Posted in Louisville February 05, 2018 by

The World’s Best Turkey Sandwich Can Be Found Right Here In Louisville

It is no secret that Louisville is home to some great eats. This city has been featured on tons of food shows and the locals know that there’s even more where that came from. In a city known for its delicious fried chicken, spicy burgoo stew, and meaty, cheesy, Louisville-style pizza, there is one thing that stands out above the rest: the Hot Brown from the Brown Hotel.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
The Hot Brown was invented in the 1920s at the famous Brown Hotel in Louisville.
The Brown Hotel/Google Maps
This ultra-classy luxury hotel hosted a dinner dance every evening that would bring in over 1,000 guests.
After the hotel’s guests had been dancing all night, the hotel’s chef thought they could use something a bit heartier than just eggs and bacon for breakfast. So, he created the Hot Brown – an open-faced turkey sandwich smothered in a light cheese sauce.
The Brown Hotel
Obviously, the guests went crazy for this new delicacy!
To make a Hot Brown, the chef drapes a few slices of thick-sliced turkey breast over top a slice of thick Texas toast.
The Brown Hotel
Next, two halves of a Roma tomato are placed atop the turkey, and two toast points are nestled in beside the bread foundation. The whole thing is then covered with Mornay sauce (a delicate cheese sauce made with heavy cream), Pecorino-Romano cheese, and a pinch of nutmeg.
The Hot Brown is then placed under a broiler until the cheese is bubbly.
Gavin St. Ours/Flickr
Once it’s done, the chef takes it out and crosses two pieces of delicious, crispy bacon over the top as a finishing touch.
Even now, almost a hundred years after it was invented, the Hot Brown is still the best-selling dish at the Brown Hotel.
Gavin St. Ours/Flickr
People come from all over the country to try this legendary take on a turkey sandwich. It has become the most famous dish in Louisville history!
These days, you can order a Hot Brown from several restaurants in Louisville, and you can even make it at home!
Shadle/Wikimedia
You can find the Brown Hotel’s original recipe here.

For more information about the historic Brown Hotel and their delicious menu, check out their website here.

Have you ever had a Hot Brown? What did you think? Share your thoughts in the comments!