I love traveling to different parts of the country and trying foods that are special to that area.
During one of our visits to Louisville, Kentucky, we decided to try a hot brown sandwich at the establishment where it was originally created.
What is a Hot Brown Signature Sandwich?
A Hot Brown Sandwich is an open-faced sandwich that was created by Fred K. Schmidt in 1926 at The Brown Hotel.
What’s on the original Hot Brown Sandwich?
The original Hot Brown is served on white toast, topped with a generous serving of Mornay sauce.
It also includes a slice of roast turkey and Parmesan cheese on top. The dish is oven-broiled and is topped with bacon and Paprika after coming out of the oven.
Can you really go wrong with anything with bacon????
We decided to taste our first Hot Brown Sandwich at Graham’s Cafe and Bar, which is the home of the Original Hot Brown Sandwich at The Brown Hotel.
If you are planning on trying the Hot Brown Sandwich, you should be aware that it takes about 20 minutes to make.
We had a light breakfast that morning, so we dove into our dishes as soon as we got them. The flavors were a unique blend that was really filling.
I kept on taking additional bites as I tried to determine my opinion of the dish. The Hot Brown was VERY rich. I enjoyed the turkey with the sauce, and of course, bacon never disappoints in any dish.
The dish is something that your waistline would need to spread over time between meals. I’m still glad we tried it, but it’s definitely not a meal I could eat every day.
The Hot Brown Sandwich is such a local favorite in Louisville that other restaurants have created their spins on the original.
Try More Variations of The Hot Brown
Several local restaurants offer their twist on this culinary creation. You can visit a few and determine which restaurant’s version is your favorite.
Additional restaurants in Louisville where you can try a Hot Brown
- The Goose Eatery and Hangout
- Wagner’s Pharmacy
- Wild Eggs
- The Village Anchor
- Biscuit Belly
- Rubbies Southside Grill and Bar
- Derby Cafe
- Royals Hot Chicken
- The Lobby Bar
- Lou Lou on Market
- Troll Pub Under the Bridge
After your meal, make sure you go up to the 2nd and 3rd floors to view the incredible design detail.
When was the Brown Hotel Built?
The Brown Hotel was built in 1923 by millionaire J. Graham Brown. The hotel has hosted lots of celebrities and dignitaries from around the world over the years.
When the Ohio River flooded in 1937, witnesses at the hotel saw a rowboat paddle in one side of the hotel and out the opposite side.
A bell captain also caught a fish in the 2nd-floor lobby during the flood!
Legendary Hot Brown Recipe from the Brown Hotel
Want to try to make a Hot Brown Sandwich at home?
Ingredients (Makes Two Hot Browns):
- 2 oz. whole butter
- 2 oz. all-purpose flour
- 8 oz. heavy cream
- 8 oz. whole milk
- 1/2 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, plus 1 tablespoon for garnish
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 14 oz. sliced roasted turkey breast
- 2 slices of Texas toast (crusts trimmed)
- 4 slices of crispy bacon
- 2 Roma tomatoes, sliced in half
- Paprika
- Parsley
How to Make a Hot Brown Sandwich at Home
In a two-quart saucepan, melt butter and slowly whisk in flour until combined and a thick paste (roux) forms.
Cook the roux for two minutes over medium-low heat, stirring frequently.
Whisk heavy cream into the roux and cook over medium heat until the cream begins to simmer, about 2-3 minutes.
Remove the sauce from the heat and slowly whisk in Pecorino Romano cheese until the Mornay sauce is smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.
For each Hot Brown, place one slice of toast in an oven-safe dish and cover it with 7 ounces of turkey.
Take the two halves of a Roma tomato and set them alongside the base of the turkey and toast.
Next, pour one-half of the Mornay sauce to completely cover the dish. Sprinkle with additional Pecorino Romano cheese.
Place the entire dish under a broiler until the cheese begins to brown and bubble. Remove from the broiler, cross two pieces of crispy bacon on top, sprinkle with paprika and parsley, and serve immediately.
Where is The Brown Hotel Located?
The Brown Hotel is located at 335 West Broadway, Louisville, Kentucky 40202
How to Save on Booking Your Stay at The Brown Hotel
Save on booking your stay at The Brown Hotel here
Looking for More Things to Do in Louisville, Kentucky?
- Fun and Unique Things to Do in Louisville
- The Galt House Hotel For Your Next Adventure in Louisville, KY
- Unique Places to Dine in Louisville
- Racing Appreciation at the Kentucky Derby Museum
- Mega Cavern Fully Underground Ropes Challenge Course
Top things to do during a visit to Louisville, Kentucky.
thanks for all the info I will tell this to my friends
Your recipe for the Hot Brown Sandwich does not say when to add the milk to the mornay sauce.