Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders transform a classic Louisville favorite into a crowd-pleasing party dish These sliders bring together roasted turkey juicy tomatoes a creamy homemade cheese sauce and crispy bacon on soft rolls For every Derby party potluck and family game night these always disappear fast

After serving these for a friends Derby Day bash and getting begged for the recipe it earned a place in my regular rotation The combination of crispy bacon and cheese sauce is absolutely irresistible

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: adds richness to both the cheese sauce and the topping choose high quality for best flavor
• All purpose flour: thickens the sauce use fresh so it blends smoothly
• Whole milk: balances richness and makes the sauce silky warm it to avoid lumps
• Kosher salt: brightens all the flavors look for flakes that dissolve easily
• Black pepper: gives subtle heat freshly ground tastes best
• Ground nutmeg: traditional in Mornay sauces and brings warmth use fresh grated if possible
• White cheddar cheese: sharp and creamy freshly shredded melts best
• Parmesan cheese: nutty and salty freshly grated makes a difference
• Fresh parsley: in the topping brightens each bite
• Garlic salt: seasons the butter topping and accentuates savory notes look for one with real garlic
• Kings Hawaiian Rolls: soft and a touch sweet they soak up all those flavors you can also use any pillowy slider roll
• Turkey breast: either thick sliced deli or leftovers try to get it moist and tender
• Tomatoes: fresh and ripe give zing and freshness select firm with deep color
• Bacon: crispy for crunch smoky flavor fully cook before adding

Step by Step Instructions

Make the Cheese Sauce:

Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat Wait until it foams and looks glossy then add flour

Continue Cheese Sauce:

Cook the flour in the bubbly butter whisking constantly until it turns pale blonde and smells nutty This helps remove any raw flour taste

Add Milk:

Slowly pour in the milk while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps Pour just a splash at first then gradually add the rest

Season and Thicken:

Add the salt black pepper and nutmeg whisk to combine Stir and cook the sauce for three to five minutes until it thickens and can coat the back of a spoon This step creates a velvety cheese sauce

Add Cheese:

Remove the pan from the heat Stir in the cheddar and parmesan cheeses Whisk until fully melted and glossy Set this aside

Prepare the Butter Topping:

In a small bowl combine melted butter garlic salt parsley and kosher salt Whisk until herbs are evenly distributed and everything is well blended

Build the Sliders:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit Coat a seven by eleven inch baking dish with a thin layer of oil or nonstick spray Split the Hawaiian rolls all at once using a large serrated knife Place all the bottom halves into the baking dish Layer turkey evenly across the buns Make sure every roll gets a generous amount Place a single layer of tomato slices on top of the turkey Pour and spread the cheese sauce generously over the top letting it seep into every nook Sprinkle crumbled bacon on top so you get bacon in every bite Add the tops of the buns to complete each slider Brush the surface of the buns fully with the parsley butter mixture This helps create golden flavorful tops Cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil Bake for fifteen minutes until the cheese is hot and bubbly Uncover and bake for about five more minutes to toast the buns until deep golden brown Remove from oven Let them rest three minutes before slicing into individual sliders Serve warm

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I have fond memories of making these with my daughter she would always sneak some extra cheese sauce when we cooked together That memory makes every batch special

Storage Tips

Let the sliders cool completely before storing them in an airtight container Stack them with waxed paper if needed They will stay fresh in the fridge up to two days Gently reheat in the oven or microwave to revive the cheese sauce and bacon

Ingredient Substitutions

You can easily swap in rotisserie chicken if you do not have turkey Try Swiss or Gruyere in place of the cheddar for a twist If you cannot get Hawaiian rolls use any fluffy pull apart dinner rolls Even gluten free rolls work

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a crisp simple salad or cut veggies to keep things fresh A side of pickles or kettle chips makes this into a meal In Kentucky it is often enjoyed alongside iced tea or a cool glass of lemonade

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Cultural and Historical Context

The original Hot Brown was created at the Brown Hotel in Louisville as a hearty late night meal after dances Traditionally served open faced and smothered in sauce this slider version pays tribute to the original while being easy to share It is a real Kentucky icon loved for its bold comforting flavors

Recipe FAQs

→ What kind of turkey works best for these sliders?

Both leftover roasted turkey and thick-sliced deli turkey are great choices. Use what you have on hand for convenience and flavor.

→ Can I prepare the cheese sauce in advance?

Yes, the cheese sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated. Warm it gently before assembling the sliders to ensure a smooth texture.

→ How do I keep the slider buns from getting soggy?

Place the turkey on the bottom buns first, then layer tomatoes and cheese sauce on top. This order helps prevent excess moisture from soaking through.

→ Is there a substitute for King’s Hawaiian rolls?

Soft dinner rolls or brioche buns can be used if King’s Hawaiian rolls aren’t available. Choose small rolls for easy portioning.

→ Can these sliders be reheated?

Reheat in a low oven until warmed through. The sliders maintain their flavor and texture best when fresh, but leftovers are still tasty.

→ What toppings pair well with these sliders?

Fresh parsley or chives, an extra sprinkle of cheese, or a drizzle of hot sauce add extra flavor to the finished sliders.