Description
These Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are a delicious mini version of the classic open-faced Hot Brown sandwich, layering oven-roasted turkey, ripe tomatoes, crispy bacon, and a creamy cheesy sauce between soft Hawaiian rolls. Perfect for parties or gatherings, these baked sliders offer a comforting blend of smoky, savory flavors with a golden buttery topping sprinkled with poppy seeds.
Ingredients
Scale
Rolls and Toppings
- 1 12 count package Hawaiian rolls
- Poppy seeds for topping sliders
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese Sauce
- 8 tablespoons salted butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/8 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups grated white cheddar cheese
Sandwich Fillings
- 1 pound oven-roasted turkey breast, sliced
- 2-3 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon, cooked
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Make the Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of the salted butter. Once melted, add the flour, salt, pepper, dry mustard, and ground nutmeg. Stir constantly with a spatula until the mixture forms a paste and starts to brown slightly, creating a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Add Milk to Create the Sauce: Gradually drizzle in the milk one tablespoon at a time, whisking continuously to keep the mixture smooth and prevent lumps. Continue adding milk until fully incorporated and the sauce has a silky texture.
- Thicken the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle boil while stirring constantly. Allow it to thicken enough to coat the back of a spoon, then remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Melt in the Cheese: Stir in the grated white cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth. Set the cheese sauce aside while assembling the sliders.
- Prepare the Rolls: Slice the entire package of Hawaiian rolls horizontally in half. Place the bottom halves of the rolls in the prepared baking dish.
- Assemble the Layers: Layer 2-3 layers of sliced oven-roasted turkey breast evenly over the roll bottoms.
- Add Tomato Slices: Place sliced tomatoes on top of the turkey layers, then season with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Spread Cheese Sauce: Generously spoon the prepared cheese sauce over the tomato layer, ensuring coverage across all sliders for that creamy richness.
- Add Bacon and Turkey: Place a thick layer of cooked bacon over the cheese sauce, followed by the remaining slices of turkey breast for a hearty filling.
- Top with Rolls: Place the top halves of the Hawaiian rolls over the assembled layers to close the sliders.
- Butter the Tops: Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and brush it generously over the tops of the rolls to help them brown beautifully while baking.
- Add Poppy Seeds: Sprinkle poppy seeds evenly on top of the buttered rolls for a classic finishing touch and slight crunch.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes or until the tops of the sliders are golden brown and toasted.
- Serve: Using the parchment paper or foil lining, lift the sliders out of the dish and slice them apart. Serve warm for a delicious appetizer or main dish.
Notes
- Use thick-cut bacon for the best crispy texture and flavor.
- Make sure to whisk constantly when adding milk to avoid lumps in the cheese sauce.
- If you prefer, substitute white cheddar with Gruyere or a blend for a richer flavor.
- These sliders can be assembled a few hours ahead and refrigerated; add an extra few minutes to the baking time if baking cold.
- Poppy seeds add authentic texture and a slight nutty taste, but can be omitted if unavailable.
