Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe

If you have yet to try the legendary Kentucky Hot Brown in a fun, bite-sized form, you are in for such a treat with this Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe. These little sandwiches pack all the classic flavors of the original open-faced hot brown—a creamy cheese sauce, savory turkey, crisp bacon, and juicy tomato—all nestled inside soft, pillowy Hawaiian rolls. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that transforms a beloved Southern classic into a perfect appetizer or casual meal that friends and family will rave about. Trust me, once you taste these sliders, they’ll become your new go-to for comfort food with flair.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe relies on ingredients that might already be in your kitchen, yet each plays an essential role in delivering the rich, layered flavors that make this dish unforgettable. From buttery Hawaiian rolls that provide a soft, sweet base, to a luscious cheese sauce with a subtle kick of nutmeg and mustard, every component works together to create a symphony of taste and texture.

• Hawaiian rolls (12 count): Their slightly sweet and fluffy texture perfectly balances the savory fillings.
• Salted butter (8 tablespoons): Divided for both the creamy sauce and brushing on the rolls for a golden crust.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors present in the dish.
• All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Acts as the thickening agent for the rich cheese sauce.
• Dry mustard (1/8 teaspoon): Adds a subtle tang that brightens the sauce.
• Ground nutmeg (1/8 teaspoon): Offers a warm, nostalgic depth to the creamy sauce.
• Milk (1 cup): Creates the velvety base of the cheese sauce.
• Grated white cheddar cheese (2 cups): Melts beautifully to form the gooey layer that defines a Hot Brown.
• Oven-roasted turkey breast (1 pound, sliced): Tender and flavorful protein center that makes this dish hearty.
• Tomatoes (2-3 medium): Thinly sliced for a fresh, juicy contrast.
• Thick-cut bacon (1 pound, cooked): Crispy and smoky, the perfect topping to complement the rich sauce.
• Poppy seeds: For a traditional finishing touch on top of the sliders.

How to Make Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, then line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This simple setup will make it much easier to lift out the sliders once baked without any sticking, ensuring you maintain their neat shape and presentation.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce Base

Melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat in a saucepan. This will be the fat that brings your sauce to the perfect silky texture and richness.

Step 3: Create the Roux and Add Seasonings

Whisk in the flour along with salt, pepper, dry mustard, and nutmeg. Cook while stirring until this mixture forms a paste and starts to brown slightly. This nutty base will deepen the flavor of your cheese sauce tremendously.

Step 4: Slowly Add Milk

Add milk in small increments, about one tablespoon at a time, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. The slow addition ensures your sauce turns out luxuriously smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, stirring nonstop until it thickens. This is the moment your sauce transforms from thin to perfectly luscious, ready to coat all those delicious layers in your sliders.

Step 6: Melt in the Cheese

Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the grated white cheddar until it melts completely, creating the velvety sauce that is a hallmark of the Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe.

Step 7: Assemble the Bottom Layer of Rolls

Slice the entire package of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves snugly into the prepared baking dish. This soft foundation will soak up all the savory goodness to come.

Step 8: Layer the Turkey

Generously pile 2 to 3 layers of the sliced oven-roasted turkey breast over the bottom half of the rolls. The turkey adds meaty substance and a mild, savory flavor.

Step 9: Add Tomato Slices

Lay thin slices of tomato atop the turkey layers, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. The fresh, tangy tomatoes cut through the richness and bring brightness to every bite.

Step 10: Spoon Over the Cheese Sauce

Ladle the supremely creamy cheese sauce on top of the tomatoes, generously coating the layers below to lock in moisture and flavor.

Step 11: Top with Bacon and More Turkey

Add a thick layer of crispy cooked bacon for smoky crunch, then crown with the remaining turkey slices. This second turkey layer deepens the sandwich’s hearty appeal.

Step 12: Place the Roll Tops and Brush with Butter

Cap the sliders with the top halves of the rolls and brush them liberally with the melted remaining butter. This step ensures a beautifully golden and glossy finish after baking.

Step 13: Sprinkle Poppy Seeds

Scatter poppy seeds over the buttery roll tops for a traditional and attractive garnish that adds a subtle crunch.

Step 14: Bake Covered, Then Uncover to Brown

Cover the dish with foil and bake the sliders for 15 minutes to meld the flavors and heat everything through. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to achieve a perfectly toasted, golden-brown crust on top.

Step 15: Slice and Serve

Using the parchment or foil lining, lift the entire slab of sliders from the baking dish and slice them apart. These Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are now ready to make their grand entrance at your table!

How to Serve Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe

Garnishes

For an added burst of freshness and color, consider sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or chives on top of the sliders just before serving. A light drizzle of hot sauce can also elevate the flavor profile for those who enjoy a little kick.

Side Dishes

These sliders pair wonderfully with crisp sides like a simple green salad with tangy vinaigrette, or classic Southern staples like coleslaw or baked beans. Roasted vegetables or even sweet potato fries also complement the rich, savory notes of the sliders.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders into a party centerpiece by arranging them on a large wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces like spicy mustard or ranch. For casual gatherings, serve them in mini cast iron skillets straight from the oven for that rustic, warm feeling.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover sliders, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay good for 2 to 3 days, making for easy next-day indulgence.

Freezing

Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe leftovers can be frozen by placing individual sliders on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you avoid them sticking together and can pull out just the amount you need later.

Reheating

Reheat the sliders in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. For a crispier top, remove the foil during the last few minutes. Microwave reheating is possible but may cause sogginess.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe with gluten-free rolls?

Absolutely! Just substitute the Hawaiian rolls with your favorite gluten-free soft rolls. The assembly and cooking process stays the same, and you’ll still get all the wonderful flavors and textures.

Is it possible to use other types of cheese?

While white cheddar is traditional and melts beautifully, feel free to experiment with Gruyère or Monterey Jack for different flavor nuances in the cheese sauce.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time before baking?

Yes, you can assemble the sliders completely and keep the baking dish covered in the refrigerator. Bake them just before serving for the freshest results.

What’s the best way to cook the bacon for this recipe?

I recommend thick-cut bacon cooked until crisp in a skillet or oven. This ensures the right balance of smoky crunchiness that contrasts with the soft rolls and creamy sauce.

Are these sliders suitable for a party or potluck?

Definitely! Their manageable size and familiar flavors make Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders perfect for sharing at gatherings where guests can enjoy them as finger food or light plates.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend enough giving the Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe a try the next time you want to impress your family or guests with something both comforting and a little special. They bring a smile with every bite and show off how Southern-inspired goodness can be fun, casual, and downright delicious all at once. You’re going to love sharing these sliders as much as you love eating them!

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