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If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy all the rich, comforting flavors of the classic Southern favorite in a perfectly bite-sized form, then this Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe is going to be your new obsession. These sliders bring together tender oven-roasted turkey, crispy bacon, juicy tomato slices, and a luscious, creamy cheese sauce all nestled inside soft, fluffy Hawaiian rolls. They are perfectly handheld, generously layered, and baked to golden perfection – an absolute crowd-pleaser that combines elegance and comfort food in one delicious package.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe lies in its simple, quality ingredients that come together for a flavor explosion. Each item plays a crucial part—from the buttery Hawaiian rolls providing a sweet and soft base to the sharp cheddar cheese melting into a silk-smooth sauce. Every ingredient contributes to that irresistible balance of textures, colors, and taste.
- Hawaiian rolls (12 count): These sweet, soft rolls create the perfect slider base that complements the savory layers.
- Salted butter (8 tablespoons, divided): Used for richness and toasting the tops, it adds a golden finish with a buttery aroma.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing out the brightness and depth of every bite.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): The key to thickening the creamy cheese sauce for that perfect envelope of flavor.
- Dry mustard (1/8 teaspoon): Adds a subtle tangy kick, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Ground nutmeg (1/8 teaspoon): A pinch lends a warm, comforting warmth to the cheese sauce.
- Milk (1 cup): Provides the base for the cheese sauce, making it smooth and velvety.
- White cheddar cheese (2 cups, grated): Sharp and melty, it’s the star ingredient in the luscious cheese sauce.
- Oven-roasted turkey breast (1 pound, sliced): Tender and flavorful, this protein is the heart of the sliders.
- Tomatoes (2-3 medium): Fresh slices add juicy brightness and a pop of color.
- Thick-cut bacon (1 pound, cooked): Crispy goodness that adds wonderful texture and smoky flavor.
- Poppy seeds (for topping): They bring a delightful crunch and a touch of visual charm on top.
How to Make Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This step makes cleanup a breeze while ensuring your sliders don’t stick. It’s a simple start that sets the stage for perfectly baked sliders.
Step 2: Make the Roux for the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt half of the butter over medium heat. As it foams, whisk in the flour, dry mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until a paste forms. Cooking this roux just until it begins to brown provides the sauce with a nutty depth and smooth texture. This foundational step takes your cheese sauce from ordinary to extraordinary.
Step 3: Whisk in the Milk Gradually
Slowly add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, whisking constantly. This patience pays off with a wonderfully smooth sauce free of lumps. Keep stirring as it heats and thickens to a creamy consistency—this luscious cheese sauce will envelope the sliders in rich, velvety goodness.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the grated white cheddar until melted and silky smooth. This cheesy mixture is the heart of the Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe and should be set aside while you prepare the rest.
Step 5: Assemble the Sliders in the Baking Dish
Slice your Hawaiian rolls horizontally and place the bottom halves in the lined baking pan. Layer generously with 2-3 layers of tender turkey breast, followed by fresh tomato slices lightly seasoned with salt and pepper. Pour a thick blanket of cheese sauce over the tomatoes, then top with a hearty layer of crispy bacon and more turkey. Finally, crown your creation with the top halves of the rolls.
Step 6: Add Final Touches and Bake
Melt the remaining butter and brush it generously over the tops of the rolls. Sprinkle with poppy seeds for that signature look and a touch of crunch. Cover the dish with foil to keep everything moist, then bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to get those tops golden brown and irresistibly toasted.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Once baked, lift the entire slider sheet out by the parchment or foil, then slice into individual sliders. Warm, cheesy, smoky, and bursting with flavor—these sliders are ready to be devoured!
How to Serve Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these sliders, fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives work beautifully, adding a pop of color and a fresh bite. A light drizzle of a tangy hot sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can also add excitement without overpowering those classic flavors.
Side Dishes
These sliders pair wonderfully with crisp green salads or simple roasted vegetables to balance the richness. Consider serving with coleslaw or a refreshing cucumber salad for a crunchy, cool contrast. For a heartier meal, creamy mashed potatoes or seasoned fries offer a satisfying companion.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe on a wooden platter with colorful toothpicks to keep sliders intact and easy to grab. Layer them with fresh ingredients visible from the sides to tease guests visually. You can also add small ramekins of extra cheese sauce or spicy mustard on the side for dipping adventures.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any sliders left (though rare), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them covered well preserves moisture and flavor, so reheating is just as delicious as freshly baked.
