Imagine a warm, buttery slider packed with tender turkey, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a rich, creamy sauce—this is the Kentucky Hot Brown Slider, and it’s as indulgent as it sounds. Inspired by the classic Kentucky Hot Brown sandwich, these sliders take all that delicious comfort and turn it into the perfect bite-sized meal. Whether you’re hosting a party or treating yourself to something special, these sliders are sure to become a fan favorite!
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Why You’ll Love Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, bringing something to a potluck, or just enjoying a cozy meal at home, these sliders hit all the right notes. Here’s why they’re a must-try:
Versatile: Perfect for any occasion, these sliders are great for everything from casual weeknight dinners to party snacks. You can even prepare them ahead of time for easy entertaining.
Budget-Friendly: All the ingredients come together in a way that feels fancy but isn’t going to break the bank. This is a great way to enjoy a taste of the Kentucky Hot Brown without spending a fortune.
Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and a quick prep, these sliders come together fast, making them a no-fuss solution for a delicious meal.
Customizable: Feel free to make these sliders your own! Swap out the turkey for chicken, add extra cheese, or spice things up with a dash of hot sauce. The choice is yours!
Crowd-Pleasing: You really can’t go wrong with turkey, bacon, and cheese. This dish is a guaranteed hit for both kids and adults, and it’s the perfect finger food for any gathering.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible sliders:
Slider Buns
The foundation of this dish. Soft and fluffy, they’re perfect for holding all the goodness inside.
Turkey
Thinly sliced turkey breast is the star protein here, and it’s tender and mild enough to pair beautifully with all the other ingredients.
Bacon
Crispy bacon adds that salty, smoky crunch that’s essential to the Hot Brown flavor profile.
Cheddar and Swiss Cheese
The combo of melted cheddar and Swiss cheese creates the creamy, gooey texture that everyone loves.
Creamy Sauce
This creamy sauce is the magic that binds it all together. It’s made with butter, flour, milk, and a bit of mustard to give it a little tang.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get to making these sliders:
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures everything cooks evenly and gives the buns a perfect golden color.
Prepare the Slider Buns: Slice your slider buns in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms attached. Place the bottom halves in a greased baking dish.
Layer the Ingredients: On each bun, layer turkey slices, crispy bacon, and a generous amount of cheddar and Swiss cheese. This creates the delicious stack of flavor we all crave!
Make the Creamy Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux, then gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens. Add the Dijon mustard and a pinch of salt and pepper, and stir to combine. Pour the creamy sauce over the assembled sliders, making sure each one is generously coated.
Cover and Bake: Place the top halves of the buns on top of the sliders, then cover the baking dish with foil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the sliders are heated through and the cheese is melted.
Serve and Enjoy: Let the sliders cool slightly before serving. They’re best served warm, with a side of pickles or chips for a complete snack.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350-400
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
These sliders are a meal in themselves, but you can enhance the experience with a few side dishes:
Fresh Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the sliders and adds a refreshing contrast.
Potato Chips: Crunchy, salty chips are the perfect sidekick to these creamy sliders. Opt for kettle chips or even sweet potato chips for a twist.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts are a healthy and flavorful side dish that pairs nicely with the sliders.
Pickles: The acidity of pickles balances out the richness of the sliders, making them a perfect accompaniment.
Presentation: Serve these sliders on a beautiful platter or individual plates, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an extra pop of color.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to elevate your slider game:
Prep Ahead: You can assemble the sliders the night before and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pour the creamy sauce over them and pop them in the oven!
Spice It Up: If you like a little kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce or pepper jack cheese to the mix.
Dietary Adjustments: If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free slider buns. You can also substitute the turkey for chicken or ham if you prefer.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep them crispy.
Double the Batch: These sliders are so good, you might want to double the recipe. They make for great leftovers or can be easily frozen for later.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A1: Yes! You can swap the cheddar and Swiss cheese for your favorite types, like provolone or mozzarella.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! Assemble the sliders and store them in the fridge overnight. Just pour the sauce on top before baking.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best results.
Q4: Can I freeze these sliders?
A4: Yes! Assemble them and wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Q5: Can I make these sliders with a different protein?
A5: Of course! You can use chicken, ham, or even roast beef as a delicious alternative to turkey.
Q6: Can I use a different type of bread?
A6: Absolutely! You can use any slider buns you prefer, or even substitute with croissants or mini rolls for a different twist.
Q7: Can I make these sliders spicier?
A7: Yes! Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or pepper jack cheese to turn up the heat.
Q8: How do I reheat leftovers?
A8: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave in 30-second intervals.
Q9: Can I make a large batch of these sliders?
A9: Yes, simply double the recipe and bake in a larger dish to make more sliders for a bigger crowd.
Q10: Can I use store-bought creamy sauce instead of making my own?
A10: Sure! If you’re short on time, store-bought creamy sauce can work in a pinch, though homemade always adds that extra touch.
Conclusion
There you have it—Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders that are rich, savory, and simply irresistible. These little bites of heaven are perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to parties. Whip up a batch and enjoy the comfort of a classic dish, all in a slider form that’s too good to resist! Enjoy!
Print
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are the ultimate Southern-inspired crowd-pleaser. Stacked with juicy turkey, crispy bacon, ripe tomatoes, a homemade creamy Gruyère cheese sauce, and nestled inside soft Hawaiian rolls—then brushed with a savory-sweet buttery glaze. Perfect for gatherings, game days, or a fun weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Cheese Sauce
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2 tbsp salted butter
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour
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1/4 tsp salt
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1/4 tsp black pepper
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Pinch of nutmeg
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1 cup whole milk
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1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
Sliders
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12 Hawaiian rolls (1 package)
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1 lb sliced deli turkey
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12 oz bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
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12 slices small tomato
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1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
Butter Topping
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1/2 cup salted butter, melted
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2 tbsp light brown sugar, packed
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1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard
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1/2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp dried onion flakes
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
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Make the cheese sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cook 1 minute.
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Slowly whisk in milk and simmer for 1 minute until thickened. Remove from heat, whisk in shredded Gruyère until smooth. Set aside.
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Slice Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally and place the bottom half in the prepared dish.
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Layer on the sliced turkey, followed by chopped bacon.
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Pour and spread the cheese sauce evenly over the top.
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Top with tomato slices (1 per roll), then sprinkle on the remaining shredded Gruyère.
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Add the top halves of the rolls.
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In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, Dijon, Worcestershire, onion flakes, and garlic powder. Brush generously over the tops of the rolls.
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Cover with nonstick foil (or spray foil to prevent sticking).
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Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 5 minutes until golden on top.
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Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
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Try smoked turkey or leftover roast turkey for a flavor boost.
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You can assemble ahead and bake when ready.
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Leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 65mg