Arkansas Hot Browns

👨‍🍳 Arkansas Hot Browns – A Southern Delight 👩‍🍳

Arkansas Hot Browns are a delicious Southern comfort food dish known for their hearty and indulgent nature. This dish is a variation of the classic Kentucky Hot Brown, which originated at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. The Arkansas Hot Browns are slightly different but equally delightful.

📜 History:
The original Hot Brown was created in the 1920s by Fred K. Schmidt at the Brown Hotel in Louisville. It was designed as a late-night snack for hotel guests. The Arkansas version is a variation that adds a Southern twist to the original, making it a beloved dish in its own right.

🍽️ Components:
The Arkansas Hot Browns typically consist of the following components:

1. Bread: You’ll need slices of thick, crusty bread, like Texas toast.
2. Turkey: Slices of roast turkey, preferably leftover or freshly roasted.
3. Bacon: Crispy bacon strips add a smoky flavor.
4. Mornay Sauce: A rich, cheesy white sauce made with butter, flour, milk, and grated cheese. It’s a béchamel sauce with added cheese.
5. Tomato: Slices of ripe tomato.
6. Paprika and Parsley: For garnish.

👩‍🍳 Steps to Prepare Arkansas Hot Browns:

1. Make the Mornay Sauce:

   • Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan.
   • Stir in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to create a roux.
   • Gradually add 1 1/2 cups of milk while whisking continuously.
   • Once the sauce thickens, add 1 cup of grated cheese (typically a mixture of Parmesan and cheddar).
   • Season with a pinch of salt and a dash of paprika.

2. Assemble the Dish:

   • Preheat your broiler.
   • Place slices of bread on a baking sheet and toast them until they’re golden brown.
   • Place slices of roasted turkey on top of the toasted bread.
   • Add slices of ripe tomato on the turkey.

3. Cover with Mornay Sauce:

   • Pour the prepared Mornay sauce generously over the turkey and tomato.

4. Bake or Broil:

   • Place the entire dish under the broiler until the sauce is bubbly and slightly browned on top. Keep a close eye to prevent burning. This usually takes a few minutes.

5. Crisp the Bacon:

   • While the dish is broiling, you can crisp up some bacon in a separate pan.

6. Garnish:

   • Once the Hot Browns are out of the oven, top them with crispy bacon strips and a sprinkle of parsley.

⏱️ Time Needed:
The preparation and cooking time for Arkansas Hot Browns can vary, but it typically takes around 30-40 minutes. This includes making the Mornay sauce, toasting the bread, and broiling the dish.

Enjoy your Arkansas Hot Browns! 🍽️😋

Sure, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Arkansas Hot Browns:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving):

• Calories: 400-600 kcal
• Protein: 25-30g
• Carbohydrates: 20-30g
• Dietary Fiber: 2-4g
• Sugars: 3-5g
• Fat: 25-35g
• Saturated Fat: 8-12g
• Cholesterol: 60-80mg
• Sodium: 800-1100mg
• Calcium: 200-300mg
• Vitamin C: 10-15% of the daily value
• Iron: 10-15% of the daily value

Health Information:

• Arkansas Hot Browns, like many comfort foods, are indulgent and can be high in calories, fat, and sodium.
• The dish is a good source of protein due to the turkey.
• The bacon and Mornay sauce contribute to its richness and fat content.
• The sauce is typically made with cheese, which adds calcium to the dish.
• The presence of tomatoes provides a dose of vitamin C and dietary fiber.
• While delicious, it’s considered a treat and not a low-calorie or low-fat option.
• Portion control is essential if you’re watching your calorie intake.
• You can make it slightly healthier by using whole-grain bread for added fiber.

Enjoy Arkansas Hot Browns in moderation as part of a balanced diet.