Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are the perfect twist on a classic dish, transforming a traditional open-faced sandwich into a fun and delicious appetizer. Ideal for game day or any gathering, these sliders feature layers of turkey, fresh tomatoes, rich homemade cheese sauce, and crispy bacon. Their unique flavor profile and easy preparation make them a standout choice for potlucks or family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of turkey, cheese, and bacon creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will love.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these up in no time.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as an appetizer or main course, these sliders fit various occasions.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With 12 servings per recipe, they’re ideal for potlucks or parties where you want to impress your guests.
- Comfort Food Twist: Enjoy the flavors of a Kentucky Hot Brown in a convenient slider form.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience. Having everything on hand will make preparing Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders effortless.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: Essential for baking the sliders evenly without burning them.
- Saucepan: Used for making the creamy cheese sauce that binds all flavors together.
- Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth cheese sauce without lumps.
Ingredients
For these Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders, you’ll need the following ingredients:
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
Start by making the creamy cheese sauce that will elevate your sliders.
1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter.
2. Whisk in 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour until combined.
3. Gradually add 1 cup of whole milk while whisking to prevent lumps.
4. Stir in kosher salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg.
5. Once thickened, remove from heat and mix in white cheddar and parmesan cheeses until melted.
Step 2: Assemble the Sliders
Now it’s time to layer your ingredients for maximum flavor!
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice the King’s Hawaiian Rolls in half horizontally while keeping them connected.
3. Place the bottom half of the rolls in a greased baking dish.
4. Layer with turkey slices, tomato slices, crumbled bacon, and pour half of the cheese sauce over everything.
5. Top with the other half of the rolls.
Step 3: Bake the Sliders
Finish up by baking your sliders to perfection!
1. Brush the tops with melted unsalted butter mixed with garlic salt and chopped parsley.
2. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
3. Remove foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until golden brown.
These Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are sure to be a delightful addition to any meal! Enjoy every cheesy bite!
How to Serve Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are a delightful twist on a classic dish, perfect for gatherings. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your slider experience.
For Game Day
- With Chips: Serve alongside crispy potato chips for a crunchy contrast.
- Buffalo Sauce Drizzle: Add a kick by drizzling buffalo sauce on top before serving.
At a Potluck
- Mini Salad Cups: Pair with small cups of salad for a refreshing accompaniment.
- Fruit Skewers: Offer fruit skewers as a colorful and sweet side option.
For Family Dinners
- Steamed Veggies: Serve with steamed broccoli or green beans for a healthy touch.
- Homemade Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw adds crunch and balances the richness of the sliders.
During the Kentucky Derby
- Mint Julep: Complement your sliders with this classic cocktail to celebrate the occasion.
- Pickle Platter: A variety of pickles can enhance flavor and provide a tangy bite.
How to Perfect Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
To achieve the best Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders, pay attention to these essential tips.
- Choose Quality Cheese: Use fresh white cheddar and parmesan for richer flavor and creaminess.
- Don’t Overcook the Bacon: Cook bacon until crispy but not overly hard to maintain texture.
- Layer Ingredients Well: Stack turkey, tomatoes, and cheese evenly to ensure every bite is balanced.
- Toast the Rolls Lightly: Lightly toast the Hawaiian rolls for added texture and flavor depth.
Best Side Dishes for Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
Pairing side dishes with Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders enhances the meal experience. Here are some great options.
- Garlic Bread: A buttery side that complements the sliders perfectly.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine with dressing balances the richness of the sliders.
- Sweet Potato Fries: These add sweetness and crunch, making them an excellent choice.
- Macaroni Salad: A creamy salad that provides a cool contrast to warm sliders.
- Corn on the Cob: Fresh corn brings sweetness and is easy to prepare on the grill.
- Baked Beans: Hearty and flavorful, they pair well with savory sliders.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.
- Skipping the Cheese Sauce: Don’t skip making the cheese sauce; it’s essential for flavor. Take the time to make it from scratch for a creamy and delicious result.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Using cold ingredients can affect how well your sliders cook. Ensure all dairy products like milk and butter are at room temperature before starting.
- Overcooking the Bacon: Overcooked bacon can become too crunchy and lose its flavor. Cook it just until crispy for the best texture in your sliders.
- Not Seasoning Properly: Failing to season each layer can lead to bland sandwiches. Make sure to season the turkey, cheese sauce, and tomatoes adequately.
- Assembling Too Early: Assembling sliders too early can lead to soggy bread. Wait until you’re ready to bake before putting all the ingredients together.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- They will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
- Wrap sliders tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for freezing.
- They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
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 until warm.
- Microwave: Place one slider on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on high for about 30 seconds or until warm. Start with short intervals to prevent drying out.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place sliders in the skillet, cover, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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, perfect as appetizers or snacks.
Can I use leftover turkey for these sliders?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey works wonderfully in Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders, adding great flavor while reducing waste.
How do I customize my Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders?
Feel free to add toppings like jalapeños or switch cheeses based on your preference. You can also use different meats such as ham or chicken.
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them. This makes preparation easier!
Final Thoughts
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are not only delicious but also versatile enough for various occasions. Whether it’s game day or a cozy family dinner, these sliders satisfy cravings effortlessly. Feel free to customize with your favorite ingredients for even more delightful variations!
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 sliders 1x
Description
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are a delightful twist on the classic open-faced sandwich, offering a fun and flavorful appetizer perfect for any gathering. These mini sandwiches combine juicy turkey, fresh tomatoes, crispy bacon, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce, all nestled between soft King’s Hawaiian rolls. Whether you’re hosting game day festivities or enjoying a cozy family dinner, these sliders are sure to impress your guests with their delicious taste and easy preparation.
Ingredients
- 1 lb turkey breast (sliced)
- 12 King's Hawaiian Rolls
- 2 medium tomatoes (sliced)
- 8–10 slices bacon (cooked)
- 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)
- ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter (melted)
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Make the cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour and gradually add milk until thickened. Stir in cheeses until melted.
- Slice rolls in half horizontally and layer the bottom with turkey slices, tomato slices, crumbled bacon, and half of the cheese sauce. Top with the other half of the rolls.
- Brush tops with melted butter mixed with garlic salt and bake covered for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider (70g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
