The Kentucky Hot Brown is a classic American dish that originated in Louisville, Kentucky. This delicious open-faced sandwich is made with slices of roasted turkey breast, a creamy Mornay sauce, and crispy bacon, all layered on top of a thick slice of toasted bread. It’s a beloved local favorite that has gained widespread popularity across the United States and beyond.
Despite its popularity, many people are still left wondering: why is it called a Kentucky Hot Brown? In this article, we’ll explore the origins of this iconic dish and the various theories behind its curious name. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the Kentucky Hot Brown or simply curious about its origins, this article has got you covered!
The Origins of the Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwich
The Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwich is a popular dish that originated in the 1920s at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. The hotel’s executive chef, Fred K. Schmidt, created the sandwich as a late-night snack for the hotel’s guests. The sandwich was an instant hit and soon became a signature dish of the hotel.
The Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwich is an open-faced sandwich that consists of sliced turkey, bacon, and Mornay sauce. The sandwich is then broiled until the cheese sauce is bubbly and the bread is toasted. The sandwich is traditionally served with a side of tomatoes and garnished with parsley. Today, the Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwich has become a staple in Louisville’s culinary scene and is enjoyed by locals and travelers alike.
The Key Ingredients of the Kentucky Hot Brown
The Kentucky Hot Brown is a famous and beloved dish that originated in Louisville, Kentucky in the 1920s. This open-faced sandwich is made up of sliced turkey breast, a slice of bread, and creamy Mornay sauce. The sandwich is then topped with bacon, tomatoes, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It is then broiled until it is hot and bubbly.
The key ingredients of the Kentucky Hot Brown are what make it such a unique and delicious dish. The turkey breast, which is the main protein, is typically roasted and sliced thin. The bread used is typically a slice of thick white bread that is toasted before adding the other ingredients. The creamy Mornay sauce is a key component and consists of butter, flour, milk, and grated Parmesan cheese. The bacon adds a salty and crispy element, while the tomatoes provide a hint of freshness. All of these ingredients come together to create a Kentucky Hot Brown that is truly irresistible.
The Evolution of the Kentucky Hot Brown Recipe
The evolution of the Kentucky Hot Brown recipe is an interesting story that dates back to the early 1900s. The dish was originally created by a chef named Fred K. Schmidt at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. The recipe was designed to feed the late-night crowd that frequented the hotel’s restaurant. It was hearty, filling, and delicious, making it an instant hit with hotel guests and locals alike.
Over the years, the original recipe has undergone some tweaks and adjustments to reflect changing tastes and preferences. Although various chefs have put their unique spin on the dish, the core ingredients remain the same – bread, turkey, bacon, and a creamy Mornay sauce. These elements work in harmony, giving the dish its signature flavor and texture. The Kentucky Hot Brown has now become a staple not only in Kentucky but also in many other parts of the country, delighting foodies and just about anyone who tries it.
The Popularity of the Kentucky Hot Brown Across the US
The Kentucky Hot Brown has become a popular dish not only in Kentucky but across the United States. It has taken the country by storm due to its comfort food status and unique taste. In recent years, the Hot Brown has even been featured on national television shows and in food magazines, increasing its popularity even further.
Many restaurants outside of Kentucky have started to add the Hot Brown to their menus, offering their own unique twists. Some have even started to create entire Hot Brown-inspired menus for their customers. The inclusion of the dish has helped to promote not only Kentucky cuisine but also the state as a whole. The Kentucky Hot Brown has become a beloved symbol of the state’s rich culinary history and has helped to put Kentucky on the map as a foodie destination.
The Role of Louisville in Popularizing the Kentucky Hot Brown
Louisville has played a significant role in popularizing the Kentucky Hot Brown. According to historical accounts, the dish was first served at the Brown Hotel in Louisville in the 1920s. The hotel’s chef, Fred K. Schmidt, created the dish as a way to use up leftover turkey from Thanksgiving, and it became an instant hit with hotel patrons.
From there, the popularity of the Kentucky Hot Brown spread throughout Louisville and eventually across the state, with many restaurants putting their own unique spin on the dish. Today, the Kentucky Hot Brown is a staple of Southern cuisine, and visitors to Louisville can still taste the original version of the dish at the Brown Hotel’s restaurant. Thanks in part to Louisville’s culinary heritage and passion for local cuisine, the Kentucky Hot Brown remains a beloved dish that is enjoyed by people all over the world.
How to Make a Classic Kentucky Hot Brown
Making a classic Kentucky hot brown is a breeze once you know what goes into it. To prepare one, begin by toasting two slices of bread and slathering them with a generous amount of butter. Add some thinly sliced roasted turkey and some slices of cooked bacon on top of each bread slice.
Next, prepare the sauce by melting two tablespoons of butter in a saucepan and adding two tablespoons of all-purpose flour to it. Pour in one cup of milk and whisk the mixture until it thickens. Add half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to taste. Finally, pour the sauce over the turkey and bacon on each toast. Broil for a few minutes until the sauce starts to bubble and turns golden brown. Serve hot with a side of fresh greens, and voila! You have a classic Kentucky hot brown.
Variations on the Kentucky Hot Brown Recipe
Variations on the Kentucky Hot Brown Recipe
While the original recipe for Kentucky Hot Brown remains unchanged, many variations have surfaced over the years. One of the most common modifications is the substitution of turkey with chicken, but there are many others. You can try adding bacon, jalapenos, or avocado for a twist on the traditional flavors. You can also swap out the brioche bread for sourdough or ciabatta to experiment with texture and taste.
Another fun way to experiment with this dish is by changing up the sauce. You can try a classic cheese sauce instead of the Mornay sauce or even spice things up with a chipotle cream sauce. With so many possibilities, the Kentucky Hot Brown is a versatile dish that can suit any taste preference. So, don’t hesitate to get creative and try out different variations to make it your own.
Final Verdict
The Kentucky hot brown sandwich is a unique and delicious dish that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many throughout the decades. Its rich history and southern roots have made it a beloved staple in Kentucky cuisine and beyond. From its original creation at the Brown Hotel to its various adaptations throughout the years, the hot brown sandwich remains a crowd-pleaser and a must-try for anyone visiting or living in Kentucky.
The origin of the term “hot brown” remains somewhat of a mystery, but it is widely accepted that it is a nod to the Brown Hotel where it was first crafted. Regardless of its name, the Kentucky hot brown is a savory and satisfying way to enjoy a taste of the south. So, whether you’re a fan of turkey, bacon, or Mornay sauce, the hot brown sandwich is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you with a newfound appreciation for Kentucky’s culinary offerings.