Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

Introduction

Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are a fun and flavorful twist on the classic Hot Brown sandwich, a Kentucky culinary staple. These sliders feature layers of tender turkey, crispy bacon, and a rich, creamy, cheesy sauce, all packed into soft slider buns. Baked to perfection, the sliders are golden and melty, making them a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Ideal for parties, game days, or a comforting family meal, these sliders bring all the indulgence of the original Hot Brown in a bite-sized, shareable form. The combination of savory turkey, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese offers a mouthwatering experience with every bite. Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, these sliders are sure to be the star of the show.

Rich, satisfying, and easy to prepare, Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are a crowd-pleasing choice for any occasion. Their decadent, layered flavors and irresistible gooeyness will have guests coming back for more, making them a must-try at your next gathering!

Perfect for:

Game day snacks
A comforting dinner or brunch
Parties and gatherings
Celebrating Kentucky Derby Day or other special occasions

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders will become your new favorite comfort food:

Cheesy & Creamy: A rich and creamy cheese sauce ties everything together for a decadent bite.
Savory & Hearty: Turkey, bacon, and the cheese sauce create a perfect savory balance.
Easy to Make: These sliders are quick to assemble, bake, and serve—no need for individual sandwiches!
Crowd-Pleaser: They’re a great choice for feeding a group, making them perfect for parties or gatherings.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 45 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12 sliders
Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein from turkey and bacon, calcium from the cheese sauce, and fiber from the slider buns.

Ingredients

For the Sliders:

12 slider buns (hawaiian rolls work well)
1 lb deli-style turkey, thinly sliced
12 slices cooked bacon, crumbled or halved
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

For the Cheese Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional for a bit of tang)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

For Topping:

2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Ingredient Highlights

Turkey & Bacon: Provides a savory and smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheese sauce.
Cheese Sauce: A creamy blend of cheddar and mozzarella that makes these sliders irresistible.
Slider Buns: Soft, slightly sweet buns that hold all the ingredients together perfectly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cheese Sauce:

Make the Roux:
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux (paste-like consistency).
Add Milk and Cream:
Gradually add the milk and cream while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken.
Add Cheese & Seasoning:
Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard (if using). Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble the Sliders:

Prepare the Buns:
Slice the slider buns in half, keeping the top and bottom connected. Place the bottom halves of the buns into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer the Turkey and Bacon:
Evenly layer the sliced turkey over the bottom buns. Add the crumbled bacon on top of the turkey.
Pour the Cheese Sauce:
Spoon or pour the prepared cheese sauce generously over the turkey and bacon layers, making sure it covers the entire surface.
Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the cheese sauce.
Place the Top Buns:
Place the top halves of the buns on the sliders, pressing down gently.

Bake the Sliders:

Brush with Butter:
Brush the tops of the buns with melted butter. If you like, sprinkle paprika over the top for added flavor and color.
Bake the Sliders:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the sliders for 20-25 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve and Garnish:

Garnish and Serve:
Once the sliders are baked, remove them from the oven. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives, then cut the sliders along the seams.
Serve Warm:
Serve the sliders warm, and enjoy them as an appetizer, lunch, or dinner.

How to Serve

Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are great for:

Game Day: Perfect for serving a crowd while watching the big game.
Parties and Gatherings: These sliders are easy to make and serve, making them ideal for feeding a large group.
Family Meals: A quick and satisfying dinner or lunch option that everyone will love.
Special Occasions: Serve these sliders for special events like Kentucky Derby Day or other festive occasions.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh, Soft Rolls: For the best texture, use soft dinner rolls or slider buns. Brioche or Hawaiian rolls are excellent choices as they hold the sauce well.
Toast the Rolls: Lightly toast the slider buns before assembling to help prevent them from becoming soggy when adding the sauce and other ingredients.
Layer Cheese Wisely: Add a mix of cheeses like sharp cheddar and mozzarella for extra flavor and a melty texture. Layer the cheese directly on the turkey or ham for a gooey, cheesy bite.
Add Fresh Tomato Slices: Slice ripe tomatoes thinly and layer them between the turkey and cheese for a burst of freshness.
Season the Sauce: The Mornay sauce is crucial—make sure to season it well with a pinch of nutmeg, cayenne pepper, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for added depth of flavor.
Add Bacon for Crunch: Crisp up some bacon and chop it into bits to add between the layers for extra crunch and smokiness. It’s a great way to elevate the dish.
Use Leftover Turkey: If you have leftover Thanksgiving turkey, use it for the sliders. It will add even more flavor to the dish and save you time.
Prepare the Sliders Ahead of Time: You can assemble the sliders in advance, cover them tightly, and refrigerate them. When you’re ready to serve, just bake them until they’re golden and bubbly.
Garnish with Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a nice pop of color and flavor when sprinkled over the top just before serving.
Serve with a Side Salad: Serve the sliders with a side of greens or a light salad to balance out the richness of the dish.rnative.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Hot Brown: Add sliced jalapeños to the turkey layer or mix them into the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
Smoky Bacon and Gouda: Swap the cheddar cheese for smoked gouda for a smoky twist, and add extra crispy bacon for crunch.
Sautéed Veggies: Add sautéed onions or bell peppers for an extra layer of flavor.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
Freezing: These sliders can be assembled and frozen before baking. Wrap the assembled sliders tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Special Equipment

Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch dish works best for this recipe to hold all the sliders.
Saucepan: For making the cheese sauce.

FAQ Section

Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, you can swap turkey for chicken or even use deli ham for a different take on this recipe.
Can I use different cheese for the sauce?
Absolutely! While cheddar and mozzarella work well, you could experiment with other cheeses like gouda, Monterey Jack, or even Gruyère for a unique flavor.
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the sliders and refrigerate them overnight. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I make the cheese sauce spicier?
Yes! You can add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chili powder to the sauce to give it some heat.

Conclusion

Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are the perfect combination of savory comfort and rich, indulgent flavors. Inspired by the classic Kentucky Hot Brown, these sliders take all the best elements of the original dish—turkey, crispy bacon, and a decadent cheese sauce—and transform them into bite-sized, portable sandwiches. The sliders are layered with tender turkey, crispy bacon, and smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce, making them the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish.

These sliders are incredibly easy to make, with minimal prep time and simple ingredients. They are assembled by layering the turkey and bacon on slider buns, followed by a generous amount of the cheesy sauce, which melts perfectly during baking, creating a gooey, golden crust. The result is a deliciously savory bite that’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a game day, party, or a family dinner.

Not only are Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders delicious, but they are also versatile. You can easily customize the recipe by adding extra toppings like tomatoes or even a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added flavor. Serve them as an appetizer, a main course, or a snack, and watch them disappear in no time! These sliders are a comforting and satisfying treat that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.