Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are all about bringing comfort food to the party level! Imagine all the deliciousness of a classic Kentucky Hot Brown, but in a fun, bite-sized form. This recipe has everything: savory turkey, rich cheese sauce, and crispy bacon, all snugly nestled in sweet Hawaiian rolls. Whether it’s for game day, a family gathering, or just a cozy night in, these sliders are guaranteed to win over hearts and appetites alike. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, ensuring you can enjoy more time with your guests rather than stress in the kitchen. Let’s get started on a recipe that will add warmth and fun to any table!

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Why This Recipe Works

The magic of Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders lies in the perfect balance of flavors. Savory turkey melds beautifully with a rich cheese sauce, all while crispy bacon adds a satisfying crunch. When baked together, these elements create an irresistible combination that makes each bite a delightful experience. The creamy cheese sauce ties everything together, enhancing the layers of turkey and tomatoes for a harmony that feels just right. Trust me; these flavors can turn a simple gathering into a memorable feast!

Why You’ll Love This Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

These sliders are perfect for just about any occasion! They’re not only a crowd-pleaser, but they also evoke a sense of comfort and familiarity. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to prepare with simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. If you’re looking for a fun twist on a classic dish, these sliders will elevate your snacks to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Ingredients for Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

• 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
• ¼ cup 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

Creating the Cheese Sauce

Make the Roux

To get started, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour. You’re aiming for a smooth mixture that turns golden brown—this should take about 1-2 minutes.

Add Milk and Seasonings

Next, slowly pour the milk into the roux while whisking constantly. This ensures no lumps form. Incorporate kosher salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg, then cook until the sauce thickens, which takes about 3-5 minutes.

Finish the Cheese Sauce

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded white cheddar and parmesan. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely, creating a creamy sauce. Now, set the cheese sauce aside for assembly.

Preparing the Butter Topping

Blend the Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic salt, parsley, and kosher salt. Make sure everything combines nicely. Set this buttery blend aside; you’ll use it later for brushing on the sliders.

Assembling the Sliders

Preheat the Oven

Before you get too far, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare the Baking Dish

Spray a 7×11-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Layer the Ingredients

Now for the fun part! Start by splitting the King’s Hawaiian Rolls in half and laying the bottom halves in the prepared baking dish. Next, layer turkey slices over the rolls. Follow this with tomato slices, a good drizzle of cheese sauce, and finally, sprinkle crumbled bacon on top.

Complete the Assembly

Place the top half of the rolls on your delicious layers. Brush the melted butter mixture generously over the tops of the sliders. This will create a golden, flavorful topping when baked.

Baking the Sliders

Cover and Bake

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil, then bake for 15 minutes. You want the cheese to get hot and bubbly!

Brown the Tops

After 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes. This step gives the slider tops a beautiful golden brown color, adding an appealing look to your dish.

Serve Warm

Once baked, slice the sliders and serve warm. Watch how quickly they disappear as your guests enjoy every last bite!

Serving Suggestions

These sliders pair wonderfully with a side of crispy potato chips or a fresh garden salad, making for a complete meal. You might even consider serving them with a light dip or homemade ranch dressing on the side to add an extra touch of flavor.

Tips for Success

Using fresh turkey breast can really amp up the flavor of your sliders. If you have holiday leftovers, now is the perfect time to use them. Keep an eye on the baking time; no one likes overly browned sliders!

Variations

For a little twist, try substituting turkey with leftover rotisserie chicken. It works beautifully and adds a different flavor. If you like heat, consider adding some jalapeños for a spicy kick or experimenting with different cheese varieties to bring in new tastes.

Storage Tips

Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the oven to restore their crispy goodness.

Pairing Ideas

To complement your sliders, enjoy them with a chilled glass of sweet iced tea or a light lager beer. Adding coleslaw alongside can provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory sliders.

FAQs

Can I make Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble them a few hours in advance and refrigerate. Just bake them before serving!

Can I freeze these sliders?
While they’re best served fresh, you can freeze the assembled sliders before baking. Wrap them tightly and bake directly from frozen, increasing the time slightly.

What can I substitute for white cheddar?
Gouda or mozzarella work as delicious alternatives. You could also try Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.

Are these sliders gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free rolls and flour, making it suitable for those on gluten-free diets.

Can I add more toppings?
Sure! Spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers can add more flavor and nutrition.

Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are a fantastic way to enjoy a beloved classic in a fun, shareable format. Simple to make and rich in flavor, they’re bound to be a hit at any gathering. Treat your friends and family to a dish that encapsulates the warmth and hospitality of Kentucky cuisine—you’re sure to have them coming back for seconds!

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