Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

Published: June 30, 2025

by Olivia

Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are a delicious twist on the classic open-faced sandwich. Perfect for any occasion, these sliders combine savory turkey, fresh tomatoes, rich homemade cheese sauce, and crispy bacon. They make an ideal appetizer or main dish for parties, game days, or family dinners. With their mouthwatering flavors and easy preparation, you’ll want to serve these sliders at every gathering!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders quickly.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of white cheddar and Parmesan cheese creates a rich and creamy sauce that elevates the dish.
Versatile Dish: Serve them as an appetizer, main course, or even at potlucks—these sliders fit any occasion perfectly.
Crowd-Pleaser: With turkey and bacon as key ingredients, these sliders are sure to satisfy guests of all ages.
Make Ahead Option: You can assemble the sliders ahead of time and bake them just before serving.

Tools and Preparation

To create the best Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

Baking dish
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Baking dish: Ensures even cooking and makes it easy to transport your sliders.
Mixing bowl: A must-have for blending your cheese sauce smoothly.
Whisk: Helps achieve a lump-free cheese sauce with the right consistency.

Ingredients

For the Cheese Sauce

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup (245 g) whole milk (room temperature)
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup (113 g) white cheddar cheese (shredded)
¼ cup (25 g) parmesan cheese (grated)

For the Sliders

¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter (melted)
½ teaspoon garlic salt
½ teaspoon fresh parsley (finely chopped)
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 package (12-count) King’s Hawaiian Rolls
1 pound turkey breast (leftover or thickly sliced deli turkey)
2 medium tomatoes (sliced)
8-10 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)

How to Make Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In a mixing bowl, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat in a saucepan.
Add the all-purpose flour and whisk until smooth to create a roux.
Gradually pour in the whole milk while continuing to whisk.
Stir in kosher salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg.
Once thickened, add white cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese. Mix until fully melted.

Step 2: Assemble the Sliders

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Slice the King’s Hawaiian Rolls in half horizontally without separating them.
Place the bottom half of the rolls in a baking dish.
Layer with sliced turkey breast, tomatoes, and crumbled bacon.
Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top layer of ingredients.
Brush melted butter mixed with garlic salt over the top half of the rolls.

Step 3: Bake

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden brown.

Now you have delightful Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders ready to impress your guests! Enjoy!

How to Serve Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are a delightful twist on the classic open-faced sandwich. These sliders are perfect for gatherings, game days, or any casual get-together. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your slider experience.

For a Casual Gathering

On a Platter: Arrange the sliders on a large platter for guests to help themselves.
With Dipping Sauces: Serve with a side of ranch or spicy mustard for dipping.

During Game Day

As Finger Food: Place sliders in individual cups for easy handling while cheering for your team.
With Snack Trays: Pair with chips, pretzels, and veggies for a full snack spread.

At Family Gatherings

With Fresh Salad: Complement the sliders with a refreshing garden salad on the side.
As Part of a Buffet: Include alongside other favorites like wings and meatballs for variety.

For an Elegant Touch

Garnished with Herbs: Top each slider with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color.
Served with Wine: Pair with white wine or light beer to enhance flavors.

How to Perfect Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

To make your Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders even better, consider these tips that emphasize flavor and presentation.

Cheese Choices: Use a mix of cheeses like gouda or mozzarella along with cheddar for added depth.
Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh tomatoes and herbs to elevate taste and presentation.
Crunchy Bacon: Ensure bacon is crispy to add texture and flavor contrast in every bite.
Even Layering: Layer ingredients evenly in the rolls to maintain structure when serving.
Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the cheese sauce in advance; it saves time on busy days.

Best Side Dishes for Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

Pairing side dishes with Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders can enhance your meal. Here are some great options that complement their flavors nicely.

Crispy Potato Wedges: Baked or fried, these wedges provide a satisfying crunch alongside the sliders.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds freshness and balances the richness of the sliders.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn is sweet and juicy, making it an excellent summer side dish.
Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter offer an irresistible side option.
Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits brings sweetness and color, perfect for balancing savory flavors.
Stuffed Peppers: Mini stuffed peppers filled with cheese or veggies can be a delightful addition.
Vegetable Platter: Crisp veggies served with dip provide crunch and freshness, enhancing the overall meal experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

Skipping the cheese sauce preparation: Failing to make a homemade cheese sauce can lead to dry sliders. Always prepare the sauce to keep them moist and flavorful.
Using low-quality turkey: Poor quality turkey can ruin the dish’s taste. Opt for thickly sliced deli turkey or leftover roasted turkey for the best flavor.
Neglecting seasoning: A lack of seasoning can make your sliders bland. Be sure to season every layer, especially the cheese sauce and turkey.
Overcooking the bacon: Cooking bacon too long can make it too crispy and hard. Aim for a balance where it is still tender yet crispy enough to add texture.
Rushing the assembly: Taking your time during assembly ensures even distribution of ingredients. This prevents any one slider from being overloaded or underfilled.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders in an airtight container.
They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

Wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Freeze them for up to 2 months for optimal quality.

Reheating Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place sliders on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Place sliders on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter. Cook sliders for about 3-5 minutes per side until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders that may help you while preparing this dish.

What are Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders?

Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are mini sandwiches that combine turkey, tomatoes, cheese sauce, and bacon, inspired by the classic open-faced sandwich.

Can I customize my Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders?

Yes! You can customize them by adding different cheeses or vegetables according to your preference.

Are Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders good for parties?

Absolutely! These sliders make an excellent appetizer for gatherings due to their bite-sized nature and delicious flavors.

How do I reheat leftovers of Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders?

Leftovers can be reheated in the oven, microwave, or stovetop as detailed above, ensuring they remain tasty and moist.

Final Thoughts

Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to festive gatherings. Their versatility allows you to customize them with your favorite ingredients. Don’t hesitate to try this delightful recipe; it’s sure to impress family and friends!