Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders: Ultimate Party Sandwich Recipe
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are a delicious take on the classic open-faced Kentucky Hot Brown sandwich, transformed into handheld party sliders. Featuring tender turkey breast, crispy bacon, and a creamy Mornay-style cheddar cheese sauce nestled in sweet Hawaiian rolls, these sliders are baked to golden perfection and perfect for gatherings or game day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 package (12-count) Hawaiian sweet rolls
- 1 pound sliced cooked turkey breast (lunch meat or leftovers)
- 6 slices cooked turkey bacon or beef bacon (optional but recommended)
- 2 cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided (1 tablespoon melted for brushing tops, 1 tablespoon for sauce)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (plus extra for butter, optional)
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the milk and stir constantly until the sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes. Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and remove from heat. This will be your creamy cheddar Mornay-style sauce.
- Assemble the Sliders: Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping them connected. Place the bottom halves in the baking dish. Layer turkey slices evenly over the bread, then crumble bacon over the turkey if using. Pour the warm cheese sauce evenly over the meat, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the sauce. Place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese layer.
- Butter the Tops: Brush the tops of the rolls with the melted butter. Optionally, mix in a pinch of garlic powder or chopped parsley into the butter for added flavor before brushing.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 5–7 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
- Serve: Allow the sliders to cool for about 5 minutes, then cut and serve warm for best melty cheese experience.
Notes
- Swap out the cheddar cheese sauce for Gruyère or Swiss cheese for a nuttier flavor.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce for some heat.
- Stir in cooked mushrooms into the sauce for added depth.
- Use smoked cheddar or a dash of liquid smoke in the sauce to introduce a smoky flavor.
- These sliders can be made ahead and reheated, but are best enjoyed fresh and warm.
Keywords: Kentucky Hot Brown, sliders, party sandwiches, turkey sandwiches, cheesy sliders, American cuisine, Hawaiian rolls, baked sandwiches
