why make this recipe
This slider recipe brings the classic Kentucky Hot Brown to a small, easy-to-share form. It is warm, cheesy, and ready in under an hour. It works well for parties, game day, or a quick family meal.
introduction
The Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders mix roasted turkey, bacon, and a creamy cheese sauce on sweet rolls. They taste rich but are simple to make. If you like sliders, try a different style like Hot Italian Sliders for another flavor.
how to make Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
You make these sliders by stacking turkey and bacon on split Hawaiian rolls, pouring a warm cheese sauce over them, topping with cheddar, and baking until golden. Follow the steps below to cook the sauce, assemble the sliders, and bake until hot and bubbly.
Ingredients :
- 1 package (12-count) Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 1 pound sliced cooked turkey breast (use lunch meat or leftovers)
- 6 slices of cooked turkey bacon or beef bacon (optional but recommended)
- 2 cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions :
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
Step 2: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the milk and stir constantly until thickened, about 3–4 minutes. Add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and remove from heat.
Step 3: Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping them connected. Place the bottom half in your baking dish. Layer the turkey slices, then crumbled bacon (if using), and pour the warm cheese sauce over the meat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, then place the top half of the rolls over it.
Step 4: Brush the tops with melted butter for extra flavor.
Step 5: Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
Step 6: Let cool for 5 minutes, then cut and serve warm.
how to serve Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
Serve warm right from the baking dish. Cut into individual sliders and plate with a simple green salad or pickles. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for color.
how to store Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
Cool the sliders to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or until warmed through. You can freeze assembled sliders (before baking) wrapped tightly for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge and bake as directed.
tips to make Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
- Use day-old rolls for less sogginess.
- Warm the cheese sauce before pouring so it spreads evenly.
- Cook bacon until crisp to keep texture.
- If you have thin turkey slices, layer them to get good coverage.
- Brush tops with butter for nice browning.
variation (if any)
- Add a layer of sliced tomatoes under the cheese for a more traditional Hot Brown touch.
- Swap cheddar for Gruyère or Swiss for a different flavor.
- Make them spicy by mixing a bit of hot sauce into the cheese sauce.
- Use whole wheat or dinner rolls instead of Hawaiian for a less sweet slider.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble the sliders, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Bake as directed when ready.
Q: Can I skip the bacon?
A: Yes. The sliders still taste great without bacon, but bacon adds a nice crunch and salt.
Q: Can I use low-fat milk?
A: You can, but whole milk makes a richer, creamier sauce.
Q: How do I prevent soggy rolls?
A: Do not overpour the sauce. Use warm sauce and bake right after assembling. Brushing the roll tops with butter helps seal them.
Q: Can I make these for a crowd?
A: Yes. Use multiple packages of rolls and a larger baking dish to serve more people.
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Description
These Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders bring the classic dish into an easy-to-share form, perfect for parties or quick family meals.
Ingredients
- 1 package (12-count) Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 1 pound sliced cooked turkey breast
- 6 slices of cooked turkey bacon or beef bacon (optional but recommended)
- 2 cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the milk and stir constantly until thickened, about 3–4 minutes. Add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and remove from heat.
- Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping them connected. Place the bottom half in your baking dish. Layer the turkey slices, then crumbled bacon (if using), and pour the warm cheese sauce over the meat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, then place the top half of the rolls over it.
- Brush the tops with melted butter for extra flavor.
- Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then cut and serve warm.
Notes
Serve with a green salad or pickles. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for color.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
