Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

Published: July 6, 2025

by Nora

Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are a delightful twist on the classic open-faced sandwich, transforming it into a fun and delicious appetizer. Perfect for gatherings, game days, or casual dinners, these sliders feature layers of turkey, fresh tomatoes, a rich homemade cheese sauce, and crispy bacon. With their creamy texture and savory flavors, Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for more!

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Jump to:

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tools and Preparation
Essential Tools and Equipment
Importance of Each Tool
Ingredients
For the Cheese Sauce
For the Sliders
How to Make Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
Step 2: Assemble the Sliders
Step 3: Bake
How to Serve Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
Pair with a Fresh Salad
Serve with Dipping Sauces
Create Mini Slider Plates
Add Garnishes
How to Perfect Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
Best Side Dishes for Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
Freezing Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
Reheating Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of cheese for Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders?
How do I make Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders vegetarian?
Can I prepare Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders ahead of time?
What sides pair well with Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders?
Final Thoughts
📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these sliders can be whipped up in no time.
Flavor Packed: The combination of turkey, cheese, and bacon creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will enjoy.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as appetizers or make them the star of your dinner table; they fit any occasion perfectly.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a potluck or a family gathering, these sliders are guaranteed to be a hit with guests of all ages.
Comfort Food Delight: Indulge in the warm, cheesy goodness that makes you feel right at home.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe for Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders, make sure you have the right tools ready. Each tool plays an essential role in ensuring your sliders come out perfect.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Baking dish
Whisk
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

Baking dish: A good-quality dish ensures even heating and browning of your sliders.
Whisk: An essential tool for creating a smooth cheese sauce without lumps.
Sharp knife: Makes slicing tomatoes and rolls easy and safe.

Ingredients

Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders take a traditionally open-faced sandwich and turn it into an appetizer with turkey, tomatoes, homemade cheese sauce, and bacon.

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 saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter.
Add the all-purpose flour to create a roux; whisk continuously for about 2 minutes until golden.
Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
Add kosher salt, black pepper, ground nutmeg, white cheddar cheese, and parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.

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 halves in a baking dish.
Layer with turkey slices followed by tomato slices.
Pour half of the cheese sauce over the turkey and tomato layers.
Sprinkle crumbled bacon on top before placing on the top halves of the rolls.

Step 3: Bake

Brush the melted butter mixed with garlic salt over the top of the rolls.
Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until golden brown.

Enjoy your Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders hot out of the oven! These sliders are sure to become a favorite at your next gathering!

How to Serve Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are a delightful twist on a classic dish, perfect for parties or family gatherings. Here are some creative serving suggestions that can enhance your slider experience.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

Garden Salad: A light garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the sliders.
Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons in a Caesar salad provide a nice contrast to the savory flavors of the sliders.

Serve with Dipping Sauces

Spicy Mustard: A bit of heat from spicy mustard can elevate the flavor profile of your Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders.
Ranch Dressing: Creamy ranch dressing is always a crowd-pleaser and adds a nice cooling effect.

Create Mini Slider Plates

Slider Trio Plate: Offer guests a plate with three different types of sliders, including Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders, for variety.
Charcuterie Board: Incorporate your sliders into a charcuterie board with cheeses, meats, and pickles for an appealing presentation.

Add Garnishes

Fresh Herbs: Sprinkling fresh parsley or chives on top adds color and freshness to each slider.
Pickled Jalapeños: For those who like it spicy, offer pickled jalapeños as a garnish option.

How to Perfect Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

To ensure your Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are a hit at any gathering, consider these helpful tips.

cheese choice: Use a mix of white cheddar and parmesan for depth of flavor.
Fresh ingredients: Always opt for fresh turkey and ripe tomatoes to enhance taste.
Perfectly cooked bacon: Ensure bacon is crispy but not burnt for that perfect crunch in every bite.
Monitor baking time: Keep an eye on the sliders while they bake to prevent overcooking; golden brown is ideal.
Customize toppings: Feel free to experiment by adding different toppings like avocados or sautéed mushrooms!

Best Side Dishes for Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

When serving Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders, pairing them with delicious side dishes can make your meal even more enjoyable. Here are some great options.

Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing balance to the warm sliders.
Macaroni and Cheese: This creamy comfort food pairs well with the rich flavors of the sliders.
Sweet Potato Fries: Baked sweet potato fries offer sweetness that complements the savory elements of the dish.
Potato Salad: A classic potato salad is hearty and stands up well alongside sliders.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob can add bright summer flavors to your meal.
Baked Beans: Serving smoky baked beans adds another layer of flavor that goes well with turkey and cheese.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders, some common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are a few to watch out for:

Ignoring Ingredient Quality: Using low-quality turkey or cheese can result in bland sliders. Always opt for fresh and flavorful ingredients.
Not Preheating the Oven: Skipping this step may cause uneven cooking. Preheat your oven to ensure that the sliders bake evenly.
Overloading on Toppings: It might be tempting to add too many toppings, but this can make the sliders messy. Stick to the recipe for a balanced flavor.
Using Cold Milk: Cold milk can affect the consistency of your cheese sauce. Make sure your milk is at room temperature for a smooth sauce.
Skipping Seasoning: Failing to season properly can lead to bland flavors. Be sure to use enough salt and spices as indicated in the recipe.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

Wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake sliders for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Place sliders on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, covering with a lid until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders:

Can I use different types of cheese for Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders?

You can definitely experiment with other cheeses like gouda or mozzarella, but white cheddar offers the best flavor profile.

How do I make Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders vegetarian?

To make these sliders vegetarian, substitute turkey with roasted vegetables or mushrooms, and ensure your sauces are meat-free.

Can I prepare Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble them ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

What sides pair well with Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders?

Pair these sliders with a fresh salad or crispy fries for a complete meal that’s sure to please everyone!

Final Thoughts

Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are a delicious twist on a classic dish that brings comfort food to your table in an easy-to-eat format. They’re perfect for game day, gatherings, or just a cozy night in. Feel free to customize the ingredients based on your preferences; there’s no wrong way to enjoy these hearty sliders!

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