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From pimento cheese and benedictine spread to mint juleps and more, the Kentucky Derby has become synonymous with some iconic Southern foods. The most decadent dish associated with Derby Day, though, originated just down the street from Churchill Downs nearly 100 years ago: the Hot Brown (a.k.a. the Kentucky Hot Brown).
What Is a Hot Brown?
A “Hot Brown” is an open-faced sandwich that’s similar to a Welsh rarebit, but it has a bit more going on. A traditional rarebit (an 18th-century British pub favorite) is vegetarian, features a simple Cheddar-based sauce, and is served as a snack or appetizer. A Hot Brown, meanwhile, is topped with two kinds of meat—turkey and bacon—and smothered with a creamy, cheesy Mornay sauce enriched with Parmesan. It’s baked or broiled until the cheese begins to bubble and brown.
Chef John
Hot Brown History
The Hot Brown was invented in 1926 at The Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. The opulent hotel opened its doors just three years earlier, at the height of prohibition. However, since Louisville is basically the bourbon capital of the world, liquor wasn’t too hard to find for the Brown’s guests. Parties that lasted into the early morning hours weren’t uncommon, so late-night snacks were essential. Chef Fred Schmidt got to work on creating something irresistible to satisfy the revelers and the Hot Brown was born.
The sandwich is still served at J. Graham’s Café today, but it’s also become a certified Kentucky staple over the years. Since the hotel is just a few miles down the road from Churchill Downs, it’s been a destination for Derby-goers for decades—and the iconic sandwich is now a Derby Day staple for many horse racing fans.
How to Make a Hot Brown
Of course, you don’t have to travel to Louisville to enjoy a Hot Brown. It’s easy enough to make one at home. Our top-rated Hot Brown recipe comes together in a little more than 30 minutes (and takes just 15 minutes to prep). Simply make the six-ingredient sauce on the stove, assemble the sandwiches, and broil until bubbly and brown. For an authentic finishing touch, remove and arrange two slices of bacon in a cross shape on top of each sandwich.
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What the Allrecipes Community Has to Say
- “I was born and raised in Louisville and this is the most accurate recipe I have ever seen online. Now, just a minor addition and you will have literally what is on my handwritten old recipe card: just a dash of Crushed Red Pepper in your Mornay sauce and you have perfection. —Melissa Kemper
- “Hubby said it was like being at his mamaw's during the Kentucky Derby!! I was flattered!” —WatsonGrl
- “Made this for a book club because it was named as a main dish in the 20s. It is super easy to make and everyone enjoyed it. I will definitely make it again.” —Capri Zimmerman
- “This has become a favorite family New Years Day tradition. I was introduced to the Hot Brown at The Brown Hotel in Louisville during a visit on the Bourbon trail. It was love at first sight.” —Chris Weir
Get the recipe: Original Hot Brown
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