The Original Hot Brown is a classic dish that originated in Louisville, Kentucky, in the 1920s. Created by Chef Fred K. Schmidt at the Brown Hotel, the dish quickly became a local favorite and has since spread in popularity throughout the United States.
The Hot Brown is a delectable open-faced sandwich that consists of toasted bread, turkey or chicken, bacon, and Mornay sauce. It is then broiled until the top layer is browned and bubbly, making for a rich, savory dish that is perfect for any time of day. In this article, we’ll explore the history of the Original Hot Brown and how it has evolved over the years.
The Origins of the Hot Brown Sandwich
The Hot Brown sandwich was created in the late 1920s by Fred K. Schmidt, the head chef of the Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. At the time, the hotel was a popular spot for dinner dances that kept the kitchen open late into the night. Tired of just serving ham and eggs, Chef Schmidt set out to create a hearty sandwich that would appeal to the late-night crowd.
His creation was an open-faced sandwich made with turkey, bacon, and tomatoes, covered in a Mornay sauce (a béchamel sauce with cheese). This sandwich was then broiled until the cheese sauce was golden brown and bubbling. The Hot Brown was an instant hit and soon became a staple on the Brown Hotel’s menu. Today, the Hot Brown is considered a Louisville classic and can be found in restaurants and diners throughout the city.
How to Prepare the Classic Hot Brown Recipe
The original Hot Brown recipe consists of a delicious blend of rich flavors and textures. To prepare the classic Hot Brown, start by making a creamy Mornay sauce. This sauce is typically made by whisking butter and flour together to create a roux, then adding milk and cheese until a well-blended, thick sauce is formed. Once the sauce has cooled, it can be used as a base for the Hot Brown dish.
Next, assemble the dish by toasting slices of bread and placing them in a baking dish. Add a generous layer of sliced turkey and pour the Mornay sauce over the top. Finally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of the sauce and place it under the broiler until golden brown and delicious. Serve the Hot Brown warm and enjoy the savory flavors that the dish has to offer. Overall, the original Hot Brown recipe is a classic that is sure to satisfy any taste bud.
Creative Variations of the Hot Brown
Creative Variations of the Hot Brown
The Hot Brown has been around for almost a century, and over the years, chefs around the world have made their own creative twists to this classic dish. One popular variation is the vegetarian Hot Brown, which substitutes the traditional turkey with an assortment of vegetables like zucchini, squash, and eggplant. This variation is perfect for vegetarians who still want to indulge in this flavorful dish.
Another popular variation is the seafood Hot Brown, which features shrimp or crab instead of turkey. This version of the Hot Brown is perfect for seafood lovers and adds a deliciously different dimension to the dish. Other variations include using a different type of cheese like cheddar or pepper jack instead of mornay sauce, and topping it off with bacon or even avocado. Regardless of the variation, the Hot Brown is a comfort food that never disappoints.
The Hot Brown’s Role in Louisville’s Culinary Scene
The Hot Brown sandwich has played a vital role in Louisville’s culinary scene since its inception in the 1920s. Originally served at the Brown Hotel, this iconic dish quickly became a staple of Kentucky cuisine and is now synonymous with the state’s culinary heritage.
The Hot Brown has become so popular in Louisville that it is now served at an array of restaurants in the city, each with their spin on the original recipe. The sandwich has become a symbol of the city’s diverse culinary landscape and a must-try dish for visitors to the area. The Hot Brown’s influence on the city’s cuisine has been so significant that it has even been celebrated with its festival, proving that this sandwich has firmly cemented its place in the Louisville food scene and is here to stay.
Hot Brown-Inspired Dishes at Restaurants Around the Country
The Hot Brown is a classic dish that originated in Louisville, Kentucky, but its popularity has spread far beyond its birthplace. Today, there are many restaurants around the country that offer their own take on the original recipe.
One example is The Brown Hotel, where the dish was invented. They still serve the classic Hot Brown, but they also offer variations like a seafood version with shrimp and crab meat and a vegetarian option with roasted vegetables. Other restaurants have put their own spin on the dish with ingredients like pulled pork or buffalo chicken. No matter the variation, these Hot Brown-inspired dishes pay homage to the classic dish while giving it a new and delicious twist.
Vegan and Gluten-Free Alternatives to the Traditional Hot Brown
If you are a vegan or have gluten intolerance, you can still enjoy the original Hot Brown flavor by making the recipe with substitutes. The classic Hot Brown contains bread, turkey, bacon, cheese, and Mornay sauce. However, with a few modifications, you can replace the meat and dairy ingredients with vegan and gluten-free alternatives.
For the turkey, you can use sliced smoked tofu or tempeh, and for bacon, you can try vegan bacon made of coconut or mushroom. The bread can be gluten-free and vegan, and the Mornay sauce can be made with non-dairy milk, gluten-free flour, and vegan butter. You can also use vegan cheese to replace the traditional cheese, and add extra flavor with roasted vegetables, herbs, or spices. With these vegan and gluten-free alternatives, you can still enjoy the creamy, savory taste of the Hot Brown, without compromising your dietary preferences or restrictions.
Hot Brown History: Famous Fans and Pop Culture References
The Original Hot Brown has been a staple of Kentucky cuisine since its creation in the late 1920s. Over the years, it has gained popularity as a delicious and hearty dish that has found its way onto menus across the United States and beyond.
Many famous fans of the Hot Brown include celebrities, politicians, and historians. Author Hunter S. Thompson, for example, was known to enjoy an occasional Hot Brown while sitting at the bar of The Brown Hotel in Louisville. In pop culture, the Hot Brown has made an appearance in the television series “Parks and Recreation,” where it is referred to as “the Wham Bam Thank You Lamb Hot Brown.” Overall, the Original Hot Brown has become an iconic dish that embodies the spirit and tradition of Kentucky cuisine.
The Bottom Line
The Original Hot Brown is a delicious open-faced sandwich that is a local culinary favorite in Louisville, Kentucky. Created by the Brown Hotel in the 1920s, it has become a staple dish that represents the rich cultural background of the city. The Hot Brown has evolved over the years, with various adaptations being made to the original recipe to cater to different dietary needs and preferences.
Despite the changes made, the original Hot Brown recipe remains the most beloved version of the sandwich. It has become an iconic dish that is synonymous with Southern comfort food and a testament to Louisville’s unique culinary heritage. The Hot Brown continues to be a popular dish on restaurant menus in Louisville and has gained popularity worldwide, becoming a must-try dish for food lovers visiting the city.