Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are a delightful twist on the traditional open-faced sandwich. These delicious sliders combine turkey, tomatoes, rich homemade cheese sauce, and crispy bacon, making them perfect for any gathering. Ideal for potlucks, game days, or casual dinners, these sliders offer a comforting flavor that everyone will love. Their unique blend of savory ingredients ensures they stand out at any table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these sliders in no time.
- Flavorful: The combination of cheese, turkey, and bacon creates a mouthwatering taste that will impress your guests.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as an appetizer or main course, Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders fit any occasion.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With 12 servings per recipe, they’re great for parties and gatherings.
- Comfort Food: These sliders bring the warmth and comfort of home-cooked meals right to your table.
Tools and Preparation
To create Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders successfully, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: Ensures even cooking of the sliders while holding all the delicious ingredients together.
- Medium saucepan: Perfect for making the cheesy sauce without spills or messes.
- Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth cheese sauce by preventing lumps during mixing.
- Knife: Necessary for slicing tomatoes and turkey evenly.
Ingredients
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders take a traditionally open-faced sandwich and turn it into an appetizer with turkey, tomatoes, homemade cheese sauce, and bacon.
For the Cheese Sauce
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (245 g) whole milk (room temperature)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup (113 g) white cheddar cheese (shredded)
- ¼ cup (25 g) parmesan cheese (grated)
For the Sliders
- ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter (melted)
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 package (12-count) King’s Hawaiian Rolls
- 1 pound turkey breast (leftover or thickly sliced deli turkey)
- 2 medium tomatoes (sliced)
- 8-10 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
How to Make Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter.
- Whisk in the all-purpose flour until smooth.
- Gradually add whole milk while stirring continuously until the mixture thickens.
- Add kosher salt, black pepper, nutmeg, white cheddar cheese, and parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and creamy.
Step 2: Assemble the Sliders
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the King’s Hawaiian Rolls in half horizontally without separating them.
- Place the bottom half of the rolls in a baking dish.
- Layer with sliced turkey breast, tomatoes, crumbled bacon, and pour half of the cheese sauce over them.
- Add fresh parsley on top before placing the top half of the rolls back on.
Step 3: Bake Your Sliders
- Brush melted unsalted butter over the top of the rolls.
- Sprinkle with garlic salt and additional parsley if desired.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown and heated through.
Enjoy your Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders warm!
How to Serve Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners. These sliders offer a delightful twist on the classic dish, combining rich flavors and textures that everyone will love.
For Game Day
- Finger Food Delight: Serve sliders on a large platter for easy grabbing during the big game.
- Pair with Dips: Offer a selection of dips like ranch or spicy mustard to enhance the flavor.
At Parties
- Mini Appetizers: Use toothpicks to serve individual sliders as bite-sized appetizers.
- Buffet Style: Set up a buffet with sliders alongside other finger foods for guests to mix and match.
Family Dinner
- Quick Weeknight Meal: These sliders make for an easy dinner option that can be prepared in under 40 minutes.
- Serve with Salad: Pair with a fresh garden salad for a well-rounded meal.
Special Occasions
- Elegant Presentation: Arrange sliders on a tiered serving tray for a more upscale look at weddings or showers.
- Customize Toppings: Allow guests to add their favorite toppings like jalapeños or extra cheese.

How to Perfect Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
Perfecting your Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out delicious every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh turkey and ripe tomatoes will elevate the flavor profile significantly.
- Don’t Rush the Cheese Sauce: Take your time whisking the cheese sauce for that creamy consistency that binds everything together.
- Bacon Crunch: Ensure bacon is crispy before adding it to the sliders; this adds texture and flavor.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the sliders cool slightly after baking; this helps them hold their shape when served.
Best Side Dishes for Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
When serving Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders, complement them with delicious side dishes that balance the richness of the sliders.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing slaw adds crunch and cuts through the richness of the sliders.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges are always a crowd-pleaser and easy to prepare.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Sweet potato fries provide a sweet contrast and are nutritious too.
- Deviled Eggs: Classic deviled eggs make for an elegant finger food option that pairs well with sliders.
- Pickle Platter: Assorted pickles add tanginess and crunch, enhancing each bite of slider.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad brings freshness and sweetness to balance savory flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders, it’s easy to overlook a few details. Here are some common mistakes and how you can avoid them.
- Using the wrong type of cheese – Opt for white cheddar for the best flavor and texture. Other cheeses might not melt as well.
- Overcooking the bacon – Cook bacon until crispy but not burnt. This ensures it adds crunch without overpowering the sliders.
- Skipping fresh herbs – Fresh parsley adds a pop of flavor. Don’t skip it; it elevates the dish!
- Not letting the sliders rest – Allowing the sliders to sit for a few minutes after baking helps flavors meld and makes them easier to serve.
- Using stale rolls – Fresh King’s Hawaiian Rolls are essential for a soft, sweet base. Always check for freshness before using.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
- Wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave – Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes, checking regularly.
- Stovetop – Heat in a skillet over medium heat, covering with a lid until warmed throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders?
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are mini versions of the classic open-faced sandwich featuring turkey, tomatoes, cheese sauce, and bacon.
Can I customize my Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders?
Absolutely! Feel free to add different meats like ham or chicken or experiment with various cheeses.
How do I make the cheese sauce for Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders?
To make the cheese sauce, create a roux with butter and flour, then whisk in milk and your choice of cheeses until smooth.
Can I prepare Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them ahead of time and refrigerate before baking when you’re ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home, they can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Give them a try; you won’t be disappointed!

Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Description
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are a delightful and comforting twist on the classic open-faced sandwich. These mini sandwiches feature layers of tender turkey, juicy tomatoes, crispy bacon, and a rich homemade cheese sauce, all nestled in soft King’s Hawaiian Rolls. Perfect for any gathering—be it potlucks, game days, or family dinners—these sliders are easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests with their mouthwatering flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 pound turkey breast (sliced)
- 2 medium tomatoes (sliced)
- 8–10 slices cooked bacon (crumbled)
- 1 cup white cheddar cheese (shredded)
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- King's Hawaiian Rolls (12-count)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, whisking in flour, then gradually adding milk and cheeses until smooth.
- Slice the rolls in half horizontally and layer the bottom with turkey, tomatoes, crumbled bacon, and half of the cheese sauce.
- Place the top half of the rolls on and brush melted butter over them. Sprinkle with garlic salt.
- Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 50mg