If you’re looking to bring a bit of classic Southern flavor to your next gathering, Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are the way to go! These little baked beauties pack all the indulgent goodness of the iconic Kentucky Hot Brown sandwich into perfectly portable, party-ready sliders. Each bite is a satisfying medley of tender turkey, savory bacon, juicy tomatoes, and melty cheese, all sandwiched between buttery rolls with a punchy glaze on top. Whether you’re hosting a game day bash, a family party, or just want something fun and comforting, Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders will be the star of your table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes these Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders truly standout is how easy they are to assemble, using staple ingredients that work together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component brings something special, from the soft rolls to the melty cheese, with just the right kick from a buttery topping.
- Slider rolls: The soft base that holds everything together—choose your favorite sweet or savory mini buns.
- Unsalted butter: Forgives you for every delicious calorie as it bathes the tops of the sliders and turns them golden brown.
- Dijon mustard: Adds creaminess and a little zing to the glaze, balancing out the rich cheeses.
- Garlic powder: Just the subtle kick you need to elevate the flavor of the topping.
- Worcestershire sauce: Delivers that deep, umami finish in every bite of your Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders.
- Sliced roasted turkey breast: The signature protein, tender and mild, soaks up all the other flavors.
- Cooked bacon: Smoky, crispy, and unapologetically delicious—absolutely non-negotiable!
- Shredded white cheddar cheese: Melts in creamy layers, blanketing the turkey and bacon with lusciousness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Sharp and nutty, Parmesan adds depth and a gorgeous golden crust.
- Thinly sliced tomatoes: Juicy rounds of tomato balance the richness and keep everything moist.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A sprinkle of fresh green at the end for color and a light herbal lift.
How to Make Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by firing up your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures nothing sticks and your sliders lift out easily, keeping those glorious cheesy layers intact.
Step 2: Build the Slider Base
Lay out the bottom halves of your slider rolls snugly in the baking dish. Think of this as the pillow that soaks up all the juices and flavors coming next.
Step 3: Layer the Good Stuff
Begin with a generous layer of sliced roasted turkey, followed by ruby-red tomato slices. Next, scatter strips of crispy bacon over the top. Finally, let it snow with white cheddar and Parmesan cheese until the whole base is beautifully blanketed.
Step 4: Finish Assembling
Gently nestle the tops of the slider buns over your loaded base. Press down just a bit to fuse all those layers together—this helps the cheese melt into every nook and cranny of your Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders.
Step 5: Brush with Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Generously brush this flavorful glaze over every inch of those slider tops for a glossy, flavor-packed finish.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover your dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes—this traps in steam and melts the cheese to ooey-gooey perfection. Remove the foil and bake for another 5–7 minutes until the tops are golden brown and just the right amount of crispy. A final sprinkle of parsley gives them a fresh pop!
How to Serve Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
Garnishes
After baking, a sprinkle of chopped parsley is a beautiful finishing touch for your Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders. It adds fresh color and a pleasant herbal note that cuts through the richness. For a little extra pop, you could also scatter a bit of extra Parmesan cheese on top just before serving.
Side Dishes
These sliders are pure comfort food, so serve them up with equally crave-worthy sides! Try crunchy kettle chips, a zingy slaw, or a crisp pickle platter to round out your spread. If you have a crowd, a simple mixed greens salad will balance out the sliders’ richness and makes for a more complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, nestle the sliders tightly together on a big platter, sprinkle them with extra parsley, and let guests grab and mingle as they munch. If you’re feeling fancy, skewer each Kentucky Hot Brown Slider with a toothpick and a grape tomato for a festive look. Or, slice them in half for bite-size mini sandwiches—guaranteed to disappear quickly!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you miraculously have leftovers, store your Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after chilling, making them just as tempting the next day for a quick lunch or snack.
Freezing
While these sliders are best enjoyed fresh and warm, you can freeze them for up to a month. Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the tastiest result.
Reheating
To recapture the melty, toasty magic, reheat your Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes (cover loosely with foil so they don’t dry out). You can also use a toaster oven or even a quick zap in the microwave if you’re in a rush, but the oven will give you the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! While sliced roasted turkey gives that true Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders flair, rotisserie chicken makes a tasty and convenient substitute that works just as well with the other ingredients.
What kind of bread works best for these sliders?
Stick with classic slider rolls or Hawaiian rolls for their soft, slightly sweet texture. They hold up well through baking while staying tender, but you can use any mini buns you like.
Is there a way to make these sliders a bit lighter?
You can certainly lighten things up using turkey bacon and part-skim cheese, and even add spinach leaves for a fresh, colorful boost without going overboard on calories.
How far in advance can I assemble Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders?
You can assemble the sliders up to 4 hours before baking. Just stash them (covered) in the refrigerator, then pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve—making them super party-friendly!
Can I make a vegetarian version?
For a veggie twist, omit the turkey and bacon and substitute roasted vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini with extra cheese. You’ll get all the comforting flavors in a crowd-pleasing vegetarian package.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard to resist the oozy, savory charm of Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders. Whether you’re new to this classic combo or a longtime fan, these sliders are bound to win you over at first bite. Give them a try at your next get-together—once you see everyone reaching for seconds, you’ll know you’ve found a new go-to recipe!
Print
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are a mini version of the classic open-faced sandwich, perfect for parties or game day. Layers of turkey, bacon, tomatoes, and cheeses are baked to gooey perfection on slider rolls, creating a savory and satisfying appetizer.
Ingredients
Slider Rolls:
- 12 slider rolls, halved
Butter Mixture:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Fillings:
- 1/2 lb sliced roasted turkey breast
- 1/2 lb cooked bacon
- 1 1/2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer sliders: Place bottom halves of slider rolls in the dish. Layer with turkey, tomato slices, bacon, and cheeses. Top with bun tops.
- Make butter mixture: Mix melted butter, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Brush over buns.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake 5–7 minutes until golden and cheese is melted.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- For richer flavor, use smoked turkey.
- Sliders can be prepped ahead and baked before serving.
- Great for parties or game day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 460 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
