Springfield Horseshoe Delight
The Springfield Horseshoe Delight is a beloved American sandwich originating from Springfield, Illinois, in 1928. Created by two local chefs at the Leland Hotel, this open-faced sandwich features your choice of savory meat topped with a rich, creamy cheese sauce, all served atop toasted bread and surrounded by crispy French fries. The experience of indulging in this dish is a perfect blend of flavors and textures that pays homage to its historical roots while being a delightful addition to any lunch or snack menu.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Egg Yolks
2 (beaten)
Beer
1/2 cup (any light beer)
Butter
2 tablespoons (unsalted)
Sharp Cheddar Cheese or Colby Cheese
3 cups (grated)
Worcestershire Sauce
1 teaspoon
Dry Mustard
1/4 teaspoon
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Cayenne Pepper
1 dash
Bread
2 slices (your choice, toasted)
Shrimp or Turkey
100 g (cooked and sliced)
Paprika
as needed (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the frozen French fries according to the instructions on the package until they are crispy and golden.
2
While the fries are cooking, prepare the cheese sauce. In a mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks and beer together until well combined.
3
In a double boiler, melt the butter over gently simmering water. Add the grated cheese and stir with a wooden spoon in one direction until the cheese is melted and creamy.
4
Slowly incorporate the Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, salt, and cayenne pepper into the melted cheese mixture, stirring continuously.
5
Gradually add the beer and egg mixture to the cheese mixture, a little at a time, ensuring to stir constantly to avoid curdling. Keep the mixture hot while stirring, but do not allow it to boil.
6
As the cheese sauce thickens, toast your choice of bread until golden brown.
7
Preheat a serving platter while the cheese sauce is being prepared.
8
Once the toast is ready, place it on the warmed platter.
9
Top the toasted bread with your choice of cooked shrimp or turkey.
10
Generously pour the creamy cheese sauce over the meat.
11
Surround the platter with the crispy French fries for a complete meal.
12
Finish with a dash of paprika for an added touch of flavor and color.
13
Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Springfield Horseshoe Delight?
The Springfield Horseshoe Delight is a traditional American open-faced sandwich originating from Springfield, Illinois, featuring savory meat, rich cheese sauce, toasted bread, and French fries.
When was the Springfield Horseshoe first created?
The dish was first created in 1928 by two local chefs at the Leland Hotel.
What are the main components of this sandwich?
It consists of toasted bread topped with meat (like shrimp or turkey), covered in a creamy cheese sauce, and surrounded by crispy French fries.
What kind of meat is used in this recipe?
This specific recipe suggests using 100 grams of cooked and sliced shrimp or turkey.
How do you make the cheese sauce for a Horseshoe?
The sauce is made by melting butter and cheese in a double boiler, then incorporating beer, egg yolks, Worcestershire sauce, and spices.
What type of cheese is recommended?
You should use 3 cups of grated sharp Cheddar cheese or Colby cheese.
Does the cheese sauce contain alcohol?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/2 cup of any light beer to be mixed with the egg yolks and cheese.
How should the egg yolks be prepared?
The two egg yolks should be beaten together with the beer before being added to the sauce.
Why is a double boiler used for the sauce?
A double boiler is used to melt the cheese gently over simmering water, preventing it from burning or curdling.
What spices are used in the cheese sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with dry mustard, salt, cayenne pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to produce 4 servings.
What is the correct way to stir the cheese while melting?
You should stir the cheese with a wooden spoon in one direction until it is completely melted and creamy.
How do you prevent the cheese sauce from curdling?
To avoid curdling, gradually add the beer and egg mixture to the cheese a little at a time while stirring constantly.
Should the cheese sauce reach a boil?
No, you should keep the mixture hot while stirring, but do not allow it to boil.
How should the French fries be cooked?
Prepare the frozen French fries according to the package instructions until they are crispy and golden.
How is the bread prepared for the sandwich?
The bread should be toasted until it reaches a golden brown color.
How is the dish plated?
Place the toast on a warmed platter, top with meat, pour the cheese sauce over it, and surround the platter with French fries.
What is used to garnish the dish?
A dash of paprika is added at the end for flavor and color.
What kind of butter is used?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
Can I use a different type of meat?
While this recipe suggests shrimp or turkey, the Horseshoe is versatile and can feature various savory meats.
Is the serving platter preheated?
Yes, it is recommended to preheat a serving platter while the cheese sauce is being prepared.
What is the significance of the Leland Hotel?
The Leland Hotel in Springfield, Illinois, is the historical site where the Horseshoe sandwich was originally created.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is categorized as a classic American comfort food dish.
What is the texture of the finished cheese sauce?
The finished sauce should be rich, creamy, and thick enough to coat the meat and bread.
How much Worcestershire sauce is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce.
Is the sandwich served open-faced?
Yes, the Springfield Horseshoe is a signature open-faced sandwich.
How much dry mustard is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of dry mustard.
What is the recommended occasion for this dish?
It is a delightful addition to any lunch or snack menu.
Does the recipe specify a type of bread?
You can use 2 slices of your choice of bread, provided it is toasted.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 total ingredients required for this Springfield Horseshoe Delight.