Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are a delightful twist on a classic dish. These sliders combine turkey, tomatoes, homemade cheese sauce, and crispy bacon into an irresistible appetizer. Perfect for game day, potlucks, or any gathering, these mini sandwiches are sure to impress your guests with their rich flavors and comforting textures.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these sliders in no time.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of creamy cheese sauce, savory turkey, and crispy bacon creates a mouthwatering experience.
- Versatile Serving Options: Ideal as an appetizer or main course, Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders fit any occasion.
- Crowd-Pleasing Dish: These sliders are perfect for gatherings, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to add extra toppings or adjust the ingredients to match your taste preference.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline the cooking process and make it more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: Ensures even cooking and easy serving of the sliders.
- Saucepan: Essential for making the cheese sauce smoothly without lumps.
- Whisk: Helps in mixing ingredients thoroughly for a creamy texture.
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: Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter.
- Whisk in the flour until combined and cook for about 1 minute.
- Gradually add whole milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
- Stir in kosher salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg.
- Once thickened, remove from heat and mix in white cheddar and parmesan cheese until melted.
Step 2: Prepare the Sliders
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic salt and parsley.
- Slice the King’s Hawaiian Rolls in half horizontally without separating them.
- Place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
Step 3: Assemble the Sliders
- Layer turkey slices evenly over the bottom rolls.
- Add tomato slices on top of the turkey.
- Drizzle with half of the cheese sauce.
- Sprinkle crumbled bacon over everything.
- Place the top halves of the rolls back on top.
Step 4: Bake
- Brush remaining cheese sauce over the top of the rolls.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden brown.
Now you’re ready to serve these delectable Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders! Enjoy each bite filled with flavor that brings a taste of Kentucky straight to your table.
How to Serve Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are a delightful twist on the classic dish, perfect for gatherings or casual dinners. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your slider experience.
Pair with Classic Sides
- Potato Chips – Crunchy and salty, they add texture and balance to the creamy sliders.
- Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw complements the richness of the sliders wonderfully.
- Pickles – Add a sharp contrast with dill pickles for a refreshing bite alongside.
Create a Slider Bar
- Toppings Station – Offer additional toppings like jalapeños, avocado, or hot sauce for guests to customize their sliders.
- Sauce Options – Provide sauces such as ranch dressing or barbecue sauce for an extra flavor kick.
Serve with Drinks
- Iced Tea – Sweetened or unsweetened iced tea pairs well and refreshes the palate.
- Craft Beer – A light lager or pale ale can enhance the flavors of the sliders.
How to Perfect Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
To create mouthwatering Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders, follow these tips for optimal flavor and texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh turkey and ripe tomatoes will elevate the taste significantly.
- Don’t Skimp on Cheese – A generous amount of cheese sauce ensures each bite is creamy and satisfying.
- Toast the Rolls Lightly – A quick toast on the Hawaiian rolls adds a nice crunch and prevents sogginess.
- Experiment with Bacon Types – Try different bacon varieties like maple-smoked for unique flavor profiles.
- Let Them Rest Before Serving – Allowing sliders to sit briefly helps meld the flavors together.
Best Side Dishes for Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
Pairing side dishes with Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options:
- Sweet Potato Fries – Crispy and sweet, they provide a great contrast to savory sliders.
- Caesar Salad – The crisp romaine and creamy dressing make for a refreshing companion.
- Corn on the Cob – Grilled corn adds sweetness and is perfect for summer gatherings.
- Baked Beans – Sweet and smoky baked beans complement sliders well, adding heartiness to your meal.
- Fruit Salad – A fresh fruit salad offers a light, sweet contrast that balances out rich flavors.
- Onion Rings – Crispy onion rings provide extra crunch and flavor depth beside your sliders.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.
- Skipping the Cheese Sauce: Omitting the cheese sauce can leave your sliders dry. Always prepare this creamy element for a rich flavor.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Starting with cold turkey or milk can affect texture. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
- Overcooking the Bacon: Burnt bacon can overpower your sliders. Cook it just until crispy, then crumble it for balanced flavor.
- Neglecting Seasoning: Forgetting to season layers can lead to bland sliders. Use salt and pepper generously throughout the recipe.
- Not Preheating the Oven: Baking sliders in a cold oven may result in uneven cooking. Always preheat before placing your dish inside.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders in an airtight container.
- They will keep well for up to 3 days.
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.
Reheating Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on high for 30-60 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about preparing Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes! You can substitute white cheddar with Gruyère or mozzarella for different flavors.
How do I make these sliders vegetarian?
Replace turkey with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version of Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders.
What should I serve with Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders?
Pair with a fresh salad or some crispy fries for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.
How long does it take to prepare Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders?
The total time is about 35 minutes, including preparation and baking time, making it a quick option for gatherings.
Final Thoughts
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are not just delicious; they offer versatility perfect for any occasion. These sliders can easily be customized with your favorite toppings or substitutions. Give them a try and impress your friends and family!
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 sliders 1x
Description
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are a scrumptious take on the classic Southern dish, offering layers of tender turkey, fresh tomatoes, and a rich homemade cheese sauce, all topped with crispy bacon. These mini sandwiches are perfect for any occasion—from game day celebrations to cozy family gatherings. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a delightful crunch from the buttery Hawaiian rolls, these sliders promise to be a crowd favorite. Serve them as an appetizer or a main course, and watch as your guests savor every bite!
Ingredients
- 1 pound turkey breast (sliced)
- 2 medium tomatoes (sliced)
- 8–10 slices cooked bacon (crumbled)
- 1 cup white cheddar cheese (shredded)
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- King's Hawaiian Rolls (12-count package)
- Unsalted butter
- Whole milk
Instructions
- Make the cheese sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, then gradually add milk while stirring until thickened. Mix in seasonings and cheeses until melted.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine melted butter with garlic salt and parsley.
- Slice the rolls in half horizontally and layer the bottom halves in a baking dish. Add turkey, tomatoes, cheese sauce, and crumbled bacon before placing the tops back on.
- Brush remaining cheese sauce on top, 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 (100g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
