If you have a hankering for something warm, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting, then the Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This indulgent twist on the classic Kentucky Hot Brown combines tender turkey, crispy bacon, and a luscious, velvety cheese sauce all packed into soft, fluffy slider buns. With every bite offering layers of flavor and texture, these sliders are perfect for sharing at a family gathering or serving up as a delightful party appetizer that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s building the rich creaminess of the sauce or adding a savory, smoky crunch. Together, these ingredients come together to create an irresistible bite-sized meal that feels both special and cozy.
- 12 slider buns (preferably soft, like Hawaiian rolls): Their pillowy softness is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- 1 lb sliced turkey breast (deli-style): Lean and tender, turkey is the hearty protein base of these sliders.
- 12 slices cooked bacon, halved: Adds a crispy, smoky contrast that elevates each bite.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharpness to deepen the cheesy goodness.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For meltiness and stretchiness that brings it all together.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses a nutty, savory complexity.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: The base for a rich and silky roux to thicken the sauce.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps create the perfect creamy texture of the cheese sauce.
- 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%): Adds creaminess and lightness to balance the richness.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and luscious.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle zing that brightens up the sauce flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a gentle savory depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: For a rounded, aromatic layer.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: A mild warmth and beautiful color.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to balance and enhance all flavors.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for the sauce): Stirred in last for that classic tangy finish.
How to Make Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Get your oven ready by preheating it to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, setting the stage for your sliders to bake evenly without sticking, ensuring easy serving later on.
Step 2: Slice and Arrange the Buns
Carefully slice the entire pack of slider buns in half horizontally, making sure to keep all buns intact in their halves. This helps when layering the ingredients and ensures even coverage. Place the bottom halves of the buns snugly in the prepared baking dish to form the solid base of your sliders.
Step 3: Build the Layers of Flavor
Now comes the fun part — stacking the delicious components! Start by layering the sliced turkey breast evenly across the bun bottoms. Then, scatter the halved cooked bacon over the turkey, creating a smoky, salty layer. Next, sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses generously on top. Finally, cap everything off with the top halves of the slider buns, completing this mouthwatering tower.
Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking it for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens smoothly, about 3-5 minutes. Next, fold in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Lastly, stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes rich and smooth.
Step 5: Smother and Bake
Pour the velvety sauce evenly over the assembled sliders, making sure to cover every nook and cranny. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil, then bake for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes to achieve a fantastic golden-brown top with bubbling cheese—a feast for the eyes and the palate!
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the sliders rest for a few minutes. This helps the sauce settle and makes them easier to slice. Then dive in, serving warm and ready to delight everyone gathered around the table!
How to Serve Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes take your Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe to the next level visually and flavor-wise. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan adds a sharp finish, while chopped parsley or chives bring a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note. Even a dash of paprika on top offers a beautiful hint of smokiness and rustic appeal.
Side Dishes
These sliders are rich and satisfying, so pairing them with light, crisp sides complements the meal perfectly. Consider serving with a simple garden salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted green beans with lemon zest. For a touch of Southern charm, creamy coleslaw or baked sweet potato fries also make delightful companions to balance the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re bringing these sliders to a party or family gathering, try presenting them on a rustic wooden board or a vibrant ceramic platter. You can also arrange them in mini baking trays or ramekins for a charming individual serving style. Don’t forget little bowls of extra cheese sauce or spicy mustard nearby for dipping, letting everyone customize their bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your sliders, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors intact and the sliders moist, making for a perfect next-day treat.
Freezing
If you want to save these delicious Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders for longer, wrap each slider tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen sliders will maintain their quality for up to 2 months. Just keep in mind that the sauce and bread texture might soften slightly after freezing.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat leftover sliders in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This gently warms them through while preserving the golden top and gooey cheese. Microwaving is faster but may result in a softer, less crisp texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for the Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe?
Absolutely! While soft Hawaiian rolls work beautifully for their tenderness and slight sweetness, you can use any slider buns or even dinner rolls you prefer. Just make sure they’re sturdy enough to hold the sauce without becoming soggy right away.
Is it possible to make this recipe without bacon?
Definitely! For a bacon-free version, you could substitute with crispy turkey bacon or even omit it altogether. To maintain that smoky depth, a few drops of liquid smoke or smoked paprika in the sauce can help replicate the flavor.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the cheese sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove with a little extra milk or cream to loosen it before pouring it over the sliders and baking.
How spicy is this Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe?
This recipe isn’t spicy at all; the paprika provides a mild warmth without heat. If you like a bit more kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or serving with a spicy mustard dip on the side.
What can I do if my sauce is too thick?
If the sauce gets too thick, simply whisk in a splash of milk or cream to thin it out to your desired consistency. It should be creamy enough to coat the sliders but not runny enough to soak the bread excessively.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to bring comfort food to a whole new level, the Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with amazing aromas and fills hearts with joy. Whether it’s for a casual weekend meal or special occasion, these sliders are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser you’ll return to again and again.
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 Hot Brown sandwich, transformed into bite-sized sliders perfect for parties or family meals. Featuring layers of tender turkey, crispy bacon, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce atop soft slider buns, these sliders are baked to golden perfection with gooey melted cheese on top. A comforting and flavorful dish sure to impress.
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
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan 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
- 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 and prepare for baking the sliders.
- Prepare the Sliders: Slice the entire pack of slider buns horizontally, keeping the halves intact. Arrange the bottom halves evenly in the prepared baking dish to form the base layer for the sliders.
- Assemble the Sliders: Evenly layer the sliced turkey breast over the bottom buns. Next, place the halved cooked bacon slices atop the turkey, then sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the bacon. Finally, place the top buns over the layered ingredients to complete the sliders.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, which thickens the sauce. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Then, fold in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
- Pour the Sauce Over the Sliders: Once the cheese sauce is ready, pour it evenly over the assembled sliders, covering the buns, turkey, bacon, and cheese layers generously to ensure rich flavor throughout.
- Bake the Sliders: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbling for a perfect finish.
- Serve: Remove the sliders from the oven and allow them to cool slightly for a few minutes. Slice the sliders and serve warm. Optionally, garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh parsley for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use soft slider buns like Hawaiian rolls for the best texture and flavor.
- Make sure the bacon is fully cooked and crisp before adding to the sliders.
- The sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated before pouring over the sliders.
- You can substitute turkey with chicken or ham if desired.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven covered with foil to maintain moisture.
