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

Scale

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)

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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.