If you are craving a dish that is both cozy and bursting with layered flavors, the Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe will become your new favorite! These sliders take the classic Kentucky Hot Brown stack and shrink it down into perfectly handheld bites that are rich with creamy cheese sauce, smoky bacon, tender turkey, and fresh tomato. Every slider is a harmonious balance of textures and tastes, making it an irresistible choice for game days, parties, or any time you want a comforting dish with a touch of Southern charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh, and flavorful ingredients is the key to making these sliders shine. Each element plays an essential role: from the tender turkey to the sharp flavors in the cheese sauce, everything works together to create that iconic Kentucky Hot Brown experience.
- 12 slider rolls or small dinner rolls: Soft, slightly sweet rolls make the perfect base, holding all the delicious layers together.
- ¾ pound sliced roasted turkey breast: Tender slices provide savory flavor and a meaty texture.
- 8 slices cooked bacon, cut in half: Adds that irresistible smoky crunch that balances the creaminess.
- 1½ cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a tangy, melty richness.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Needed for making the velvety cheese sauce and brushing the tops of the buns.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickener for the sauce, ensuring a smooth consistency.
- 1 cup whole milk: Creates a creamy base for the cheese sauce.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: A gentle hint of savory depth in the sauce.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances overall flavor without overpowering.
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and balance.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Boosts flavor and gives the sauce a lovely nutty finish.
- 2 Roma tomatoes, thinly sliced: Fresh tomato slices add moisture and a bright contrast to rich ingredients.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Combines with mustard and Worcestershire sauce to create a flavorful topping for the rolls.
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang to the butter glaze for the slider tops.
- ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Deepens the savory notes in the butter mixture.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): A pop of color and freshness when serving.
How to Make Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
Start by melting the butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute to create a roux, which will give your sauce that perfect silky texture. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Add garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, and cook until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and half of the shredded sharp white cheddar until melted and smooth. This rich, cheesy sauce is the heart of the sliders, bringing everything together with luscious creaminess.
Step 2: Assemble the Sliders
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then arrange the bottom halves of the slider rolls in an even layer. Layer the roasted turkey slices evenly over the rolls, making sure each one gets a hearty amount. Next, add a layer of thin tomato slices followed by the halved cooked bacon. These layers provide a delightful combination of textures and flavors in every bite.
Step 3: Add the Cheese Sauce and Cheese Topping
Generously spoon the warm cheese sauce over the stacked turkey, tomatoes, and bacon, making sure it seeps into every nook and cranny. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top to create a bubbly, golden crust once baked. Then, place the top halves of the slider rolls over the filling, setting the stage for the finishing touches.
Step 4: Add the Butter Glaze and Bake
Mix the melted butter with Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. Brush this flavorful mixture over the tops of the slider rolls—it adds a beautiful glaze and extra depth of flavor during baking. Cover the entire dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5 to 7 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling irresistibly.
How to Serve Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the sliders for a burst of color and a hint of fresh herbal brightness. The parsley is optional, but it really elevates the presentation and adds a light contrast to the richness of the dish.
Side Dishes
Pair these sliders with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness, or serve alongside crispy sweet potato fries for a comforting combo. Fresh coleslaw also brings great texture and acidity that complements the creamy cheese sauce beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or game days, serve these sliders on a rustic wooden platter with small toothpicks to hold them together. You can also arrange the sliders in muffin tins to keep them perfectly shaped while baking, making portion control effortless. Offering a small bowl of extra cheese sauce or spicy mustard on the side can let guests customize their sliders even more!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders, let them cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They hold their flavor nicely, though the rolls may soften slightly.
Freezing
While these sliders are best fresh, you can freeze them after assembling (before baking). Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. To bake from frozen, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then proceed with the baking steps as usual.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This helps maintain the gooey cheese sauce texture without drying out the rolls or turkey.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in the Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp white cheddar and Parmesan give this recipe its classic flavor, feel free to experiment with Gruyere or mozzarella for a twist on the creamy sauce.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
You can swap the turkey and bacon for grilled mushrooms or hearty roasted vegetables. Using a vegetarian cheese sauce also keeps it rich and satisfying without meat.
Can I prepare the sliders ahead of time and bake later?
Yes! Assemble the sliders fully, cover tightly, and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. This makes them perfect for party prepping and still delivers fresh, melty goodness straight from the oven.
What’s the best way to slice the tomatoes to prevent sogginess?
Choose firm Roma tomatoes and slice them thinly for balance. Patting the slices with a paper towel before layering helps reduce excess moisture and keeps the sliders from becoming soggy.
Can I make these sliders gluten-free?
Definitely substitute the slider rolls with your favorite gluten-free buns, and use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the sauce roux. This way you keep all the flavor without the gluten.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dish that’s impressive yet approachable, rich but balanced, the Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe is just what you need. It’s a mouthwatering way to enjoy a Southern classic in slider form, perfect for sharing, entertaining, or simply treating yourself. Give these sliders a try and prepare to fall in love with every gooey, savory, smokey bite!
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 Kentucky hot brown sandwich, featuring layers of roasted turkey, bacon, fresh tomatoes, and a creamy cheese sauce, all nestled inside soft slider rolls. Baked to golden perfection, these cheesy sliders make the perfect appetizer or party snack, especially for game day or Derby celebrations.
Ingredients
Slider Components
- 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
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
- 1½ cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese (divided)
Topping
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare it for baking the sliders.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of whole milk and add ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it slightly thickens, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese and half of the shredded cheddar cheese (¾ cup). Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the Sliders: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Lay the bottom halves of the slider rolls evenly in the dish. Layer the roasted turkey slices over the rolls, followed by thin slices of Roma tomatoes and the halved cooked bacon pieces.
- Add Cheese Sauce and Cheese: Spoon the warm cheese sauce evenly over the layered ingredients. Sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup shredded sharp white cheddar cheese on top.
- Top the Sliders: Place the top halves of the slider rolls over the filling layers to cover.
- Brush with Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons melted butter with ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard and ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Brush this mixture generously over the tops of the rolls to enhance browning and flavor.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese sauce to heat through.
- Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the tops are golden brown and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the sliders if desired. Serve warm for the best taste.
Notes
- For quicker preparation, use store-bought cheese sauce instead of making your own.
- These sliders are perfect for game day or Derby parties and can be assembled a few hours ahead of time and baked just before serving.
