If you love bold flavors wrapped up in a cozy, handheld delight, then Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders: Ultimate Party Sandwich Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to for entertaining or a comforting meal. This twist on the iconic Kentucky Hot Brown transforms the classic open-faced turkey and cheese dish into irresistible mini sandwiches layered on soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls. Each bite delivers juicy turkey, smoky bacon, and a luscious, creamy Mornay sauce smothered with melted sharp cheddar. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or craving a rich, satisfying treat, these sliders are guaranteed to impress and satisfy every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses a handful of simple, accessible ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and delightful textures. Each component plays a crucial role: the sweet rolls add softness and a touch of sweetness, the turkey provides hearty protein, and the creamy cheese sauce ties it all together with richness. Don’t forget the optional bacon, which adds an unbeatable smoky crunch that really elevates these sliders.
- Hawaiian sweet rolls: These rolls are perfect for their soft, slightly sweet flavor that balances the savory fillings beautifully.
- Sliced cooked turkey breast: Choose good-quality deli meat or leftover turkey for juicy, tender slices.
- Cooked turkey or beef bacon: Adds a smoky, crispy element; highly recommended for the best flavor.
- Sharp white cheddar cheese: Offers a sharp, melty topping that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
- Unsalted butter: Used both in the sauce and brushed on top for rich flavor and beautiful browning.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the cheese sauce to a luscious, creamy consistency.
- Whole milk: Creates the creamy base of the Mornay-style cheese sauce.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance the flavors.
- Garlic powder: Adds a gentle savory depth to the sauce and topping.
- Dijon mustard: A subtle tang that cuts through the richness and adds character.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Boosts umami notes and adds complexity to the sauce.
- Fresh chopped parsley: Optional garnish that provides a fresh pop of color and brightness.
How to Make Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders: Ultimate Party Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your baking dish or line it with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze. Preparing your equipment now ensures a smooth assembly process without any last-minute scrambling.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Stir in the flour and cook for about a minute to eliminate that raw flour taste. Next, slowly whisk in the milk and keep stirring until the sauce thickens beautifully, usually around 3 to 4 minutes. Add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring well until the sauce is velvety and smooth. This creamy, Mornay-style cheddar sauce is the soul of our Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders: Ultimate Party Sandwich Recipe.
Step 3: Assemble the Sliders
Carefully slice the Hawaiian sweet rolls in half horizontally, keeping all the rolls attached like a giant sandwich loaf. Place the bottom half into your prepared baking dish. Layer the sliced turkey evenly across the rolls, then sprinkle crumbled cooked bacon on top if you’re using it. Pour the warm cheese sauce generously over the turkey and bacon, making sure it seeps into every nook. Finally, sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar over the sauce for that iconic cheesy finish, then place the top half of the rolls back over the sandwich layers.
Step 4: Butter the Tops
Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter. For an extra flavor boost, mix a pinch of garlic powder or some chopped parsley into the butter before brushing. This step ensures the tops bake up golden brown and gives the sliders an irresistible, buttery aroma that will have everyone coming to the kitchen for a sneak peek.
Step 5: Bake
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the sliders for 15 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the tops are beautifully golden and the cheese has melted to molten perfection. The bubbling cheese sauce hints at the comforting flavors ready to be devoured.
Step 6: Serve
Allow the sliders to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing them apart. Serving them warm is key because that’s when the cheese is at its meltiest and the flavors are most vibrant. These sliders are guaranteed to be a hit and disappear quickly, no matter the occasion.
How to Serve Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders: Ultimate Party Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley adds the perfect finishing touch, lending a burst of color and a hint of freshness. You can also serve with a light dusting of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky edge that complements the bacon magnificently. A few thin tomato slices on the side are a classic nod to the original Kentucky Hot Brown presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair these sliders with crisp, refreshing sides like a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or perhaps some homemade coleslaw to cut through the richness. For something heartier, roasted vegetables or even baked sweet potato fries make a fantastic accompaniment, balancing comfort with a bit of crunch and sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange your Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders: Ultimate Party Sandwich Recipe on a large wooden board or platter, garnished with parsley sprigs and small bowls of dipping sauces like spicy mustard or a tangy aioli. You might also consider serving each slider with a cocktail skewer crowned with a cherry tomato or pickle for a neat, eye-catching presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, store them tightly wrapped in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep nicely for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the bread may absorb some moisture from the cheese sauce, but reheating will help restore the sliders’ delightful texture.
