Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are a delightful twist on the classic open-faced sandwich, transforming it into a fun appetizer ideal for gatherings. This recipe features succulent turkey, fresh tomatoes, a rich homemade cheese sauce, and crispy bacon. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or a family dinner, these sliders are sure to impress with their comforting flavors and satisfying textures.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have these delicious sliders ready to bake in no time.
Flavorful Layers: The combination of savory turkey, creamy cheese sauce, and crispy bacon creates an irresistible flavor explosion.
Perfect for Any Occasion: These sliders work wonderfully as appetizers for parties or as a main course for dinner.
Crowd-Pleasing Dish: With 12 servings per recipe, these Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are perfect for sharing at potlucks or family gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Getting organized is key to making your Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders efficiently. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

Baking dish
Medium saucepan
Whisk
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Baking dish: A good baking dish ensures even cooking and makes serving easy.
Medium saucepan: Perfect for making the cheese sauce; its size allows you to mix ingredients thoroughly without spilling.

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 all-purpose flour until combined and cook for about 1 minute.
Gradually add the whole milk while whisking continuously until smooth.
Stir in kosher salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg.
Add the white cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese; stir until melted and smooth.

Step 2: Assemble the Sliders

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Slice the King’s Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally without separating them.
Place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
Layer turkey breast slices evenly over the rolls.
Top with tomato slices and crumbled bacon.
Pour the cheese sauce generously over the top layer.
Brush melted butter mixed with garlic salt over the top of the sliders.

Step 3: Bake

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

Now your Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are ready to be served! Enjoy this mouth-watering appetizer that will surely delight everyone at your table!

How to Serve Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Whether for a game day, family gathering, or just a cozy dinner, these sliders will impress your guests.

Casual Gatherings

Buffet Style: Set up a buffet where guests can build their own sliders with toppings like extra cheese or fresh herbs.
Platter Presentation: Arrange the sliders on a decorative platter for an eye-catching centerpiece that invites people to dig in.

Game Day Festivities

Finger Food Friendly: Serve the sliders alongside toothpicks for easy handling during the big game.
Dipping Sauces: Pair with sauces such as ranch or spicy mustard for added flavor options.

Family Dinner

With a Side Salad: A light garden salad complements the richness of the sliders perfectly.
On a Charcuterie Board: Include the sliders on a charcuterie board with meats and cheeses for a festive touch.

How to Perfect Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

To make your Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders even more delicious, consider these helpful tips. They will elevate your dish and ensure every bite is packed with flavor.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh tomatoes and high-quality turkey for better taste.
Customize Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella to find your perfect combination.
Make Ahead: Prepare the cheese sauce and bacon in advance for quicker assembly when you’re ready to bake.
Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the sliders while baking to avoid overcooking; they should be golden and bubbly.
Serve Warm: Enjoy them immediately after baking while they’re warm and gooey for the best experience.

Best Side Dishes for Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

Pairing sides with your Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders can enhance your meal. Here are some great options to consider:

Coleslaw – This crunchy side adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the sliders.
Sweet Potato Fries – The natural sweetness pairs well with savory elements in the sliders.
Baked Beans – A hearty choice that brings smoky flavors that complement turkey well.
Garlic Roasted Vegetables – Offers a colorful assortment of veggies that balance out the meal.
Macaroni Salad – A creamy side that’s always popular at gatherings, adding comfort alongside the sliders.
Potato Chips – Simple and crunchy, perfect for casual serving alongside your sliders.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for.

Skipping the cheese sauce: The homemade cheese sauce is what makes these sliders special. Don’t skip it; it adds creaminess and flavor.
Using stale rolls: Fresh rolls are key for the best texture. Make sure your King’s Hawaiian Rolls are fresh to enhance the overall taste.
Overcooking the turkey: If using leftover turkey, be careful not to dry it out while reheating. Heat just until warm to keep it juicy.
Not seasoning properly: Seasoning enhances flavor. Don’t forget the salt and spices in both the cheese sauce and turkey layers for a balanced taste.
Rushing assembly: Take your time when layering ingredients. Proper assembly ensures every slider has a perfect bite of each flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

Wrap sliders tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
They can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, checking often to avoid sogginess.
Stovetop: Place sliders in a skillet over medium-low heat, cover with a lid, and heat until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders that might help you while preparing this delicious dish.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, feel free to experiment with various cheeses like gouda or mozzarella for different flavors.

How can I make these sliders healthier?

Consider using whole grain rolls and lean turkey breast. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or use low-fat options.

Are Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders suitable for parties?

Absolutely! These sliders are perfect as appetizers at parties or gatherings due to their bite-sized nature and delicious flavors.

Can I prepare them ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble them ahead of time. Just refrigerate before baking, then pop them into the oven when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are not just an appetizer; they offer warmth and comfort that makes them perfect for any gathering. With their rich flavors and versatility, you can customize them based on your preferences. Try adding different toppings or sauces for a personal touch!

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Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

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Author: Jessica
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: Serves 12 1x

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Description

Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are a delightful twist on the classic open-faced sandwich, perfect for any gathering. These mini sliders feature layers of succulent turkey, fresh tomatoes, crispy bacon, and a rich homemade cheese sauce, all nestled between soft Hawaiian rolls. Ideal as appetizers for game day or as a comforting main course at family dinners, these sliders promise to impress with their satisfying flavors and textures.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the cheese sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour for about 1 minute. Gradually add milk while stirring until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add cheeses and stir until melted.
Slice the rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
Layer turkey slices over the rolls, followed by tomato slices and crumbled bacon. Pour cheese sauce over everything.
Brush tops with melted butter mixed with garlic salt.
Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes; uncover and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until golden brown.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American