brown hotel louisville hot brown recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best brown hotel louisville hot brown recipe

The Brown Hotel Louisville Hot Brown is a classic dish that has been a staple in my kitchen for years. This open-faced turkey sandwich, topped with a rich Mornay sauce and baked to perfection, is a comfort food that my family loves.

The dish originated at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, and has since become a beloved Southern delicacy. The combination of tender turkey, crispy bacon, and creamy sauce creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and indulgent.

My kids especially love it, and I often make it for family gatherings or as a special treat on weekends. It’s a hearty dish that works well for any occasion, whether it’s a casual dinner at home or a more formal gathering.

The Hot Brown is not only delicious but also surprisingly easy to make. The key technique involves layering the ingredients carefully and broiling the sandwich until the sauce is golden and bubbly.

It’s a dish that feels like a celebration, and I love how it brings everyone together around the table. The nutritional benefits of the Hot Brown come from the combination of protein-rich turkey and vegetables like tomatoes, making it a satisfying and balanced meal.

I always feel good serving it to my family, knowing that it’s a dish that everyone will enjoy.

Brown Hotel Louisville Hot Brown

4.6 from 708 votes

The Brown Hotel Louisville Hot Brown is a classic open-faced turkey sandwich topped with a rich Mornay sauce, bacon, and tomatoes. It’s a comforting and indulgent dish perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 500 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Mornay Sauce

2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Sandwich

8 slices Texas toast
1 lb sliced turkey
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup sliced tomatoes
1/2 cup sliced red onion
1/2 cup sliced green onion
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
4 tbsp butter

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your broiler to high.
2In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
3Whisk in the flour to create a roux.
4Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until the mixture turns a light brown color and smells nutty.
5Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
6Add salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and Worcestershire sauce to the sauce.
7Stir well to combine.
8Cook the sauce for 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon
9Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
10Remove the sauce from the heat and set it aside.
11In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
12Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and have released their moisture.
13Remove the mushrooms from the skillet and set them aside.
14Toast the Texas toast in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until it is lightly golden and crispy.
15Place 2 slices of toast on each of four plates.
16Top each slice with an even layer of sliced turkey.
17Distribute the cooked mushrooms evenly over the turkey.
18Top the mushrooms with slices of tomatoes and red onions.
19Spoon the Mornay sauce over the vegetables, ensuring each sandwich is generously covered.
20Sprinkle the crumbled bacon and sliced green onions over the sauce.
21Place the plates under the preheated broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce is golden and bubbly and the edges of the bread are crispy.
22Keep a close eye on the sandwiches to prevent burning.
23Remove the sandwiches from the broiler and let them cool for 1-2 minutes before serving.
24This will allow the sauce to set and make the sandwiches easier to eat.

🔧Equipment

Saucepan
Skillet
Baking sheet
Broiler
Whisk
Spatula
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 500 kcal🧈Total Fat: 25g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 30g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

You can use whole grain bread for a healthier option and add a side salad to make it a more balanced meal.

The Brown Hotel Louisville Hot Brown is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for any occasion. It’s perfect for family gatherings, holiday meals, or even a cozy dinner at home.

The leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and they reheat well in the oven or toaster oven. Just make sure to reheat them until the sauce is hot and bubbly and the bread is crispy.

The Hot Brown is also great for meal prepping, as you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble the sandwiches when ready to serve. It’s a dish that everyone will love, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Brown Hotel Louisville Hot Brown

1. Can I make the Brown Hotel Louisville Hot Brown ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components of the Hot Brown ahead of time. You can cook the turkey, mushrooms, and bacon and store them in the refrigerator until ready to assemble. The Mornay sauce can also be made ahead of time and reheated gently before using. However, it’s best to assemble the sandwiches just before serving to ensure the bread stays crispy and the sauce remains hot and bubbly.

2. Can I use a different type of bread?

While Texas toast is traditional, you can use other types of bread if you prefer. Sourdough, ciabatta, or even baguette slices can work well. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the toppings and can be broiled without becoming too soggy.

3. Can I make a vegetarian version of the Hot Brown?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the turkey and adding more vegetables or a vegetarian protein source like tempeh or tofu. You can also use a vegetable broth instead of Worcestershire sauce in the Mornay sauce to keep it vegetarian-friendly.

4. Can I freeze the Brown Hotel Louisville Hot Brown?

It’s not recommended to freeze the assembled Hot Brown, as the bread may become soggy and the texture of the sauce may change upon thawing. However, you can freeze the individual components like the cooked turkey, mushrooms, and bacon. The Mornay sauce can also be frozen, but it may separate slightly upon thawing. Simply reheat and whisk until smooth before using. It’s best to assemble the sandwiches from fresh, thawed ingredients just before serving.

5. Can I use a different type of cheese in the Mornay sauce?

While Parmesan cheese is traditional, you can experiment with other types of cheese in the Mornay sauce. Cheddar, Gruyere, or Swiss cheese can all work well and add a different flavor profile to the dish. Just make sure the cheese is grated and melts smoothly into the sauce. You may need to adjust the amount of cheese to achieve the desired consistency and flavor.

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