If you’ve been craving a dish that combines comfort, rich flavors, and a touch of Southern charm, you are going to fall head over heels for this Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe. These little sliders pack all the deliciousness of the classic Kentucky Hot Brown open-faced sandwich into perfectly handheld portions, complete with tender turkey, smoky bacon, and a luscious cheese sauce that’s pure indulgence. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a delightful family meal, these sliders bring warmth, cheesy goodness, and a bit of elegance to any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a key role. From the soft slider buns that cradle all the tasty fillings to the creamy, flavorful cheese sauce that ties everything together, each element is essential for creating that perfect balance of texture and taste.
- 12 slider buns (preferably soft, like Hawaiian rolls): Soft buns provide a fluffy base that complements the rich fillings without overpowering them.
- 1 lb sliced turkey breast (deli-style): Lean and tender turkey adds a hearty layer of protein with mild flavor.
- 12 slices cooked bacon, halved: Crisp bacon adds that irresistible smoky crunch.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar brings depth and boldness to the cheesy blend.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully, creating that gooey, melty texture we all crave.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds a nutty, salty kick to both the topping and the sauce.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: The base for a smooth, creamy roux that thickens the sauce.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Works with butter to create the roux, ensuring the sauce isn’t too runny.
- 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%): Adds creaminess and richness to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Boosts the luxurious texture of the cheese sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang that balances the creaminess.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder layers in warm, comforting flavor without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Offers a gentle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Provides subtle smokiness and a pop of color.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing the whole dish together.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for the sauce): Folded into the sauce for a rich, cheesy finish.
How to Make Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Dish
Start off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. This ensures a warm, inviting oven ready to transform your sliders into golden baked perfection.
Step 2: Prepare the Slider Buns
Slice your entire pack of slider buns horizontally but keep them intact as a whole sheet on each half. Arrange the bottom halves snugly in the prepared baking dish. This sets up a firm foundation to hold all those delightful layers and gooey sauce.
Step 3: Assemble the Sliders
Now it’s time to build those mouth-watering flavors. Layer the sliced deli turkey evenly over the bottom bun layer. Next, place the halved cooked bacon slices on top of the turkey for that smoky crunch. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the bacon—this cheesy duo is what makes the inside irresistible. Finally, top everything with the upper halves of the buns to complete the sliders.
Step 4: Make the Classic Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, creating a roux that will thicken your sauce. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and thick—this should take 3 to 5 minutes. Spice it up by adding Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Finally, stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts completely. This sauce is the soul of your Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe, velvety and packed with flavor.
Step 5: Pour Sauce and Bake
Generously pour the luscious cheese sauce evenly over the assembled sliders, coating every bit with creamy goodness. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, till the top is beautifully golden and the cheese is bubbling with delicious anticipation.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Remove your sliders from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes to set. This brief pause helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes slicing easier. Then slice and get ready to dig in!
How to Serve Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese or fresh chopped parsley on top adds a lovely touch of color and an extra hint of flavor. You could also add a dash of paprika for visual appeal and a mild smoky finish. These garnishes make every bite feel special, just like a visit to a Southern kitchen.
Side Dishes
For a well-rounded meal, serve your sliders alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or some roasted vegetables for a bit of earthiness. Creamy mashed potatoes or simple coleslaw would also complement the sliders beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
These sliders are inherently fun and casual but can be dressed up for entertaining. Serve them on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra cheese sauce, pickles, or spicy mustard for an interactive experience. For parties, place them on tiered trays to make a dramatic appetizer display that invites everyone to grab a taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and who wouldn’t?), cover the baked sliders tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and keep them in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days, making for a quick, delicious meal when reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled sliders before baking. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for extra protection. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake them straight from frozen—just add some extra time to make sure they heat through thoroughly.
Reheating
For reheating refrigerated or thawed sliders, place them in a 350°F oven and bake uncovered until warmed through and bubbly, about 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep that sauce creamy and the buns from getting soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for these sliders?
Absolutely! While soft Hawaiian rolls work wonderfully for their sweetness and softness, you can use any slider buns you like. Just make sure they’re soft so they complement the creamy filling rather than overwhelm it.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the turkey and bacon with hearty grilled vegetables or plant-based protein alternatives. You might want to add some smoked paprika or liquid smoke to preserve that smoky flavor that’s signature to the original.
Can I prepare the cheese sauce in advance?
Definitely! Making the cheese sauce ahead of time saves you some time on the day of assembly. Just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge and gently reheat it while stirring before pouring over the sliders.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or extra milk to lighten it up, but keep in mind that heavy cream gives the sauce a richer texture that really makes this recipe shine.
How spicy is the Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe?
This recipe leans more toward comforting and savory rather than spicy. The paprika adds mild warmth, but if you want a bit of a kick, you can sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe that brings a smile with every bite—a perfect union of smoky bacon, tender turkey, and rich cheese sauce nestled inside soft buns. Whether you’re making them for a crowd or a cozy night in, these sliders never fail to impress. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to a Southern classic made slider-sized. You won’t regret it!
Print
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are a delicious twist on the classic open-faced sandwich, featuring layers of turkey, bacon, and cheeses smothered in a creamy Parmesan sauce, all baked to golden perfection on soft slider buns. Perfect for parties or a comforting meal, these sliders come together quickly and satisfy with rich flavors and a crispy cheesy topping.
Ingredients
For the 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
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the 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
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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 the halves intact so they remain as a block. Place the bottom halves of the buns in the greased baking dish evenly.
- Assemble the Sliders: Layer the sliced turkey evenly over the bottom buns in the dish. Arrange the halved cooked bacon slices over the turkey layer. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the bacon, then place the top halves of the buns on top to complete the slider stacks.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and add salt and pepper to taste. Finally, stir in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Pour the Sauce Over the Sliders: Evenly pour the creamy Parmesan sauce over the assembled sliders, ensuring they are generously covered for a rich and moist finish.
- Bake the Sliders: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the top of the sliders is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly crisped.
- Serve: Remove the sliders from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Slice into individual sliders and serve garnished with extra grated Parmesan or fresh parsley, if desired, for added color and flavor.
Notes
- Use soft slider buns like Hawaiian rolls for the best texture and flavor.
- Ensure the sauce thickens properly to coat the sliders well.
- Cover with foil during initial baking to keep sliders moist, then uncover to brown the top.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for best results.
- Feel free to add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
