Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are the perfect twist on a classic dish, transforming a beloved open-faced sandwich into a delightful appetizer. These sliders are packed with tender turkey, fresh tomatoes, homemade cheese sauce, and crispy bacon. Ideal for potlucks, game days, or family dinners, they promise to impress your guests with their rich flavor and comforting ingredients.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these sliders in no time.
Flavor Packed: The combination of cheeses, turkey, and bacon delivers a taste sensation that will leave everyone wanting more.
Versatile Serving Options: These sliders can be served as an appetizer or a main course, making them perfect for any occasion.
Crowd-Pleaser: With 12 servings per recipe, they are ideal for gatherings and parties.
Comfort Food Reimagined: Enjoy all the comforting flavors of Kentucky Hot Browns in slider form!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your essential kitchen tools to make the process smooth.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Baking dish
Whisk
Medium saucepan
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Baking dish: A good baking dish ensures even cooking and easy serving of your Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders.
Whisk: Use a whisk for creating a smooth cheese sauce without lumps.
Medium saucepan: Perfect for melting butter and combining your sauce ingredients efficiently.

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: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your sliders bake evenly.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter.
Stir in the all-purpose flour to create a roux; cook for about 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in the whole milk until smooth.
Add kosher salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg.
Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in both cheeses until melted.

Step 3: Assemble the Sliders

Slice the King’s Hawaiian Rolls in half horizontally while keeping them attached.
Place the bottom halves in your baking dish.
Layer with turkey breast slices followed by tomato slices and crumbled bacon.
Pour the cheese sauce generously over the top.
Replace the top halves of the rolls.

Step 4: Bake

Brush melted unsalted butter mixed with garlic salt over the top of the rolls. Bake in preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.

Enjoy your Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders hot out of the oven! They’re sure to be a hit at any gathering!

How to Serve Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are perfect for any gathering, whether it’s a casual get-together or a festive party. These sliders are not only delicious but also easy to serve, making them an ideal choice for entertaining.

For Game Day

Snack Platter: Serve sliders on a large platter with chips and dip. This will keep your guests satisfied while they watch the game.
Individual Servings: Use small parchment paper squares under each slider for easy serving. This adds a nice touch and keeps things tidy.

At a Potluck

Self-Serve Station: Set up a buffet-style station where guests can help themselves. Provide toothpicks for easy handling.
Variety of Toppings: Offer extra toppings like jalapeños or hot sauce for those who want to spice things up.

For Family Dinners

Plated Meal: Place two sliders on each plate, paired with a simple salad. This makes for an appealing presentation.
Family Style: Serve sliders in the center of the table with sides around them. Encourage everyone to take what they like!

How to Perfect Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

To ensure your Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are a hit, follow these simple tips for perfection.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh turkey and ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
Melt Cheese Properly: Make sure your cheese sauce is smooth and creamy before pouring it over the sliders.
Crisp Bacon First: Cook bacon until crispy to add texture and flavor to your sliders.
Don’t Overstuff: Keep the filling balanced so that each slider holds together well without spilling out.
Toast the Rolls: Lightly toast the Hawaiian rolls before assembling for added crunch.

Best Side Dishes for Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

Pairing side dishes with your Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.

Coleslaw: A refreshing side that adds crunch and balances the richness of the sliders.
Potato Wedges: Crispy and seasoned, these wedges make a hearty accompaniment that pairs well with turkey.
Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers complements the flavors of the sliders nicely.
Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans offer a comforting side that is always a crowd favorite.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness and is fun to eat alongside sliders.
Macaroni Salad: Creamy macaroni salad serves as a cool counterpart to warm sliders and is perfect for summer gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many people encounter challenges when making Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Skipping the cheese sauce: Not making the homemade cheese sauce can result in dry sliders. Always prepare the sauce for that creamy texture.
Using stale rolls: Old or stale rolls can ruin your sliders. Ensure you use fresh King’s Hawaiian Rolls for the best flavor and softness.
Overcooking bacon: Overly crispy bacon can be hard to chew in sliders. Cook it just until crispy, so it adds flavor without being tough.
Not seasoning adequately: Failing to season the cheese sauce and turkey can lead to bland sliders. Don’t skip the salt, pepper, and nutmeg for a robust taste.
Ignoring resting time: Cutting into sliders too soon after baking can lead to spills and messes. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

Wrap sliders tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Frozen Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders will maintain quality for up to 2 months.

Reheating Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place sliders on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30 seconds at a time, checking frequently until heated through.
Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders.

Can I make Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cheese sauce and assemble the sliders a day in advance. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve.

What type of turkey is best for Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders?

Leftover turkey works great, but thickly sliced deli turkey provides similar results if you don’t have leftovers.

Can I customize the ingredients in Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders?

Absolutely! Feel free to add different toppings like jalapeños or substitute ham for turkey based on your preference.

How do I store leftover Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are not only delicious but also versatile. They make an excellent appetizer or main dish suitable for gatherings or family dinners. Feel free to customize your sliders with different meats or toppings to suit your taste!

Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

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Author: Ivy
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Serves 12 sliders 1x

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Description

Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are a delightful twist on the traditional open-faced sandwich, transforming rich flavors into perfectly portioned appetizers. Loaded with tender turkey, juicy tomatoes, crispy bacon, and a velvety homemade cheese sauce, these sliders are sure to impress at any gathering. Ideal for potlucks, game days, or family dinners, they offer a hearty yet comforting bite that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

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)
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)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter.
Stir in the all-purpose flour to create a roux; cook for about 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in the whole milk until smooth.
Add kosher salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg.
Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in both cheeses until melted.
Slice the King's Hawaiian Rolls in half horizontally while keeping them attached.
Place the bottom halves in your baking dish.
Layer with turkey breast slices followed by tomato slices and crumbled bacon.
Pour the cheese sauce generously over the top.
Replace the top halves of the rolls.
Brush melted unsalted butter mixed with garlic salt over the top of the rolls.
Bake in preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American