If you’re craving a dish that’s classic, comforting, and downright irresistible, the Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe is your new best friend. These little sandwiches pack all the smoky turkey, crispy bacon, rich cheese sauce, and fresh tomato goodness of the legendary Kentucky Hot Brown, but in a perfectly sized slider that’s ideal for parties, game day, or any cozy gathering. Imagine the creamy cheese sauce bubbling over tender roasted turkey and crisp roll tops brushed with a buttery, tangy glaze — a symphony of flavors that’s easy to make and impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful dish, and luckily these simple pantry staples and fresh elements come together beautifully. Each item plays a key role, from the creamy cheese sauce to the crisp bacon and juicy tomato slices, crafting layers of flavor that make this dish shine.
- Slider rolls or small dinner rolls: The perfect vessel, soft yet sturdy enough to hold all the delicious fillings without falling apart.
- Sliced roasted turkey breast: Tender, savory turkey lends protein and classic flavor essential to the Kentucky Hot Brown experience.
- Cooked bacon, cut in half: Crispy and smoky, bacon adds a wonderful crunch and rich depth to every bite.
- Sharp white cheddar cheese: Its bold, tangy taste melts beautifully into the sauce and topping for gooey goodness.
- Unsalted butter and all-purpose flour: The foundational duo to create a smooth, velvety roux for the cheese sauce.
- Whole milk: Brings creaminess to the sauce, balancing richness with a touch of lightness.
- Garlic powder, salt, and black pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate and round out the flavors perfectly.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty punch that enriches the cheese sauce uniquely.
- Roma tomatoes, thinly sliced: Fresh and juicy, these brighten the dish with acidity and vibrant color.
- Melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce: These combine into a tangy glaze brushed on the rolls to create a golden, flavorful crust.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A fresh herb garnish to give your sliders a lovely pop of green and freshness.
How to Make Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
Start by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in the flour to form a roux. This step is crucial for that luxuriously creamy base. Cook the flour for about a minute to get rid of the raw taste, then slowly whisk in the whole milk. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens, usually around 3 to 4 minutes. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the Parmesan and half the sharp cheddar cheese to add rich, cheesy depth before taking it off the heat.
Step 2: Assemble the Sliders
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and arrange the bottom halves of your slider rolls inside. Layer the tender sliced turkey evenly over the bread, then add the fresh tomato slices to balance the richness. Next comes the crispy bacon halves, adding irresistible crunch and smoky flavor. Spoon the warm cheese sauce generously over these layers, then sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Finally, top with the remaining roll halves.
Step 3: Add the Tangy Glaze and Bake
Mix the melted butter with Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce, then brush this flavorful glaze over the tops of the rolls. This gives your sliders an irresistible golden color and subtle tanginess that perfectly complements the savory filling. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes to warm through and meld the flavors, then remove the foil and bake an additional 5 to 7 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
How to Serve Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
After baking, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a beautiful pop of color but introduces a fresh herbal note that lightens this rich dish. It makes your presentation look as inviting as the flavors taste!
Side Dishes
Pair these sliders with simple sides that won’t overpower their complexity. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or even classic kettle-cooked potato chips make perfect companions. For a heartier meal, try serving alongside creamy mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the sliders on a rustic wooden board for a casual, welcoming vibe or place them on a colorful platter sprinkled with extra parsley and thin tomato slices for a festive look. You can also serve them with toothpicks to make them easy for guests to grab during gatherings, making this Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will mellow and meld, making reheated sliders just as enjoyable, if not better!
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the sliders but skip baking. Wrap them tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. This is perfect for prepping ahead for parties or quick weeknight meals.
Reheating
Reheat your sliders in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through and bubbly. This keeps the cheese sauce creamy and the bacon crisp. Avoid microwaving as it can make the rolls soggy and the cheese grainy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for the Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp white cheddar is traditional and flavorful, you can experiment with Gruyère or Fontina for a nuttier, creamier variation. Just choose cheeses that melt well to maintain that lovely gooey texture in the sauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the turkey and bacon and load up on mushrooms, roasted peppers, or even a hearty eggplant layer. You can keep the cheese sauce as is or add some smoked paprika for that savory depth.
How spicy is this Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe?
It’s mild and comforting with no spicy heat involved, making it suitable for all ages. The Worcestershire and mustard in the glaze provide a subtle tang without overwhelming the palate.
Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the sliders in advance, cover, and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. This makes them ideal for entertaining when you want to minimize last-minute prep.
What’s the best way to get a crispy bacon texture?
Bake or pan-fry your bacon until just crispy but not overly done, then drain on paper towels. Using thicker-cut bacon adds great texture and flavor that perfectly complements the tender turkey and creamy sauce.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely believe the Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe is a standout that deserves a spot in your recipe rotation. They’re cozy, flavorful, and irresistibly fun to eat, combining the best of Southern charm with easy, shareable portions. Next time you want to impress family or friends, put these sliders on your table and watch them disappear — I promise, you’ll be asked to make them again and again!
Print
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are a delicious twist on the classic open-faced sandwich from Kentucky. These sliders feature layers of roasted turkey, crispy bacon, ripe tomatoes, and melted cheddar cheese smothered in a creamy Parmesan cheese sauce, all nestled in soft slider rolls. Perfect for game day, parties, or casual gatherings, these warm, cheesy sliders are easy to prepare ahead and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Slider Assembly
- 12 slider rolls or small dinner rolls, sliced in half
- ¾ pound sliced roasted turkey breast
- 8 slices cooked bacon, cut in half
- 2 Roma tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 1½ cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese, divided
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the sliders.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the whole milk and add garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook, whisking frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble Sliders: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the bottom halves of the slider rolls evenly in the dish. Layer the sliced roasted turkey over the rolls, then top with tomato slices and halved bacon pieces.
- Add Cheese Sauce and Cheese: Spoon the warm cheese sauce evenly over the layered ingredients in the slider rolls. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top to ensure a rich, cheesy crust when baked.
- Top and Prepare Sliders for Baking: Place the top halves of the slider rolls over the filled bottoms. In a small bowl, mix melted butter with Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Brush this mixture evenly over the tops of the rolls for added flavor and a golden finish.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes to heat through and melt the cheese.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve the sliders warm for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- You can save time by using store-bought cheese sauce if preferred.
- These sliders are perfect for game day and Kentucky Derby parties.
- Prepare the sliders a few hours in advance and bake just before serving for convenience.
