The hot brown sandwich is a hangover-cure classic, invented in 1926 by head chef Fred Schmidt at Louisville’s Brown Hotel. It’s a turkey and bacon concoction with Mornay sauce that’s sure to get your hangover on the right track.
While the classic version is made with Texas toast and slices of tomato wedges, Chick-fil-A’s mac and cheese recipe adds a more complex layer of cheesy goodness to this sandwich-like dish.
Chicken
When most people think of Chick-fil-A, they probably imagine a place that serves chicken sandwiches and waffle fries. While that’s true, it’s not the only menu item the chain has to offer.
The restaurant also offers chicken nuggets, a spicy chicken sandwich, and more. If you’re looking for a way to try some of their signature items at home, these Chick-fil-A copycat recipes will help you create an authentic version of your favorite dishes!
One of the most famous Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich options is the hot brown. The classic sandwich consists of Texas toast, turkey, cheesy Mornay sauce, and bacon, baked until hot.
It’s a Southern staple that originated at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. Today, thousands of tourists from all over the country visit the historic hotel to try this decadent sandwich.
The story goes that the hotel’s head chef Fred Schmidt invented the hot brown as a way to feed the guests who came to dance after a long night at the hotel’s dinner and dance parties. Instead of serving the usual ham and egg supper, he created this sandwich with ingredients that he had on hand in the kitchen.
You can make this classic sandwich at home using whatever bread you have on hand. It’s a great dish to use up leftover turkey.
If you’re not a fan of the thick, savory crust on the sandwich, you can easily remove it before cooking. However, the crust does add a little extra texture and flavor to this classic.
To make the hot brown, preheat the broiler. Spread a layer of bread on the bottom of a casserole dish, then add slices of roasted turkey and tomato. Cover with the sauce, and then top with more cheese. Finally, put the dish under the broiler until it’s browned and bubbly.
To finish, sprinkle the hot brown with paprika and fresh parsley before topping it with bacon. This recipe is easy to make and tastes just like the original! If you’re a fan of Chick-fil-A, you’ll love this version of the classic sandwich.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a big part of this dish. They add both a pop of color and an extra dose of flavor. They also help bind the turkey and bacon together, making for one very tasty lunch or dinner.
The best part is that they only take a few minutes to prepare. You could even make this ahead of time and keep it in the fridge to enjoy later on a busy day. Tomatoes are not only eye-catching and fun to eat, but they can also add tons of nutrients to your diet.
As for the best way to use them, here’s a tip: Using smallish tomatoes allows you to pack more of the goodness into each bite. Likewise, small tomatoes are easier to clean up than large ones. The real trick is choosing the right ones – they need to be plump and juicy, or else you’ll have a hard time eating them without a knife. For this reason, only fresh ripe tomatoes should be used. The best way to do this is by hand washing and then soaking them in cold water for about 15 minutes before using.
Cheddar Cheese
If you’ve ever had a hot brown at Chick Fil A, you know that it’s a comforting, delicious dish. Made from a turkey sandwich with sliced fresh tomatoes, Mornay (cheese) sauce and cooked bacon, it’s rich, filling and delicious!
The key to the flavor of this dish is the cheddar cheese, which makes it incredibly versatile. It melts easily, making it perfect for adding to sandwiches or burgers. It can also be grated into foods like macaroni and cheese or baked potatoes for a rich, satisfying texture.
Cheddar is made from milk, which is heated and then mixed with rennet or an acidic substance such as citric acid. This causes the milk solids to form into curds, and after a while, cheesemakers separate them from the whey to form a solid mass of cheese.
Once the milk is cooled and coagulated, cheesemakers add salt to help it develop its flavor. Then, the curds are formed into wheels or blocks. These are then placed on trays and left to dry for a few days, during which time the whey drains out.
As the cheese dries, it develops a firmer, sharper flavor and texture. During this time, cheddar develops calcium lactate crystals, which give it a unique crunch.
There are many different types of cheddar, each with its own distinct flavors and textures. Some have bright orange colors from natural dyes, while others are paler.
It’s important to choose a variety that’s not too mild or overly sharp, so it doesn’t overwhelm the other ingredients in the recipe. You can also choose a brand that has been fortified with omega-3, which helps support heart health and brain function.
You can find classic cheddars at your local grocery store or at a specialty cheese shop. You can even get artisanal cheddar from small-batch makers. Not long ago, Montgomery’s was considered the standard cheddar, but there are now at least a dozen cheesemakers throughout the country that make exceptional, unpasteurized farm-made cheddar.
Bacon
If you’re looking for a quick, tasty and high-protein breakfast option, the hot brown may be the best choice. It’s packed with roasted turkey, bacon and the all-important cheese. It’s also the healthiest breakfast on a plate we’ve found at Chick-fil-A (if you don’t count the hash brown scramble burrito) and has fewer calories than their most caloric sandwich, the Sausage, Egg & Cheese Biscuit.
The best part about this dish is that it’s easy to make at home. All you need are some quality bread, a few ounces of roasted turkey and a bottle of Mornay sauce. For good measure, why not include a few slices of bacon in the mix as well? This is not only the best looking hot brown you’ll ever eat, it’s also the most delicious.
It’s no secret that cheesy foods have an illustrious role in the foodie community. In addition to the Hot Brown, you’ll also find a variety of casseroles and other grub that’s sure to please even the most die-hard diner. We’re proud to present the all-new smorgasbord from our kitchens to yours. For the next time you’re craving a high-protein and heart-healthy breakfast, take a spin around your local Chick-fil-A and let us know what you think!