Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are a delightful twist on a classic dish. These sliders transform the traditional open-faced sandwich into a portable appetizer perfect for any gathering. Filled with flavorful turkey, fresh tomatoes, creamy homemade cheese sauce, and crispy bacon, they make an irresistible treat for potlucks, game days, or family dinners. The combination of rich flavors and cozy textures makes these sliders truly stand out.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and quick prep time, these sliders are perfect for busy cooks.
Full of Flavor: The rich cheese sauce paired with turkey and bacon creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will love.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as appetizers or as part of a hearty meal, making them suitable for any occasion.
Crowd-Pleaser: These sliders are sure to impress your guests at parties or family gatherings.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them in advance and bake just before serving for stress-free entertaining.

Tools and Preparation

To make Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders efficiently, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment can streamline the cooking process and enhance your experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Baking dish
Medium saucepan
Whisk
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Baking dish: The right size ensures even cooking and easy serving of the sliders.
Medium saucepan: Perfect for preparing the cheese sauce without overcrowding the pan.

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 medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter.
Whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for about 1 minute until bubbly.
Gradually add in the room temperature milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
Stir in kosher salt, black pepper, ground nutmeg, white cheddar cheese, and parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.

Step 2: Assemble the Sliders

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Slice the King’s Hawaiian Rolls in half without separating them completely.
Place the bottom halves of the rolls in a baking dish.
Layer sliced turkey evenly over the rolls followed by tomato slices.
Pour the prepared cheese sauce generously over the turkey and tomatoes.
Add crumbled bacon on top of the cheese sauce.

Step 3: Bake the Sliders

Brush melted unsalted butter mixed with garlic salt over the tops of each roll half.
Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Enjoy your delicious Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders! They are sure to be a hit 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 gatherings or family dinners. These sliders can be served in various ways to enhance their delicious flavors.

Casual Gatherings

Buffet Style: Arrange sliders on a large platter for guests to help themselves. This makes it easy for everyone to grab and enjoy.
With Dipping Sauces: Serve alongside warm marinara or creamy ranch dressing for an extra burst of flavor.

Game Day Treats

Finger Food: Perfect as finger food during game days, these sliders are easy to eat while cheering for your team.
Mini Sandwich Platter: Add a variety of mini sandwiches to accompany the sliders, creating a fun sandwich bar.

Family Dinner

Serve with Salads: Pair sliders with a fresh garden salad or coleslaw for a balanced meal.
Kid-Friendly Meal: These sliders are great for kids, making them an ideal option for family dinners.

How to Perfect Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

To make your Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders even more delicious, consider these tips that will elevate your dish.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh turkey and ripe tomatoes enhance the flavor significantly.
Tailor the Cheese Sauce: Experiment with different cheeses like gouda or mozzarella in your cheese sauce for unique tastes.
Crispy Bacon is Key: Ensure your bacon is crispy; this adds texture and richness to each bite.
Don’t Overcook the Rolls: Keep an eye on the baking time so your rolls stay soft and fluffy.
Add Extra Seasoning: Feel free to sprinkle additional spices like cayenne pepper for a little heat.
Serve Immediately: Enjoy these sliders right after baking for the best taste and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

To complement your Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders, consider these side dishes that pair wonderfully with them.

Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw balances the richness of the sliders and adds freshness.
Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges are an easy and satisfying side that everyone loves.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a seasonal touch and pairs well with savory flavors.
Garden Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette provides contrast and keeps things refreshing.
Baked Beans: Sweet and smoky baked beans are a hearty addition that complements the sliders nicely.
Deviled Eggs: These classic appetizers add creaminess and are always a hit at gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders, there are common errors that can affect your dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

Using Cold Milk: Starting with cold milk can prevent your cheese sauce from becoming smooth. Always use room temperature milk for the best results.
Overcooking the Bacon: Cooked bacon should be crispy but not burnt. Aim for a perfect balance to enhance the dish’s flavor.
Skipping Fresh Herbs: Ignoring fresh herbs like parsley reduces flavor. Always add fresh herbs for a burst of taste and color.
Not Layering Ingredients Properly: Failing to layer turkey, tomatoes, and cheese sauce correctly can lead to uneven flavors. Layer them carefully for a balanced bite.
Leaving Out Seasoning: Forgetting to add salt and spices can dull the taste. Don’t skip on seasoning; it’s key for a flavorful slider.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

Wrap each slider tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
Freeze them for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place sliders on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes.
Microwave: Place sliders on a microwave-safe plate and cover. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, covered. This method keeps them moist while reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders?

Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are mini sandwiches made with turkey, tomatoes, cheese sauce, and bacon inspired by the classic hot brown sandwich.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute white cheddar with other cheeses like gouda or mozzarella for different flavors.

How do I make Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders ahead of time?

Prepare all ingredients and assemble sliders without baking. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake; just add extra time if baking from cold.

What can I serve with Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders?

These sliders pair well with a fresh salad, sweet potato fries, or pickles for added crunch.

Final Thoughts

Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are a delightful twist on the classic hot brown sandwich, making them perfect for gatherings or family dinners. Their creamy cheese sauce and crispy bacon create an irresistible combination. Feel free to customize the sliders by adding your favorite toppings or adjusting the seasonings!

Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

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Author: Grace
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: Serves 12 sliders

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Description

Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are a delicious and convenient twist on the classic hot brown sandwich. These mini sandwiches feature layers of savory turkey, juicy tomatoes, and crispy bacon, all smothered in a creamy homemade cheese sauce. Perfect for any occasion—from game day to family dinners—these sliders are sure to impress your guests with their rich flavors and delightful textures. Quick and easy to prepare, they can be made ahead of time for stress-free entertaining. Serve them warm from the oven for a mouthwatering treat that everyone will love.

Ingredients

King's Hawaiian Rolls
Turkey Breast (sliced)
Tomatoes (sliced)
Bacon (cooked & crumbled)
White Cheddar Cheese
Parmesan Cheese
Unsalted Butter
All-Purpose Flour
Whole Milk

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a saucepan, make the cheese sauce by melting butter, whisking in flour, adding milk gradually, and stirring in cheeses until smooth.
Slice rolls and layer turkey and tomato on the bottom halves. Pour cheese sauce over them and top with crumbled bacon.
Brush tops with garlic salt butter mixture, cover with foil, and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 5-10 minutes until golden.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American