If you’re craving something irresistibly cheesy, indulgent, and packed with Southern charm, this Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine the classic open-faced Hot Brown sandwich transformed into a fun, handheld, crowd-pleasing slider form—layers of tender turkey, crispy bacon, and a luscious cheese sauce all nestled inside soft slider buns. These sliders bring together comfort and sophistication in every bite, making them perfect for parties, game days, or a cozy family dinner that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem simple, but each one is essential to creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures in your Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe. From the creamy cheese sauce to the smoky bacon, every component brings something special to the table.
- 12 slider buns (preferably soft, like Hawaiian rolls): Their pillowy texture is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce without falling apart.
- 1 lb sliced turkey breast (deli-style): Lean and tender, providing hearty protein for balance.
- 12 slices cooked bacon, halved: Adds a crispy, smoky crunch that’s simply indispensable.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharpness and color for that perfect cheese pull.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Brings gooey meltiness without overpowering.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, robust flavor to the mix.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Forms the rich base for the béchamel cheese sauce.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to velvety perfection.
- 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%): Creamy liquid that keeps the sauce light but satisfying.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Takes the sauce indulgence to the next level.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Subtle tang that brightens the sauce wonderfully.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Gentle depth and warmth without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a sweet, aromatic undertone.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: For a touch of smoky color and mild spice.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to truly bring the flavors alive.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for the sauce): Melted into the béchamel for that signature savory punch.
How to Make Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your sliders won’t stick and get that beautiful crust during baking. Trust me, prepping your pan right here saves you from any sticky situations later!
Step 2: Assemble the Slider Buns
Carefully slice the slider buns in half horizontally, but keep them attached, so they’re easy to layer in the dish. Place the bottom halves snugly in your baking dish, which forms a solid, buttery base for the delicious layers to come.
Step 3: Layer the Sliders
Now for the fun part—layer the turkey evenly over the bottom buns. Next, arrange the halved bacon slices on top so every slider has that irresistible crunch and smoky goodness. Sprinkle both the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top, letting them nestle between the toppings. Finish by adding the top bun halves—this is where all the magic is about to get smothered in sauce!
Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour to create a roux—cook this mixture for about 1 to 2 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden, giving your sauce a smooth, thick texture. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens up, around 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper for those flawless layers of flavor. Finally, blend in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is silky and richly cheesy.
Step 5: Smother the Sliders with Sauce
Pour your luscious cheese sauce evenly over the sliders, making sure each bun is lovingly coated. Don’t be shy here—this creamy blanket is what turns ordinary sliders into something downright unforgettable!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the buns soak up the delicious sauce. Afterward, remove the foil and bake an additional 5 to 10 minutes, just until the cheese bubbles and turns a gorgeous golden brown on top. That sight alone is enough to get your mouth watering.
Step 7: Let Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, give your sliders a few minutes to rest so everything sets up nicely. This also makes slicing and serving easier without losing any of that cheesy goodness. Get ready for happy sighs and second helpings.
How to Serve Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your sliders with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dusting of extra Parmesan cheese for a bright, fresh touch that contrasts beautifully with the rich, creamy sauce. Adding a tiny pinch of paprika on top can also boost that warm color and mild spice sensation.
Side Dishes
Keep sides simple but delicious. Crisp green salads with tangy vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or even tangy coleslaw balance the richness of the sliders perfectly. For a more indulgent spread, creamy mashed potatoes or classic baked beans make warm, hearty companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve these sliders on a wooden board with cocktail picks for easy grab-and-go style snacking. You could also pair them alongside a charcuterie spread or make individual slider plates with small servings of bright pickles or chutney for an exciting flavor contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe is absolutely worth saving! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When cooled completely, this helps maintain the flavors and keeps the buns from getting soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze these sliders before baking—assemble everything in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual for a delicious quick meal anytime.
Reheating
To reheat refrigerated or thawed sliders, cover them loosely with foil and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and bubbly. This method helps keep the sauce creamy and the sliders moist without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use bread other than slider buns?
Absolutely! While soft Hawaiian rolls work best for that sweet, pillowy texture, you can use small dinner rolls or even cut sandwich bread into squares. Just be mindful that sturdier bread might not soak up the sauce as nicely.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe?
Definitely! Substitute the turkey and bacon with roasted mushrooms or marinated eggplant for a smoky, savory twist. Use vegetable broth in the sauce instead of dairy if you want to make it vegan-friendly.
What makes the cheese sauce so special?
The sauce is a creamy béchamel base enriched with sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses plus seasonings like Dijon mustard and paprika. This combination creates a savory, luxurious coating that truly defines this Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the sliders entirely and refrigerate them for several hours before baking. Just cover tightly and bake right before serving for fresh, hot sliders without the rush.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe isn’t spicy at all—the paprika adds gentle warmth and smoky flavor without heat. It’s perfect for all taste buds, even kids or those sensitive to spice.
Final Thoughts
Making this Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe is like inviting a little piece of Southern hospitality into your home. It’s comforting, cheesy, and surprisingly easy to pull together—perfect for sharing with friends and family who appreciate bold flavors and melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Once you try this take on a classic, it’ll quickly become a favorite go-to whenever you want to impress with minimal fuss. So grab those slider buns and get baking—your taste buds will thank you endlessly!
Print
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are a delicious twist on the classic open-faced Kentucky Hot Brown sandwich, transformed into easy-to-serve slider sandwiches. Featuring layers of sliced turkey, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, all smothered in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce and baked to golden perfection, they make the perfect appetizer or party dish.
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
Parmesan 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
- Additional grated Parmesan for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for the sliders.
- Prepare the Sliders: Slice the entire pack of slider buns in half horizontally, keeping them intact. Place the bottom halves of the buns evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Assemble the Sliders: Layer the sliced turkey evenly over the bottom buns. Arrange the halved bacon slices on top of the turkey, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the bacon. Place the top halves of the buns over the cheese layers to complete the sliders.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully combined.
- Pour the Sauce Over the Sliders: Pour the prepared Parmesan sauce evenly over the assembled sliders, covering them generously and ensuring the sauce seeps into all layers.
- Bake the Sliders: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- Serve: Remove the sliders from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Optionally, garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use soft slider buns like Hawaiian rolls for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust seasoning in the sauce according to preference, adding more paprika for a smoky kick.
- Cook bacon just until crisp but not overly dry to maintain a nice texture inside the sliders.
- Allow sliders to rest after baking to prevent the sauce from spilling when cutting.
- These sliders can be prepared a few hours ahead and baked just before serving.
- For a lighter version, use lower-fat milk and omit heavy cream.
