Hey y'all! If you love the classic flavors of the famous Kentucky Hot Brown sandwich, you're going to go wild for these Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders. They're loaded with melty cheese, juicy turkey, crispy bacon, and a rich, creamy sauce—all layered in buttery, soft slider buns. Whether you’re hosting a Derby party, game night, or just looking for a hearty snack, these little sandwiches are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe
- Perfect for entertaining—great as party appetizers or a fun family dinner.
- Delivers classic Kentucky Hot Brown flavors in a hand-held, bite-sized form.
- Quick to prepare—ready in under 40 minutes with minimal mess.
- Ultra-cheesy, savory, and satisfying with every bite.
- Easy to customize with different cheeses or meats.
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe Ingredients
- 12 slider buns or Hawaiian rolls
- 1 pound sliced roasted turkey breast (deli-style or homemade)
- 8 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (plus more for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Sauce
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
- Slowly add milk, whisking until smooth. Cook 2-3 minutes, until thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Remove from heat.
Step 2: Assemble the Sliders
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Slice slider buns in half horizontally (keeping them connected if possible). Place the bottom halves in the dish.
- Layer evenly with turkey slices, then sprinkle with cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Drizzle the prepared cheese sauce over the turkey and cheese.
- Top with chopped bacon, then cover with the top halves of the slider buns.
Step 3: Add Butter Topping & Bake
- Brush tops of buns generously with melted butter. Sprinkle with a little more smoked paprika for color and flavor.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Uncover, bake an additional 7-10 minutes, until tops are golden and cheese is bubbly.
Step 4: Serve
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes for Making the Best Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe
- Use good-quality deli turkey or leftover roasted turkey for the juiciest sliders.
- If you want an extra-crispy top, broil the sliders for 1-2 minutes after baking (monitor closely!).
- Learn more about roux and cheese sauce basics at Serious Eats.
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe: Variations
- Ham & Turkey Sliders: Mix in sliced ham for extra flavor and a heartier bite.
- Spicy Sliders: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for some heat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free slider buns and flour in the cheese sauce.
Required Equipment for Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Basting brush
- Sharp knife
Storage Instructions
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or until warmed through. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.
What to Serve with Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe
- Pair with a side of Kentucky Derby Bean Salad or a crisp garden salad.
- Try with sweet potato fries, kettle chips, or tangy coleslaw for a complete meal.
- Serve with iced tea, bourbon cocktails, or lemonade for a true Southern vibe.
Pro Tips for Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe
- Let the sliders cool for 5 minutes before slicing for cleaner, less messy servings.
- Don’t skimp on the cheese sauce—it’s the secret to authentic Hot Brown sliders! For more on cheese-melting, see The Kitchn.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the creamiest, smoothest melt; pre-shredded blends may be drier.
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe FAQ
- Can I make Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders ahead of time?
- Yes, assemble the sliders (without baking), cover, and refrigerate up to 1 day ahead. Bake just before serving.
- What’s the best cheese for Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders?
- Sharp cheddar and mozzarella melt beautifully and deliver lots of flavor, but you can swap in Gruyère or Swiss if you’d like.
- Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of turkey?
- Absolutely! Chicken is a tasty and easy substitute — just slice or shred it before layering.
Ingredients
- 12 slider buns
- 2 cups cooked turkey breast, sliced
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
-
1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
-
2In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to make a Mornay sauce.
-
3Slice the slider buns in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves in the prepared baking dish. Layer the turkey slices evenly over the buns, then spoon the Mornay sauce over the turkey.
-
4Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the sauce, then top with crumbled bacon.
-
5Place the top halves of the buns over the filling. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden.
-
6Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!