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the hot brown sandwich of louisville, kentucky

(5 ratings)
Cmom02 avatar
Blue Ribbon Recipe by
Sharon Colyer
@Cmom02
Louisville, KY

The Hot Brown got its start at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, KY in 1926. It was an open-faced turkey sandwich with bacon and a Mornay sauce. The sandwich was featured in the 2002 PBS documentary "Sandwiches That You Will Like." See Wikipedia for other information concerning The Brown Hotel and its sandwich. Even though this is my recipe, I manage to get my husband to fix it for us, since he likes it so much. Guess I need to fix it for him sometime soon.

Blue Ribbon Recipe

This legendary Kentucky sandwich is definitely one you don't want to pass up. The Mornay sauce is smooth, creamy and super cheesy. Onion adds a bit of sweetness to the sauce. Tomato and bacon are the classic toppings are a must. The bacon adds a nice touch of smokiness. Indulgent and delicious!

— The Test Kitchen @kitchencrew
(5 ratings)
yield 4 serving(s)
prep time 30 Min
cook time 30 Min
method Broil

Ingredients For the hot brown sandwich of louisville, kentucky

  • 4 slice
    bacon
  • 4 slice
    ripe tomato (optional)
  • 1/3 c
    butter or margarine
  • 1 md
    onion, chopped
  • 1/3 c
    all-purpose flour
  • 3 c
    hot milk
  • 1 tsp
    salt
  • 1/4 tsp
    crushed red pepper flakes or a few drop of hot sauce
  • 1/4 lb
    processed cheese, like Velveeta, cut up
  • 2
    eggs, beaten
  • 1 Tbsp
    butter or margarine
  • 4 slice
    previously cooked chicken or turkey
  • 8 slice
    bread
  • 4 Tbsp
    Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp
    paprika

How To Make the hot brown sandwich of louisville, kentucky

  • 1
    Fry bacon crisp, drain on paper towel & reserve. Crumble, if desired.
  • 2
    For the sauce, melt butter, in a heavy pan, over medium heat. Add onion and cook until tender or clear.
  • 3
    Add flour and blend to make a smooth paste.
  • 4
    Add hot milk, salt, and red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Stir and cook until thick & smooth.
  • 5
    Stir in cheese, beaten eggs, and remaining tablespoon of butter. Continue to cook, stirring until mixture almost reaches boiling point, but do not let it boil. Remove from heat.
  • 6
    Preheat broiler while putting sandwiches together.
  • 7
    To assemble, toast 8 slices of bread; cut 4 in half diagonally.
  • 8
    On 4 ovenproof plates or other ovenware, arrange toast. Lay sliced turkey or chicken over toast. Cover this with sauce.
  • 9
    If using slices of ripe tomato, add now. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
  • 10
    Place under preheated broiler, until sauce begins to bubble.
  • 11
    Remove from oven. Sprinkle with paprika. Add bacon (whole or crumbled). Serve remaining toast, on the side.
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!
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