Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are a delightful twist on the classic open-faced sandwich. Perfect for parties, game days, or family dinners, these sliders combine tender turkey, fresh tomatoes, and a creamy cheese sauce, all topped with crispy bacon. Their unique flavor profile and easy preparation make them a crowd-pleaser that suits various occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these delicious sliders in no time.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of white cheddar and parmesan creates a rich, mouthwatering cheese sauce that pairs perfectly with turkey and bacon.
- Versatile Dish: Whether you’re hosting a potluck or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, these sliders fit right in.
- Crowd-Pleasing: With 12 servings per recipe, Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are perfect for feeding a crowd without the fuss.
- Comfort Food Classic: This dish brings the warmth of traditional Kentucky flavors into an easy-to-eat format.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders, gather your tools and equipment to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: Ensures even cooking and makes it easy to serve your sliders directly from the oven.
- Medium saucepan: Ideal for preparing your creamy cheese sauce without burning it.
- Whisk: Helps blend ingredients smoothly for a lump-free cheese sauce.
Ingredients
Cheese Sauce Ingredients
- 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)
Slider Assembly Ingredients
- 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.
- Add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute until it forms a roux.
- Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in kosher salt, black pepper, ground nutmeg, white cheddar cheese, and parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 2: Assemble the Sliders
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small bowl, mix melted unsalted butter with garlic salt and parsley.
- Slice the King’s Hawaiian Rolls horizontally without separating them. Place the bottom half in a baking dish.
- Layer the turkey breast slices evenly over the rolls followed by tomato slices and crumbled bacon.
- Pour the prepared cheese sauce generously over the turkey and bacon layers before topping with the top half of the rolls.
Step 3: Bake
- Brush the tops of the rolls with any remaining garlic butter mixture.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before slicing into individual sliders.
Enjoy your Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders as an irresistible appetizer or main course!
How to Serve Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are perfect for gatherings and can be served in various ways to enhance the experience. Here are some serving suggestions that will delight your guests.
For a Casual Gathering
- Serve on a platter – Arrange the sliders on a large platter for easy grabbing.
- Accompany with dipping sauces – Offer sides like ranch or spicy mustard for added flavor.
For Game Day
- Create a slider bar – Allow guests to customize their sliders with toppings such as extra cheese, jalapeños, or barbecue sauce.
- Pair with beer – Serve these sliders with craft beers for a perfect game day pairing.
At a Family Dinner
- Add a salad side – A fresh garden salad complements the richness of the sliders nicely.
- Include family-style sides – Offer sides like baked beans or corn on the cob for a hearty meal.
For Parties
- Garnish with parsley – Sprinkling fresh parsley over sliders adds color and freshness.
- Serve in mini baskets – Present each slider in cute baskets for a fun touch.
How to Perfect Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
To make sure your Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients – Fresh turkey and ripe tomatoes elevate the flavors significantly.
- Toast the rolls slightly – Lightly toasting the Hawaiian rolls before assembling keeps them from getting soggy.
- Adjust seasoning – Taste your cheese sauce before pouring it over; tweaking salt and spices can enhance flavor.
- Bake until golden brown – Keep an eye on them while baking; look for a beautiful golden crust on top.
- Let them rest – Allowing the sliders to sit for a few minutes after baking helps them hold their shape when served.
Best Side Dishes for Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
Pairing side dishes with your Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders can elevate your meal. Here are some great options that complement their rich flavors.
- Coleslaw – A tangy and crunchy slaw provides a nice contrast to the creamy sliders.
- Potato Chips – Classic and simple, chips add crunch and are easy to serve alongside.
- Sweet Potato Fries – These offer a sweet element that pairs beautifully with savory flavors.
- Cornbread Muffins – Sweet cornbread muffins add warmth and comfort to your meal.
- Baked Beans – Hearty baked beans bring richness and pair well with turkey-based dishes.
- Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad balances out the richness of the sliders.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to watch for.
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Using Cold Ingredients: Always use room temperature milk and butter for a smooth cheese sauce. Cold ingredients can cause clumping.
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Overcooking the Bacon: Cook bacon until just crispy. Overcooked bacon can become too tough and lose flavor in your sliders.
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Skipping the Seasoning: Don’t forget to season your cheese sauce properly! A pinch of salt and nutmeg enhances the flavors significantly.
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Not Melting the Cheese Properly: Stir cheese over low heat until melted. High heat can cause it to seize and become grainy.
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Ignoring the Roll Size: Use the right size rolls. King’s Hawaiian Rolls are perfect; larger rolls may not hold together well.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Ensure they are cooled completely before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezing Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
- Wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place sliders on a baking sheet and cover with foil; heat for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Place one slider on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on high for 30-45 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through, about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Kentucky Hot Brown Slider?
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are mini sandwiches made with turkey, tomatoes, cheese sauce, and bacon, inspired by the classic open-faced sandwich from Kentucky.
Can I make Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the sliders ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Just bake them when ready to serve!
What kind of turkey should I use?
You can use leftover turkey or thickly sliced deli turkey for your Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders. Both work well!
How do I customize my Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders?
Feel free to add different toppings like jalapeños or swap out cheeses based on your preference.
Final Thoughts
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are not only delicious but also versatile for any occasion. Their comforting flavors make them perfect for parties or family dinners. Feel free to customize them with your favorite ingredients and enjoy this delightful twist on a classic recipe!
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are a delightful twist on the iconic open-faced sandwich, perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners. These mini sandwiches feature tender turkey, fresh tomatoes, and a creamy cheese sauce made with white cheddar and parmesan, all topped with crispy bacon. With their rich flavors and easy preparation, these sliders are sure to be a hit at your next party or game day event. They come together quickly and can feed a crowd, making them an excellent choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 pound turkey breast (leftover or deli)
- 12-count King's Hawaiian Rolls
- 2 medium tomatoes (sliced)
- 8–10 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup white cheddar cheese (shredded)
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese (grated)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour for about 1 minute.
- Gradually add milk while whisking until thickened. Stir in seasonings and cheeses until smooth.
- Slice the rolls horizontally and place the bottom half in a baking dish.
- Layer turkey slices, tomatoes, and crumbled bacon on the rolls.
- Pour cheese sauce over the layers and cover with the top half of the rolls.
- Brush with garlic butter mix and bake covered for 15 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 5 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
