Name: Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 Hawaiian slider rolls (1 package); 12 slices roasted turkey breast (deli-style or homemade); 8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and cut in half; 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded; ½ cup sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded; 3 tablespoon unsalted butter; 3 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1 ¼ cups whole milk; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (plus more for topping); ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; 2 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese; 2 Roma tomatoes, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish); 2 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)

Looking for a show-stopping party bite? These Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are absolutely divine-oozing with creamy, cheesy sauce, smoky turkey, and crispy bacon, all nestled in soft slider buns! Imagine your favorite comfort food sandwich reimagined as a crowd-pleasing finger food.

They're rich, savory, and loaded with melty cheese-seriously irresistible! The best part? They're super easy to whip up (perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike) and bake up all at once on one pan, saving you time during busy gatherings.

Perfect for your next game day party, holiday get-together, or even a simple family dinner when you want something a little indulgent. Inspired by the legendary Louisville Hot Brown sandwich, these sliders pack BIG flavor in every bite!

Juicy, cheesy sliders oozing with creamy sauce and golden bacon on a platter

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Classic Kentucky Hot Brown flavors in a fun, bite-sized slider!
Bakes up in one pan for easy cleanup-great for parties and family dinners.
Ultra-creamy cheese sauce guarantees rich, melty goodness in every bite.
Customizable ingredients to fit your taste or diet.
Perfect for prepping ahead or feeding a hungry crowd!

Key Ingredients for Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Turkey Breast

Tender turkey breast is the star protein, providing juicy, lean meat that soaks up the rich cheese sauce. Use sliced deli turkey for convenience, or cook and shred fresh turkey if you want homemade flavor. Leftover holiday turkey works fabulously, too! If you prefer, try rotisserie chicken for a slightly different but equally delicious spin.

Gruyère Cheese

This nutty, melt-in-your-mouth cheese brings classic Hot Brown flavor and dreamy meltiness. If Gruyère isn't available, Swiss cheese or sharp white cheddar make great substitutes. Grate it fresh for the smoothest sauce!

Hawaiian Slider Rolls

Soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls are ideal for holding together all the saucy, gooey slider layers. Their pillowy texture and hint of sweetness pair perfectly with the savory filling. Feel free to swap for mini brioche buns or plain dinner rolls if preferred.

Crispy Bacon

Bacon adds a smoky crunch and burst of salty flavor. Cook it until perfectly crisp for the best contrast against the creamy sauce. For a shortcut, look for pre-cooked bacon strips, or swap in turkey bacon to lighten things up.

Mornay Sauce (Cheese Sauce)

The creamy Mornay sauce is what transforms these sliders into decadent masterpieces! It's made from butter, flour, milk, and cheese. Be sure to whisk constantly to avoid lumps and get that silky, velvety texture that's so essential to Kentucky Hot Brown flavor.

Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders cooking process

Instructions for Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish, or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Make the Mornay Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the mixture is golden and smells nutty. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking. Continue to cook and whisk until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and add the Gruyère, cheddar, black pepper, smoked paprika, and salt. Stir until the cheeses melt and the sauce is smooth.

Assemble the Sliders

Using a serrated knife, slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally (don't separate them). Place the bottom layer in your prepared baking dish. Lay the turkey slices evenly over the rolls. Spoon and spread the warm cheese sauce generously over the turkey. Top with a layer of tomato slices and arrange the crisp bacon pieces evenly on top.

Add More Cheese and Top Sliders

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the bacon and tomato layer. Place the top half of the rolls back on. Brush the tops with melted butter and lightly dust with extra smoked paprika for color.

Bake and Serve

Cover the baking dish loosely with foil. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 7-8 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and melty inside. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. For the final flourish, sprinkle with parsley, slice, and serve warm!

Recipe Variations

Spice It Up

Love a little heat? Add a pinch of cayenne to the cheese sauce or layer on a few pickled jalapeños between the turkey and tomatoes for a spicy kick.

Veggie Lover's Version

Swap the turkey for sliced sautéed mushrooms and baby spinach. The cheesy sauce pairs deliciously with earthy veggies, making a hearty vegetarian option!

Gluten-Free Sliders

Use your favorite gluten-free rolls and replace all-purpose flour in the sauce with a gluten-free blend or cornstarch. All the flavor, none of the gluten!

Cheesy Upgrades

Try swapping or adding cheeses-Fontina, smoked gouda, or even pepper jack can bring their own twist to the classic Mornay!

Lighter Option

Substitute part-skim cheeses, turkey bacon, and use low-fat milk in the sauce to shave calories and fat while keeping flavor high.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders hot from the oven alongside simple sides like a crisp green salad, classic potato chips, or creamy coleslaw. For extra flair, garnish with more fresh parsley or chopped chives. They also pair perfectly with sweet pickles or a tangy mustard for dipping!

Storage and Reheating

Store cooled leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Freezing is not recommended, as the cheese sauce may separate, but you can prep the sliders a day ahead and bake just before serving!

Frequently Asked Questions About Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders (FAQ)

Q: Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! Assemble the sliders (without baking) up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best results.

Q: What can I use instead of Gruyère cheese?

A: Swiss cheese or sharp white cheddar are both great alternatives. Even mozzarella will melt nicely, though it won't have quite the same nutty flavor.

Q: Can I use leftover roast turkey or chicken?

A: Definitely-leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this recipe. Just slice thinly and use as directed.

There you have it-crowd-pleasing, ultra-cheesy Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders loaded with classic Southern flavor! You'll love sharing them at parties, holidays, or any time you want a comforting treat. Give them a try, and don't forget to leave a comment or rating to let me know how yours turned out!