Freezing
While freezing Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders: Ultimate Party Sandwich Recipe is possible, it is best to freeze them before baking to maintain texture. Wrap the assembled sliders tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, freeze for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, place the sliders in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, covered loosely with foil to prevent the tops from burning while the interior warms through. This method helps keep the cheese sauce creamy and the bread from drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the rolls soggy and the cheese unevenly heated.
FAQs
Can I use different types of rolls for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Hawaiian sweet rolls provide a perfect balance of sweetness and softness, you can experiment with slider buns, brioche rolls, or even mini croissants depending on your flavor preferences and availability.
Is it okay to substitute the turkey bacon?
Yes, you can replace turkey bacon with regular bacon, beef bacon, or omit it entirely if you prefer a lighter sandwich. The bacon adds great texture and smoky flavor, but the sliders are still delicious without it.
Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time?
You can prepare the cheese sauce a day ahead and refrigerate it. When ready to use, gently reheat it over low heat, stirring frequently to restore its creamy smoothness before assembling the sliders.
Are these sliders spicy?
No, the Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders: Ultimate Party Sandwich Recipe is generally mild, with flavor layers built around creamy, cheesy, and savory ingredients. You can add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce if you like a bit of heat.
What’s the best way to serve these sliders at a party?
Serve the sliders warm on a large platter with garnishes like parsley or paprika, and provide cocktail napkins or small plates for easy grabbing. They pair wonderfully with cold beverages and finger-friendly sides, making them perfect for casual get-togethers.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you make Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders: Ultimate Party Sandwich Recipe, it will become one of your favorite crowd-pleasers. The combination of tender turkey, smoky bacon, luscious cheese sauce, and soft sweet rolls is simply unbeatable. Whether for a family dinner or your next party, this recipe brings warmth, comfort, and undeniable flavor to the table. Go ahead and give it a try—you’re going to love every bite!
Print
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders: Ultimate Party Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are a delicious party sandwich inspired by the classic Kentucky Hot Brown. Made with Hawaiian sweet rolls, sliced turkey, crispy bacon, and a creamy cheddar Mornay sauce, these sliders are baked to golden perfection and topped with melted cheese and buttered tops. Perfect for entertaining, they combine rich flavors and gooey textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Sandwich Ingredients
- 1 package (12-count) Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 1 pound sliced cooked turkey breast (lunch meat or leftovers)
- 6 slices cooked turkey bacon or beef bacon (optional but recommended)
- 2 cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
Cheese Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (divided: 1 tablespoon for sauce, 1 tablespoon for brushing tops)
- 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
Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the milk and stir constantly until the mixture thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and then remove from heat to form a creamy cheddar Mornay-style sauce.
- Assemble the Sliders: Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping them attached. Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared baking dish. Evenly layer the sliced turkey over the bread, and sprinkle crumbled bacon on top if using. Pour the warm cheese sauce over the meat layer, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the sauce. Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese layer.
- Butter the Tops: Brush the tops of the rolls with the remaining melted butter. For added flavor, you can mix in a pinch of garlic powder or sprinkle chopped parsley onto the butter before brushing.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the tops turn golden brown and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the sliders cool for about 5 minutes to set slightly. Cut into individual sliders and serve warm for the best melty cheese experience.
Notes
- Using turkey bacon adds a smoky flavor but is optional to accommodate preferences or dietary restrictions.
- Keep the rolls slightly connected when slicing to make assembly and serving easier.
- The cheese sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated before assembling the sliders.
- For extra garnish and color, sprinkle fresh parsley over the sliders just before serving.
- These sliders are best enjoyed warm to appreciate the melty cheese and tender turkey.
