Louisville, October 20, 2025

Four Pegs Smokehouse has introduced an innovative dish called Hot Brown Mac and Cheese as part of the annual Louisville Hot Brown Week. This fusion combines the classic flavors of the iconic Hot Brown sandwich—sliced turkey, bacon, and Mornay sauce—with macaroni and cheese, making it a unique offering for both locals and visitors. The event features numerous restaurants celebrating the Hot Brown’s heritage, highlighting Louisville’s vibrant food scene.

Louisville, KY – Four Pegs Smokehouse Unveils Hot Brown Mac and Cheese During Annual Hot Brown Week

Louisville is buzzing with excitement as Four Pegs Smokehouse introduces a creative fusion dish to celebrate the city’s beloved culinary tradition. The Hot Brown Mac and Cheese, launched during Louisville Hot Brown Week, blends the classic flavors of the iconic Hot Brown sandwich with cheesy pasta, offering a fresh twist that has quickly captured the attention of local food enthusiasts.

This innovative dish reimagines the traditional open-faced sandwich, a staple in Louisville since the 1920s, by incorporating its signature elements—sliced turkey, bacon, tomatoes, and Mornay sauce—into a comforting bowl of macaroni and cheese. The result is a hearty, indulgent meal that maintains the essence of the original while appealing to a broader palate, including pasta lovers seeking a taste of Kentucky heritage. Early visitors have noted the seamless integration of smoky, savory notes with creamy cheese, creating a dish that feels both nostalgic and contemporary.

Event Details and Participation

Louisville Hot Brown Week, an annual citywide celebration of the Hot Brown, kicked off this week, drawing crowds to various restaurants across Louisville. The event highlights the sandwich’s significance as a Louisville original, invented at The Brown Hotel to satisfy late-night diners during the Prohibition era. Participating eateries, including Four Pegs Smokehouse, are showcasing special menus and limited-time creations, all centered around the Hot Brown‘s core ingredients of turkey, cheese sauce, and crispy bacon.

Four Pegs Smokehouse, known for its barbecue expertise, chose this platform to debut the Hot Brown Mac and Cheese, infusing barbecue techniques to elevate the flavors. The dish has been particularly popular for its shareable portions and adaptability for family meals during the event. Reservations at the smokehouse and other venues are filling up fast, signaling high demand as Louisville residents and visitors alike flock to experience the festivities. Organizers report that this year’s event features more than a dozen restaurants, each offering unique interpretations to honor the city’s culinary icon.

Why This Fusion Matters to Louisville’s Food Scene

The Hot Brown holds a special place in Louisville‘s gastronomic identity, often served with a side of tradition and a nod to Southern comfort food. By transforming it into Hot Brown Mac and Cheese, Four Pegs Smokehouse bridges generations, making the dish accessible to those who might not typically opt for the classic sandwich version. This creative approach aligns with broader trends in fusion cuisine, where regional specialties are remixed to attract younger diners and tourists exploring Kentucky‘s food culture.

Beyond the novelty, the event underscores Louisville‘s role as a hub for innovative dining. The Hot Brown Week not only boosts local businesses but also educates newcomers on the sandwich’s history, from its creation amid jazz-age glamour to its evolution into modern variations. Foodies are encouraged to explore the lineup, as each restaurant brings its own spin, from vegan adaptations to upscale gourmet takes, ensuring there’s something for every preference during the week-long celebration.

Practical Tips for Attendees

For those planning to visit, Four Pegs Smokehouse recommends booking tables in advance, as the Hot Brown Mac and Cheese has become a highlight of the menu. The event typically runs for seven days, with participating spots open during standard hours, though peak times see longer waits. Transportation around Louisville is straightforward, with many venues clustered in popular districts like NuLu and downtown, allowing visitors to sample multiple offerings in one outing.

As Louisville Hot Brown Week progresses, the fusion of tradition and creativity continues to delight, reinforcing the city’s reputation for flavorful innovation. This celebration not only honors a local legend but also invites everyone to partake in Louisville‘s vibrant food heritage.

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FAQ

What is the Hot Brown Mac and Cheese at Four Pegs Smokehouse?

The Hot Brown Mac and Cheese is a fusion dish that combines classic Hot Brown sandwich flavors with cheesy pasta.

When and where is Four Pegs Smokehouse unveiling this dish?

Four Pegs Smokehouse unveiled the Hot Brown Mac and Cheese during Louisville Hot Brown Week.

What is Louisville Hot Brown Week?

Louisville Hot Brown Week is a citywide celebration of the iconic Hot Brown cuisine with events across multiple restaurants.

How has the Hot Brown Mac and Cheese been received?

The fusion dish is delighting foodies as reservations fill up fast for the event.

Are there other similar events or dishes in Louisville?

The city celebrates its iconic cuisine with events across multiple restaurants during Hot Brown Week.

Key Features Chart

Feature	Description
Dish Name	Hot Brown Mac and Cheese
Restaurant	Four Pegs Smokehouse
Event	Louisville Hot Brown Week
Fusion Elements	Combines classic Hot Brown flavors (turkey, bacon, Mornay sauce) with cheesy pasta
Popularity	Delighting foodies; reservations filling up fast
Celebration Scope	Citywide events across multiple restaurants honoring Louisville’s iconic cuisine

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