Name: Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Slider Buns: 12 slider buns Cooked Turkey Breast: 2 cups, sliced Crisp Cooked Bacon Strips: 12 Roma Tomatoes: 2, sliced Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 1/2 cups Shredded Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup Whole Milk: 2 cups Unsalted Butter: 4 tbsp All-Purpose Flour: 1/4 cup Garlic Powder: 1/2 tsp Salt: 1 tsp Black Pepper: 1/2 tsp Paprika: 1/2 tsp Fresh Parsley: for garnish

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If you’re searching for the ultimate crowd-pleaser packed with cozy Southern flavors, look no further than these Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders. Imagine warm, toasted buns cradling juicy turkey, crisp bacon, ripe tomato, and a luscious, golden cheese sauce—all finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and paprika for good measure. This spin on the classic Hot Brown transforms a storied Kentucky staple into the perfect party appetizer or weeknight comfort food. Believe me, these sliders always disappear *fast*!

Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Delicious comfort starts with just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, each playing its own vital role in these satisfying Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders. From the buttery sauce to the smoky bacon, every component steps up to deliver big flavor and irresistible texture.

Slider buns (12): The foundation for each slider, pillowy and perfect for holding all those delicious layers.
Cooked turkey breast (2 cups, sliced): Classic, juicy turkey brings protein and heartiness; leftovers or rotisserie work great.
Crisp cooked bacon strips (12): Each slider gets a full slice of smoky, crunchy bacon for that signature Hot Brown bite.
Roma tomatoes (2, sliced): Freshly sliced tomatoes balance the richness with a burst of acidity and color.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups): Melty cheddar adds bold flavor and a gooey cheese pull to every bite.
Shredded Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): A salty, nutty twist that melds beautifully into the cheese sauce and topping.
Whole milk (2 cups): Makes the cheese sauce luxuriously creamy without being too heavy.
Unsalted butter (4 tbsp): Adds richness while creating the base for a classic roux.
All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Helps thicken the sauce for just the right consistency.
Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): For a hint of savory depth that ties everything together.
Salt (1 tsp): Seasons every layer for maximum flavor.
Black pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds gentle heat and a savory kick.
Paprika (1/2 tsp): Sprinkled on top for color and a subtle smokiness.
Fresh parsley (for garnish): A pop of green freshness to finish these beauties.

How to Make Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

Step 1: Get the Oven Ready

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Having a nice hot oven waiting ensures a bubbly, golden top and perfectly warmed-through centers for each Kentucky Hot Brown Slider.

Step 2: Craft the Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour, whisking constantly for 1-2 minutes, just until it turns slightly golden and smells a bit toasty. Next, gradually pour in the milk, still whisking, until the mixture is smooth and thickened—this is your deliciously creamy base. Stir in the garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and half of your Parmesan. Remove from heat and give yourself a little taste test—the velvety sauce is where the magic starts!

Step 3: Build the Slider Base

Slice those soft slider buns in half and lay the bottom halves, cut-side up, into a greased baking dish. Spreading them out evenly gives you the perfect surface for all the layers that are about to pile on.

Step 4: Layer Turkey, Bacon, and Tomato

Now comes the fun: generously layer slices of roasted turkey breast over the buns, followed by one crispy bacon strip and a ripe tomato slice for each. This lineup is what truly sets Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders apart from your average party fare!

Step 5: Pour on the Cheese Sauce

Spoon that luscious cheese sauce evenly over the turkey-bacon-tomato layers, making sure each slider base gets its share of creamy goodness. It’s messy in the most delightful way.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and all of the shredded cheddar over the top. Nestle the slider tops off to the side of the pan, so they can crisp up separately. Slide the whole thing into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until everything is golden, bubbly, and simply irresistible.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Right when those Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are fresh out of the oven, shower the tops with a dusting of paprika and a flurry of chopped fresh parsley. The contrast of colors is pure comfort on a plate. Serve the warm, cheesy bases with the toasted slider tops on the side for that perfect Hot Brown experience.

How to Serve Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

Garnishes

Elevate your sliders with vibrant garnishes. A sprinkle of paprika provides that signature smokey-red hue, while freshly chopped parsley adds a pretty pop of green and a light, herbal flavor. Both reinforce that classic Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders look and add a bit of freshness to each bite.

Side Dishes

Pair your Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders with a simple mixed green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, or try crispy roasted potatoes or sweet potato fries for a heartier meal. If you’re feeling extra Southern, coleslaw with a bright, acidic dressing helps cut the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Spruce up your slider platter for parties by skewering each Kentucky Hot Brown Slider with a fancy toothpick or mini flag. Serve them on a rustic wooden board alongside small ramekins of pickles, extra cheese sauce, or even hot sauce for folks who want to customize their experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, allow the sliders to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making day-two sliders just as tempting!

Freezing

For the best results, freeze the assembled, unbaked Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders. Wrap the baking dish tightly with foil and freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed. Avoid freezing after baking, as the sauce can change texture.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, preheat your oven to 325°F and bake the sliders (loosely covered with foil) for about 10 minutes, until warmed through. This keeps the buns soft but allows the cheese to get melty again. The microwave works in a pinch, but the oven is your friend for best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover roast chicken makes a delicious substitute for turkey in Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders without missing a beat on flavor.

Are these sliders spicy?

Not at all—these are more about creamy, cheesy comfort than heat. If you like a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce or serve with hot sauce on the side.

What’s the best way to keep slider buns from getting soggy?

Layering the turkey and bacon first creates a little barrier so the cheese sauce doesn’t turn the buns mushy. Plus, baking everything uncovered helps excess moisture bake off for a just-right texture.

Can I make Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders gluten-free?

You sure can. Swap in your favorite gluten-free slider buns, and use a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend for the cheese sauce. You’ll get all the flavor and comfort, without the gluten.

How can I make these ahead for a party?

Assemble the sliders up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. Just before guests arrive, sprinkle on the cheeses and bake as directed. This way, your Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are hot, fresh, and ready when you are!

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to experience the oozy, savory joy of Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders fresh from your oven. They are just as welcome at a family dinner as they are on game day or at a festive get-together. Try them once, and you’ll find yourself dreaming up occasions just for another batch—promise!

Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe

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4.5 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 sliders
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are a delightful twist on the classic open-faced sandwich, perfect for parties or a cozy dinner at home. Layers of turkey, bacon, tomatoes, and a decadent cheese sauce atop slider buns, baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Slider Buns:

12 slider buns

Cooked Turkey Breast:

2 cups, sliced

Crisp Cooked Bacon Strips:

Roma Tomatoes:

2, sliced

Shredded Cheddar Cheese:

1 1/2 cups

Shredded Parmesan Cheese:

1/2 cup

Whole Milk:

2 cups

Unsalted Butter:

4 tbsp

All-Purpose Flour:

1/4 cup

Garlic Powder:

1/2 tsp

Salt:

1 tsp

Black Pepper:

1/2 tsp

Paprika:

1/2 tsp

Fresh Parsley:

for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
Gradually add milk, whisking constantly, until thickened. Stir in garlic powder, salt, pepper, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Remove from heat.
Slice slider buns in half and place bottom halves in a greased baking dish. Layer turkey slices, bacon, and tomato slices on buns.
Pour cheese sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan and shredded cheddar cheese. Place slider tops on the side.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese sauce is bubbly and golden. Garnish with paprika and parsley. Serve warm with slider tops.