If you are craving a bite-sized version of the iconic Southern classic, look no further than this Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe. Combining tender turkey, crispy bacon, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce all layered on soft slider buns, these sliders bring the beloved Kentucky Hot Brown to a crowd-pleasing snack or appetizer. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a fun comfort food, or simply want a delicious twist on traditional sliders, this recipe promises a perfect balance of smoky, cheesy, and savory flavors that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe comes together with a handful of simple, classic ingredients that each play a vital role in delivering on taste and texture. From the buttery buns to the luscious cheese sauce, every component enhances the final delicious bite.
- 12 slider buns (preferably soft, like Hawaiian rolls): These provide a tender, slightly sweet base that holds all the layers without overpowering the flavors.
- 1 lb sliced turkey breast (deli-style): For that melt-in-your-mouth lean protein that’s essential to this dish.
- 12 slices cooked bacon, halved: Adds smoky crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharpness and depth to the cheesy blend.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Offers gooey stretch and a mild balance to the cheddar.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Intensifies savory notes both in the cheese blend and the sauce.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: The base for our velvety cheese sauce, enriching every bite.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce to just the right consistency.
- 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%): Provides creaminess and moisture.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Elevates the sauce’s richness to a silky smooth level.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang that cuts through the richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a gentle hint of savory warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic and deepens flavor complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Gives a slight smokiness and a beautiful color.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for rounding out all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for the sauce): Added at the end for that cheesy finish in the sauce.
How to Make Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and to ensure an easy cleanup after all the deliciousness is baked to golden perfection.
Step 2: Slice and Arrange the Buns
Slice all the slider buns in half horizontally, but keep them together as a single layer. This way, they’ll bake uniformly and absorb the flavors beautifully. Place the bottom halves snugly in the prepared baking dish, creating the perfect bed for your fillings.
Step 3: Layer the Turkey, Bacon, and Cheeses
Now the fun part: evenly layer the sliced turkey over the bottom buns—this tender meat is the heart of the sliders. Next, gently place the halved bacon slices on top, adding that crave-worthy crunch and smoky depth. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over everything, setting up the perfect gooey, cheesy topping before you place the top buns on.
Step 4: Whip Up the Luscious Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for a minute or two to create a roux, which will thicken your sauce. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes velvety smooth. Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, and finally stir in the Parmesan cheese until everything melds into one irresistible sauce.
Step 5: Pour the Sauce and Bake
Pour the warm cheese sauce evenly over the assembled sliders, making sure every inch is covered with creamy goodness. Cover your dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to soak into the buns. Remove the foil for the last 5 to 10 minutes to achieve that perfect golden, bubbly top.
Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve
Once baked, remove the sliders from the oven and let them rest a few minutes. This slight cooling helps the cheese sauce settle so you can slice the sliders generously without them falling apart. Now you’re ready to enjoy a mouthwatering bite of Southern comfort with these Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders!
How to Serve Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
For that extra pop of freshness, sprinkle some chopped flat-leaf parsley or a pinch of additional grated Parmesan on top right before serving. These simple touches brighten the rich, hearty flavors perfectly and add a lovely visual contrast that makes each slider irresistible.
Side Dishes
Serving these sliders alongside crisp green salads, tangy coleslaw, or roasted vegetables makes a well-rounded, crowd-pleasing meal. You might also consider some baked sweet potato fries or classic Southern-style collard greens for a side that complements the Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party appetizer, arrange your sliders on a large rustic wooden board or tiered platter with little flags or toothpicks to keep them neat and die-hard finger food-friendly. You can also serve them as mini sandwiches at brunch or game day, with individual ramekins of extra cheese sauce on the side for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps keep the sliders moist, and the flavors even more developed after resting overnight.
Freezing
To freeze, prepare the sliders fully but wait to bake. Wrap the unbaked assembled sliders tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed for best results.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated sliders in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Removing the foil for the last few minutes will bring back that golden bubbly top so each bite tastes freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I make Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the sliders a day before and refrigerate them, then bake just before serving. This makes entertaining a breeze and allows flavors to meld, making the sliders even tastier.
What kind of cheese works best for these sliders?
The combination of cheddar and mozzarella provides the perfect balance of sharpness and meltiness. Parmesan adds subtle nuttiness and depth. Avoid using pre-shredded cheese if you can, as freshly shredded melts more smoothly.
Is there a way to make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for the sauce and use gluten-free slider buns. Be sure to check that all other ingredients like mustard and bacon are gluten-free as well.
Can I use leftover cooked turkey?
Definitely! Leftover turkey works wonderfully in this recipe, making it a fantastic way to transform leftovers into a crowd-pleasing dish.
What if I don’t have heavy cream? Can I substitute something else?
You can replace heavy cream with an equal amount of whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of melted butter to maintain richness, although the sauce might be slightly less creamy.
Final Thoughts
This Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe is such a joyful way to share the iconic flavors of a classic Southern dish in a fun, easy-to-eat form. Once you try these sliders, you’ll find yourself coming back to them for parties, family meals, or anytime you want a comforting, cheesy delight. I genuinely hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do!
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Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are a decadent and delicious twist on the classic open-faced hot brown sandwich. Featuring layers of tender turkey, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, all smothered in a creamy Parmesan sauce and baked to golden perfection on soft slider buns, these sliders make a perfect party appetizer or comforting meal. Ready in just 45 minutes, they combine rich flavors with easy assembly.
Ingredients
Sliders
- 12 slider buns (preferably soft, like Hawaiian rolls)
- 1 lb sliced turkey breast (deli-style)
- 12 slices cooked bacon, halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup for sauce + 1/2 cup for sauce finishing)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Sliders: Slice the entire pack of slider buns in half horizontally, keeping all pieces intact. Place the bottom halves evenly in the prepared baking dish to form a base for the sliders.
- Assemble the Sliders: Layer the sliced turkey breast over the bottom buns evenly. Arrange the halved cooked bacon slices on top of the turkey. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the bacon. Finish by placing the top halves of the slider buns over the cheese.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to form a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, continuing to cook while stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, approximately 3-5 minutes. Add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated.
- Pour the Sauce Over the Sliders: Pour the creamy Parmesan sauce evenly over the assembled sliders in the baking dish, ensuring all sliders are generously covered.
- Bake the Sliders: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbling.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the sliders cool for a few minutes before slicing. Optionally, garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use soft slider buns like Hawaiian rolls for the best texture.
- Leftover sliders can be refrigerated and reheated gently in the oven.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Turkey breast can be substituted with chicken if desired.
- The sauce can be made ahead and reheated before pouring.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
