
Watch the sandwich closely to prevent the cheese sauce or bread from burning under the high heat.
How many sandwiches does this recipe make?
Based on the 8 slices of bread and 1 pound of turkey, it typically makes 4 generous servings.
Do I need a special dish for this recipe?
Yes, you should use a metal or flameproof dish that can safely withstand the high heat of a broiler.
Can I substitute the pimentos?
If you don't have pimentos, you can use diced roasted red peppers for a similar color and flavor.
What seasoning is used in the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned simply with salt and black pepper to taste.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
The sauce is best made fresh, but can be reheated gently; however, the whipped cream should be folded in just before assembly for best texture.
Is the Hot Brown a sandwich or a casserole?
It is an open-faced sandwich, though it is assembled and broiled in a dish similar to a small casserole.
What is the texture of the Mornay sauce?
It is thick, creamy, and rich, especially after the Parmesan and whipped cream are added.
Should the egg be cold or room temperature?
The recipe recommends using a room temperature egg for better incorporation into the warm sauce.
Can I use leftover holiday turkey?
Absolutely, this recipe is a perfect way to use leftover roasted turkey breast.
How is the bread prepared before assembly?
The white bread should be toasted and the crusts should be trimmed off.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is widely celebrated as a classic Southern comfort food dish.
What category of cuisine does this fall into?
It is considered a staple of Southern cuisine, specifically hailing from Kentucky.
Can I add more cheese on top?
Yes, the recipe suggests sprinkling additional grated Parmesan cheese on top before broiling for extra richness.