Irresistible Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe for Game Day

These mouthwatering Kentucky hot brown sliders pack a punch of comfort and flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Soft rolls cradle layers of smoky turkey and crispy bacon with delightful precision.

Creamy mornay sauce drapes each bite like a luxurious blanket of cheesy goodness.

Rich ingredients blend together in a symphony of classic southern charm.

Hearty yet elegant, these miniature sandwiches reimagine a beloved regional classic with playful simplicity.

Juicy proteins and melted cheese create an irresistible combination that begs for immediate attention.

Settle in for a culinary adventure that promises pure deliciousness in every single bite.

Pairings for Warm Slider Sandwiches

Select a crisp Chardonnay or light Pinot Noir to complement the rich, creamy sauce and savory turkey in these Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders.

Craft a classic Kentucky bourbon cocktail like an Old Fashioned to honor the recipe’s regional roots and enhance the slider’s hearty flavors.

Serve alongside a tangy arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the slider’s richness and provide a fresh, zesty contrast.

Add crispy pickle spears or quick-pickled vegetables to introduce a crunchy element that contrasts with the sliders’ soft, melted cheese texture.

Storing Hot Brown Sliders for Parties

• Store leftover sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Keep frozen for 1-2 months. Label with date for tracking.
• Preheat oven to 325F. Unwrap frozen sliders, place on baking sheet, cover with foil. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Place slider on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat for 30-45 seconds, checking midway to prevent overcooking.

FAQs

• What makes a Kentucky Hot Brown different from other sandwiches?

The Kentucky Hot Brown is an open-faced sandwich originally from Louisville, traditionally made with turkey, bacon, and a rich Mornay sauce, now adapted into a convenient slider version that captures the classic flavors in a bite-sized format.

• Can I use different types of meat instead of turkey?

While turkey is traditional, you can substitute with roasted chicken or ham to create a similar flavor profile and maintain the essence of the original Kentucky Hot Brown recipe.

• Is the Worcestershire sauce necessary for the recipe?

Worcestershire sauce adds depth and umami flavor to the sauce, but if you don’t have it, you can use a splash of soy sauce or skip it without significantly impacting the overall taste of the sliders.

Why Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Are So Popular

• Craft a Crowd-Pleasing Classic: Transform the legendary Kentucky Hot Brown into adorable mini sliders that pack big flavor in every bite.
• Quick and Convenient Comfort: Prepare these sliders with minimal ingredients and simple steps, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Customize Your Craving: Easily swap ingredients like different meats or cheeses to match your family's taste preferences without compromising the recipe's delicious essence.
• Party-Perfect Portable Bites: These sliders are ideal for game days, potlucks, and casual get-togethers, allowing guests to enjoy a gourmet twist on a traditional sandwich without utensils.

Everything Needed for Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

• Slider Buns: Soft, small rolls that create the perfect foundation for this hearty sandwich.

• Turkey Slices: Tender, thinly sliced meat that adds classic Kentucky Hot Brown flavor.
• Bacon: Crispy, crumbled pieces that provide a smoky and crunchy texture.

• Butter: Rich ingredient that helps create a smooth, creamy sauce base.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickening agent for the sauce that ensures a perfect consistency.
• Milk: Smooth liquid that contributes to the sauce's creamy texture.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Melty cheeses that provide a gooey, flavorful topping.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Aromatic spices that add depth and complexity to the sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: Tangy condiment that brings a subtle sharp note to the sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Umami-rich sauce that adds complexity to the dish.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that provides a fresh, colorful finishing touch.

Steps for Assembling Hot Brown Sliders Easily

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to create the perfect cooking environment for your sliders.

Step 2: Build the Base Layer

Arrange slider buns on a baking sheet and carefully cover the bottom halves with turkey slices, creating a delicious foundation.

Step 3: Add Crispy Bacon Crunch

Generously sprinkle crumbled bacon over the turkey, introducing a satisfying crunch and smoky flavor.

Step 4: Craft the Creamy Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour until the mixture becomes smooth and silky.

Step 5: Create a Velvety Liquid Base

Gradually pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent any unwelcome lumps from forming.

Step 6: Season the Sauce

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Cook the sauce for approximately 5 minutes until it reaches a luxurious, thick consistency.

Step 7: Enhance the Flavor Profile

Remove the sauce from heat and stir in Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce, adding depth and complexity.

Step 8: Drench the Sliders

Pour the creamy sauce generously over the turkey and bacon layers, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 9: Cheese Topping Extravaganza

• Shredded mozzarella
• Shredded cheddar cheese

over the sauced sliders.

Step 10: Final Baking

Place the top halves of the buns on the sliders and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden blanket.

Step 11: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve these mouthwatering Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders immediately.

Notes for Gooey and Toasty Sliders Fans

• Crisp bacon beforehand for maximum crunch and flavor intensity on your sliders.
• Whisk continuously while adding milk to prevent lumpy, uneven sauce texture.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for superior melting and more authentic taste compared to pre-packaged options.
• Let sliders rest for 3-5 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and flavors to meld together.
• Substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use vegan cheese for a plant-based version of these delicious sliders.

Fun Swaps for Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

• Gluten-Free Slider Version: Replace regular slider buns with gluten-free bread or cauliflower slider buns. Use gluten-free flour for the sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Kentucky Slider: Swap turkey with grilled portobello mushrooms or plant-based turkey alternatives. Keep the cheese and bacon sauce for rich flavor.
• Low-Carb Kentucky Sliders: Use lettuce wraps instead of buns. Replace flour with almond flour or coconut flour for the sauce. Add extra crispy bacon for texture.
• Spicy Jalapeño Kentucky Sliders: Add diced jalapeños on top of the turkey layer. Mix sriracha sauce into the cheese sauce for extra heat and kick.

Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Hot Kentucky sliders blend Southern comfort with classic sandwich charm. Crispy bread, turkey, bacon, and creamy Mornay sauce create an irresistible mini meal you’ll crave at every gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 2 cups cooked turkey, sliced
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 3 tablespoons butter

Additional Ingredients:

• 12 slider buns
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) to ensure optimal baking temperature for the sliders.
2. Arrange slider buns on a baking sheet, creating a base layer with delicate turkey slices.
3. Distribute crispy crumbled bacon generously over the turkey layer for added texture and flavor.
4. Create a velvety sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, then introducing flour and whisking until achieving a smooth consistency.
5. Gradually incorporate milk and heavy cream, continuously whisking to prevent lumpy texture.
6. Enhance the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, cooking for approximately 5 minutes until it reaches a rich, thick consistency.
7. Remove sauce from heat and incorporate Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor.
8. Cascade the prepared sauce evenly over the turkey and bacon-layered bun bases.
9. Sprinkle a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese across the sauced sliders, creating a luxurious melting layer.
10. Cap the sliders with their corresponding bun tops, then bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese becomes molten and edges turn golden.
11. Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while warm and inviting.

Notes

• Customize Cheese Blend: Mix different cheese varieties like gruyère or fontina for a more complex, rich flavor profile that elevates the traditional mozzarella and cheddar combination.
• Make Ahead Prep: Assemble sliders earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake right before serving to save time and develop deeper flavors.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend in the sauce, and use gluten-free slider buns to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Protein Alternatives: Replace turkey with rotisserie chicken or thinly sliced ham for varied protein options that maintain the slider’s delicious essence.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 260 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 430 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 13 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg