Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are a delightful twist on a classic dish. This recipe transforms the traditional open-faced sandwich into a fun and shareable appetizer, perfect for any occasion. With layers of turkey, fresh tomatoes, rich homemade cheese sauce, and crispy bacon, these sliders are sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or looking for a tasty addition to your potluck spread, Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders will be the star of the show.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these sliders quickly.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of turkey, creamy cheese sauce, and crispy bacon creates an irresistible taste that everyone will love.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as an appetizer or main course; they fit seamlessly into any meal plan.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings and parties; these sliders are always a hit with guests.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or adjust the ingredients to suit your taste.
Tools and Preparation
To make Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders efficiently, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious recipe.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: Ensures even cooking and makes serving easy.
- Mixing bowl: Great for combining ingredients without mess.
- Whisk: Helps create a smooth cheese sauce without lumps.
- Knife: Essential for slicing tomatoes and turkey evenly.
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
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter.
- Once melted, whisk in 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour until smooth.
- Gradually add in 1 cup of whole milk while continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in kosher salt, black pepper, ground nutmeg, white cheddar cheese, and parmesan cheese until fully melted and combined.
Step 2: Assemble the Sliders
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt ¼ cup of butter in a small bowl and mix in garlic salt and parsley.
- Slice the King’s Hawaiian Rolls in half horizontally without separating them completely.
- Place the bottom halves in a greased baking dish.
- Layer on turkey breast slices followed by tomato slices and crumbled bacon.
- Drizzle the prepared cheese sauce over the top before adding the top half of the rolls.
Step 3: Bake the Sliders
- Brush the tops of the rolls with the melted butter mixture.
- Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden brown.
These Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are not just easy to make but also offer a delicious taste that’s perfect for any gathering!
How to Serve Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
Serving Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders is an enjoyable way to share a delicious twist on a classic sandwich. These sliders are perfect for gatherings, parties, or a cozy family dinner.
For Game Day
- With Dipping Sauces: Serve with ranch or spicy mustard for an added kick.
- On a Platter: Arrange sliders on a large platter for easy serving and a beautiful presentation.
As Party Appetizers
- Mini Skewers: Use toothpicks to secure each slider for easy handling.
- Garnished with Herbs: Top with fresh parsley or basil for added color and flavor.
Pairing with Drinks
- Craft Beer: The rich flavors of the sliders pair well with a light lager or pale ale.
- Sweet Tea: A classic Southern drink that complements the savory taste of the sliders.
How to Perfect Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
To make your Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders truly memorable, consider these helpful tips.
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for unique flavors.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use ripe tomatoes and high-quality turkey for the best taste.
- Crispy Bacon: Ensure bacon is cooked until crispy to add texture to each bite.
- Oven Temperature: Bake at the right temperature to achieve a golden-brown top without burning.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow sliders to rest for a few minutes after baking; this helps flavors meld together.
Best Side Dishes for Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
Pairing side dishes with Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Coleslaw: A crunchy and creamy side that balances the richness of the sliders.
- Potato Wedges: Seasoned wedges provide a hearty complement; serve them hot and crispy.
- Fruit Salad: Fresh fruits add a refreshing touch and contrast nicely with savory flavors.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled, corn is sweet and pairs well with the sliders’ savory notes.
- Baked Beans: Their smoky flavor adds depth; serve warm as a comforting side.
- Pickles or Pickled Vegetables: Their acidity cuts through richness, adding brightness to your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here’s how to avoid them.
- Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold turkey or cheese can lead to uneven melting. Always use room temperature ingredients for better results.
- Overcooking the sauce: If you cook the cheese sauce too long, it can become grainy. Remove it from heat as soon as the cheese melts smoothly.
- Skipping the spices: Not adding seasonings like nutmeg and garlic salt can result in bland sliders. Be sure to season well for the best flavor.
- Not layering properly: Failing to layer your turkey, tomatoes, and cheese sauce evenly can cause some sliders to be dry. Spread each ingredient evenly for balanced bites.
- Rushing the assembly: Assembling sliders too quickly can lead to spills or uneven distribution of ingredients. Take your time to ensure everything is placed correctly.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
- Wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag; they can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place sliders on a baking sheet and reheat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat one slider at a time on a microwave-safe plate for about 30-60 seconds. Check for desired warmth.
- Stovetop: Heat in a non-stick skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders that might help you perfect your dish.
What are Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders?
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are bite-sized versions of the classic open-faced sandwich, featuring turkey, tomatoes, a rich cheese sauce, and crispy bacon.
Can I customize my Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders?
Absolutely! You can swap out turkey for chicken or add different cheeses based on your preference.
How do I make the cheese sauce for Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders?
To make the cheese sauce, melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk while stirring, followed by cheeses until smooth and creamy.
Are Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders suitable for parties?
Yes! These sliders are perfect for gatherings and events due to their bite-sized nature and delicious flavors.
Final Thoughts
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are not only tasty but also versatile. They’re great as appetizers or served as part of a main course. Feel free to customize them with your favorite ingredients for an even more personalized touch. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
Description
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are a mouthwatering twist on the classic open-faced sandwich, perfect for any gathering or special occasion. These sliders feature layers of tender turkey, juicy tomatoes, and crispy bacon, all smothered in a rich, homemade cheese sauce. They are not only easy to prepare but also incredibly flavorful, making them a crowd-pleaser whether you’re hosting game day or a potluck dinner. With just a few simple ingredients and quick assembly, you’ll impress your guests with this unforgettable Southern comfort food.
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)
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter.
- Whisk in 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour until smooth.
- Gradually add 1 cup of whole milk while whisking until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in kosher salt, black pepper, ground nutmeg, white cheddar cheese, and parmesan cheese until fully melted and combined.
- Slice the King's Hawaiian Rolls in half horizontally without separating them completely.
- Place the bottom halves in a greased baking dish.
- Layer on turkey breast slices followed by tomato slices and crumbled bacon.
- Drizzle the prepared cheese sauce over the top before adding the top half of the rolls.
- Brush the tops of the rolls with the melted butter mixture.
- Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider (75g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