Freezing
These sliders freeze beautifully! Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 2 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place the sliders on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil. Warm them in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes or until heated through. This method keeps the bread soft and the cheese sauce creamy without drying out the turkey and bacon layers.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in the Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp white cheddar is traditional and gives that perfect melt and flavor, you can experiment with smoked gouda, gruyere, or even a blend of cheeses to suit your taste.
Is it necessary to use Hawaiian rolls?
Hawaiian rolls are ideal because of their sweet, fluffy texture that balances the savory filling. However, soft slider buns or even brioche buns can be used as alternatives if you prefer.
Can I make these sliders vegetarian?
To keep the spirit of the dish without meat, you could substitute turkey and bacon with grilled mushrooms or a hearty eggplant layer, and perhaps add a smoky seasoning to mimic the bacon’s flavor.
How long can I keep the cheese sauce before assembling the sliders?
The cheese sauce is best used immediately after making, but if needed, it can be kept warm on low heat for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent skin from forming and avoid overheating to keep it smooth.
What’s the best way to cook the bacon for these sliders?
Thick-cut bacon gives the best texture here—cook it in the oven on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method ensures evenly crispy bacon without the mess of stovetop splatter.
Final Thoughts
If you want to treat yourself and your friends to a truly memorable dish, you have to try this Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe. It perfectly combines Southern charm with easy-to-make comfort food, turning a classic hot brown into a fun, shareable slider. No matter the occasion, these sliders will quickly become a star at your table and a new favorite to revisit again and again.
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Print
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are a delicious twist on the classic Hot Brown sandwich, featuring layers of oven-roasted turkey, juicy tomatoes, crispy bacon, and creamy cheddar cheese sauce served on soft Hawaiian rolls. This recipe yields 12 savory, crowd-pleasing sliders perfect for parties or family meals.
Ingredients
Slider Base
- 1 12-count package Hawaiian rolls
- 8 tablespoons salted butter, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Poppy seeds, for topping
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/8 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups grated white cheddar cheese
- About 1/2 teaspoon salt
- About 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Fillings
- 1 pound oven-roasted turkey breast, sliced
- 2–3 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon, cooked
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil to make lifting the sliders easier after baking.
- Make Roux for Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add flour, salt, pepper, dry mustard, and nutmeg, stirring constantly until the mixture forms a paste and begins to turn light brown.
- Add Milk and Thicken Sauce: Slowly whisk in milk, one tablespoon at a time, ensuring the mixture stays smooth. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, stirring constantly until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
- Add Cheese to Sauce: Stir in the grated white cheddar cheese until completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Set aside.
- Prepare Slider Base: Slice the entire sheet of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves into the lined baking dish.
- Layer Turkey: Arrange 2-3 layers of sliced turkey breast evenly over the bottom halves of the rolls.
- Add Tomato Slices: Lay tomato slices over the turkey and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Pour Cheese Sauce: Spoon the creamy cheese sauce liberally over the tomato layer to cover thoroughly.
- Add Bacon and Turkey: Add a thick layer of cooked bacon over the cheese sauce, followed by another layer of turkey slices.
- Top with Rolls and Butter: Place the top halves of the Hawaiian rolls on the assembled layers. Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and brush generously over the tops of the rolls.
- Garnish: Sprinkle poppy seeds over the buttered tops to add texture and flavor.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the tops of the rolls are toasted and golden brown.
- Serve: Lift the sliders out of the dish using the parchment or foil lining. Slice apart into individual sliders and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use different cheeses like Gruyere or mozzarella for a unique flavor twist.
- To save time, precook bacon in the oven on a baking sheet lined with foil.
- Use fresh tomatoes for the best taste and texture; remove seeds if tomatoes are very juicy to avoid sogginess.
- Adjust seasoning of the cheese sauce to your preference, adding more mustard or nutmeg for a spicier flavor.
- These sliders reheat well in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through.
