Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are a delightful twist on a classic dish. These mini sandwiches combine tender turkey, juicy tomatoes, and a rich homemade cheese sauce, all topped with crispy bacon. Perfect for game day or any gathering, these sliders offer a burst of flavor in every bite. Their unique blend of ingredients makes them a standout choice for appetizers, dinners, or potlucks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare – With just 15 minutes of prep time, these sliders come together quickly.
- Flavor Explosion – The combination of cheeses, turkey, and seasonings creates a savory delight.
- Versatile Dish – Serve them as an appetizer, main course, or at parties; they fit any occasion!
- Crowd-Pleaser – These sliders are sure to be a hit with family and friends alike.
- Comfort Food – Rich and hearty, they bring warmth and satisfaction to your meal.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders, having the right tools on hand is essential. They help streamline your cooking process and ensure that each step is simple and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish – Essential for holding all the sliders together during baking.
- Whisk – Helps mix the cheese sauce smoothly without lumps.
- Saucepan – Ideal for preparing the cheese sauce evenly over heat.
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 melting the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted:
1. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute until golden.
2. Gradually pour in whole milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
3. Stir in kosher salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.
4. Cook until thickened; then remove from heat and mix in white cheddar and parmesan cheese until smooth.
Step 2: Assemble the Sliders
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter with garlic salt and parsley.
- Slice the King’s Hawaiian Rolls in half without separating them completely.
- Spread half of the cheese sauce on the bottom half of the rolls.
- Layer turkey slices, tomato slices, and crumbled bacon on top.
- Pour remaining cheese sauce over everything before placing the top half of rolls back on.
Step 3: Bake and Serve
- Brush the tops of the sliders with the melted butter mixture.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Allow cooling slightly before slicing into individual sliders to serve warm.
Enjoy your delicious Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders at your next gathering!
How to Serve Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders make for a delightful appetizer or main dish. They are perfect for gatherings, parties, or cozy family dinners. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your slider experience.
Casual Gatherings
- Buffet Style: Set up a buffet with the sliders and various toppings like extra cheese, jalapeños, and sauces.
- Mini Plates: Serve on small plates alongside toothpicks for easy handling during casual get-togethers.
Game Day
- Finger Food Platter: Create a platter with Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders complemented by chips and dip for easy snacking.
- Team Spirit: Decorate the serving area with team colors to enhance the game day atmosphere.
Special Occasions
- Elegant Presentation: Arrange sliders on a tiered stand for a visually appealing display at weddings or anniversaries.
- Pair with Cocktails: Serve alongside signature cocktails that match the festive vibe of the occasion.
How to Perfect Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
Perfecting your Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders can enhance flavor and presentation. Follow these tips for the best results.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh turkey and ripe tomatoes to elevate the taste.
- Melt Cheese Properly: Keep cheese at room temperature before melting to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Crisp Bacon: Cook bacon until crispy for added texture that enhances each bite.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with spices; they bring out the flavors in your sliders beautifully.
- Let Them Rest: Allow sliders a few minutes to rest after baking; this helps meld the flavors together.
Best Side Dishes for Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
When serving Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders, pairing them with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and freshness, balancing the richness of the sliders.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges provide hearty satisfaction and pair well with dipping sauces.
- Vegetable Platter: Offer a variety of fresh vegetables with hummus or ranch dressing for a healthy choice.
- Macaroni Salad: This creamy side is a classic favorite that complements sliders perfectly.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn brings sweetness and is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Chips and Salsa: A simple yet flavorful side that adds an enjoyable crunch alongside your sliders.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final taste and presentation.
- Overcooking the bacon: This can lead to a dry texture. Cook until crispy but not too hard; it should still have some chewiness.
- Using cold milk for cheese sauce: Starting with cold milk can create lumps in your sauce. Always use room temperature milk for a smooth consistency.
- Skipping the nutmeg: This spice adds depth to your cheese sauce. Don’t skip it; just a pinch enhances the flavor significantly.
- Not layering ingredients properly: Proper layering helps distribute flavors evenly. Arrange turkey, tomatoes, and bacon in layers for the best taste in every bite.
- Ignoring the resting time: Letting the sliders rest after baking allows flavors to meld together. Don’t rush this step; it’s crucial for taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders in an airtight container.
- They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
- Wrap individual sliders in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They are best used within 2 months of freezing.
Reheating Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place sliders on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30-60 seconds, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, covering with a lid to retain moisture, about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders that may help you perfect your dish.
What are Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders?
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are a mini version of the classic open-faced sandwich featuring turkey, tomatoes, cheese sauce, and bacon served on soft rolls.
Can I make Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sliders up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble them without baking and cover until ready to cook.
What can I substitute for turkey in Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders?
You can use chicken or ham as alternatives. These meats also pair well with the cheese sauce and toppings.
How spicy are Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders?
These sliders are not inherently spicy. The flavor comes from cheese and seasonings but feel free to add hot sauce or jalapeños for extra heat!
Final Thoughts
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are a delightful twist on a classic dish, perfect for appetizers or casual dinners. They offer endless customization options, from different meats to various cheeses. Try them out at your next gathering!
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Description
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are a mouthwatering twist on the classic Southern dish, perfect for any gathering. These delectable mini sandwiches feature tender turkey, juicy tomatoes, and a creamy homemade cheese sauce, all topped with crispy bacon for an unforgettable flavor experience. Whether you’re hosting game day or enjoying a cozy family dinner, these sliders are sure to impress with their rich taste and delightful presentation. Easy to prepare and packed with comfort food goodness, Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are a must-try for your next event!
Ingredients
- 1 pound turkey breast (thickly sliced deli turkey or leftover)
- 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)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for cheese sauce)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for cheese sauce)
- 1 cup (245 g) whole milk (room temperature)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt (for cheese sauce)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (for cheese sauce)
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (for cheese sauce)
- ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter (melted, for sliders)
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt (for sliders)
- ½ teaspoon fresh parsley (finely chopped, for sliders)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (for sliders)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, whisking in flour for 1 minute. Gradually add whole milk while whisking until thickened. Stir in cheeses until smooth.
- Slice the rolls in half and layer the bottom with half of the cheese sauce. Add turkey, tomatoes, and crumbled bacon. Top with remaining cheese sauce and place the roll tops back on.
- Brush tops with melted butter mixed with garlic salt and parsley. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before slicing into individual sliders.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
