The Ultimate Party Pleaser
If you’re searching for the perfect appetizer or a satisfying main dish for your next gathering, look no further than these decadent Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders. Inspired by the iconic open-faced Hot Brown sandwich from Louisville’s Brown Hotel, this slider version brings all the beloved flavors—creamy Mornay sauce, turkey, crispy bacon, and tomato—into a bite-sized, crowd-friendly format. Tucked inside sweet Hawaiian rolls and finished with a buttery, tangy glaze, these sliders are the ideal blend of comfort food and gourmet indulgence.
Whether you’re hosting game day, prepping a party tray, or simply want to elevate your weeknight dinner routine, this recipe delivers big flavor in a convenient package.
Why You’ll Love These Sliders
These Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are perfect for:
- Entertaining – Make-ahead friendly and easy to serve in bulk.
- Leftover turkey transformations – A brilliant way to repurpose holiday meats.
- Comfort food fans – Creamy cheese sauce + bacon = heaven.
- Busy home cooks – Simple prep and oven-ready in minutes.
Plus, who can resist the sweet-and-savory magic of Hawaiian rolls paired with sharp white cheddar and smoky bacon?
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (12-count) package Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 1 lb. turkey breast, thinly sliced and divided
- 12 slices white sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 slices bacon, roughly chopped and cooked until crispy
- 12 slices tomato (about ¼-inch thick)
For the Mornay Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- 1½ cups whole milk
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
- Dash nutmeg
- ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
For the Butter Glaze:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To bring these sliders together, you’ll need:
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Mornay Sauce
Start by melting 3 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour and continue stirring for 2 minutes—don’t let it brown. Slowly add the milk, whisking continuously until the mixture comes to a gentle boil and thickens (about 2–3 minutes). Reduce the heat, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until smooth, and season with salt, pepper, and a dash of nutmeg. Set aside and keep warm.
Step 2: Build the Sliders
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line your baking pan with parchment and give it a quick spray of nonstick spray.
Slice the entire sheet of Hawaiian rolls horizontally, creating a top and bottom slab while keeping the rolls connected.
Place the bottom slab in your prepared pan. Layer on:
- Half of the turkey slices
- All 12 slices of sharp white cheddar
- Crispy bacon
- A tomato slice for each roll
- The rich Mornay sauce
- Remaining turkey
Top it off with the upper slab of rolls.
Step 3: Glaze and Bake
In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Evenly pour the glaze over the top of the sliders.
Cover with foil and let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
Bake covered at 350°F for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the tops are golden and lightly crisped.
Let them cool slightly before slicing into individual sliders and serving warm.
Recipe Tips and Shortcuts
- Turkey Swap: Substitute rotisserie chicken or leftover Thanksgiving turkey.
- Cheese Variety: Try Gruyère or Fontina for a different melt and flavor profile.
- Make Ahead: Assemble sliders and keep covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the butter glaze just before baking.
- No Poppy Seeds? No problem. Omit or use sesame seeds instead.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free rolls and a gluten-free flour blend for the sauce.
How to Store Leftovers
These sliders store beautifully—if you even have any left!
- Fridge: Place cooled sliders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm them in a 325°F oven for 10–12 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual sliders for about 30 seconds each, but the oven method keeps the texture better.
Freezing isn’t ideal due to the creamy sauce, but if you must, wrap them individually and reheat in the oven directly from frozen.
Food and Drink Pairings
Serve these Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders with:
Sides:
- Crispy potato wedges
- Coleslaw
- Pickled vegetables
- Mixed greens salad with balsamic vinaigrette
Drinks:
- Sweet tea for a Southern classic
- Crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
- Amber ale or light lager to balance the richness
- Sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing contrast
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the sliders up to a day in advance. Keep them covered in the fridge and add the butter glaze just before baking.
Can I use deli meat?
Absolutely. Thinly sliced deli turkey works well and saves time.
What can I use instead of Hawaiian rolls?
Brioche slider rolls or potato rolls are great alternatives. Just make sure they’re soft and slightly sweet for the best contrast.
Do I have to use sharp white cheddar?
Not necessarily. Regular sharp cheddar, provolone, Swiss, or mozzarella can work, but sharp cheddar provides the classic tangy balance to the creamy sauce.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes—omit the turkey and bacon and add sautéed mushrooms and spinach or roasted red peppers instead. Use vegetable broth for the sauce base if needed.
Final Thoughts
These Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are more than just a snack—they’re a guaranteed hit. With layers of creamy sauce, savory turkey, crispy bacon, and melty cheese nestled in soft, buttery rolls, this recipe hits every craveable note. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday, potluck, or casual Sunday supper, these sliders bring bold Southern flair and gourmet taste in every bite.
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