If you’re searching for a can’t-miss crowd-pleaser that perfectly blends comfort food nostalgia and Southern charm, look no further than these irresistible Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders. Imagine layers of tender roasted turkey, crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and gooey cheddar cheese, all stacked inside pillowy slider buns and draped in a buttery, tangy glaze. It’s everything you love about the classic Hot Brown sandwich, reimagined as bite-sized sliders that disappear by the dozen. Whether you’re hosting a game night, a cozy brunch, or a laid-back dinner with friends, Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are about to become your new signature dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders come together with simple, straight-to-the-point ingredients that pack a major punch in both flavor and texture. Every element—whether it’s the cheese, turkey, or tangy glaze—brings something essential to the party, ensuring your sliders are oozy, savory, and completely irresistible.
- Slider rolls or mini brioche buns (12): Soft, pillowy rolls perfectly hold all those delicious fillings and soak up the buttery glaze.
- Sliced roasted turkey breast (12 ounces): Tender turkey is the heart of this slider, providing savory, lean protein.
- Cooked bacon, cut in half (8 slices): Smoky, crispy bacon adds irresistible crunch and a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Tomatoes, thinly sliced (2 medium): Juicy tomato slices brighten things up and balance the richness of the cheese and bacon.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups): Melty cheddar delivers that signature ooze and bold flavor.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): A finishing sprinkle of Parmesan provides a nutty, salty kick and a gorgeous golden top.
- Unsalted butter, melted (4 tablespoons): Melted butter lays the foundation for a rich, golden crust on top of the sliders.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Dijon cuts through the richness, giving the glaze a tangy, peppery lift.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon): A little goes a long way for savory depth and umami.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds gentle, aromatic warmth to the buttery glaze.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): The smoky notes from paprika sandwich everything together beautifully.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Season to your liking, making every slider sing with flavor.
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish: A brilliant green pop of freshness to finish each hot slider.
How to Make Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and give a 9×13-inch baking dish a little love with nonstick spray or a swipe of melted butter. The right start ensures your Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders will lift out clean and golden-crusted every time.
Step 2: Slice and Set Up the Rolls
Take your slider rolls—don’t break them apart just yet!—and slice them horizontally so you have one big slab of tops and one of bottoms. Lay the bottom halves into your greased baking dish as the base of these hearty sliders.
Step 3: Layer on the Turkey
Evenly spread all that savory roasted turkey over the bottom buns. Try to overlap the slices a bit so every slider gets plenty of turkey in each bite.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Bacon
Next up: nestle those juicy tomato slices right over the turkey, then top them with your crispy, halved bacon. This trio is the soul of every Kentucky Hot Brown Slider, creating a flavorful, juicy, and crunchy stack.
Step 5: Sprinkle Cheddar Cheese
Now it’s time for the cheese! Spread a generous layer of shredded sharp cheddar over the entire dish, right on top of the bacon. It’s going to melt down beautifully as the sliders bake, binding all those classic flavors together.
Step 6: Cap with the Bun Tops
Place the top halves of your buns over the fillings, lining them up so everything is stacked just right. You’re building the perfect cross-section for these crowd-loving Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders.
Step 7: The Buttery Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Brush this golden, aromatic mixture all over the tops of the rolls for that signature Hot Brown tang and a glossy finish.
Step 8: Parmesan Finish
Shower the tops of your buns with grated Parmesan. This step will give you a gorgeous, cheesy crust and extra punch of flavor when the sliders come out of the oven.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 5–7 minutes, just until the tops are golden and the cheese is bubbly and irresistible.
Step 10: Slice, Garnish, and Serve
Let your Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders rest for a few minutes, then slice them into individual portions. Finish each one with a flourish of chopped fresh parsley for color and pop. Serve warm and watch them vanish!
How to Serve Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
Garnishes
Sprinkle a generous shower of freshly chopped parsley over the warm sliders—this not only makes them visually stunning but also adds a hint of fresh flavor that cuts through the richness. If you’re feeling a little extra, a light dusting of additional Parmesan or a quick grind of black pepper can make them truly next-level.
Side Dishes
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders shine alongside simple, zesty sides like a crisp green salad or classic dill pickles, both of which add bright contrast to every gooey, cheesy bite. For a heartier meal, try them with roasted vegetables or even seasoned fries; they’re a natural fit for both casual spreads and dressed-up occasions.
Creative Ways to Present
Set your sliders on a big board with different dipping sauces—think honey mustard, ranch, or a mild hot sauce—for a DIY slider bar. For parties, skewer each slider with a party pick and stack them high on a platter lined with greens. They’re also perfect for lunchboxes or to tuck into a picnic basket; simply wrap them up in parchment for mess-free munching.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow wind up with leftovers (don’t be surprised if you don’t!), allow the Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders to cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or seal in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to three days, making them a fantastic next-day lunch option.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble and bake the sliders as directed, then let them cool fully. Wrap the entire dish tightly in foil, or pack individual sliders into freezer-safe containers or bags. They’ll keep beautifully for up to one month—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Pop your chilled or thawed sliders back into a preheated 350°F oven, covered, for about 10-12 minutes or until heated through. Remove the cover for the last 2-3 minutes for that signature golden, toasty top. A quick zap in the microwave also works in a pinch, though the oven delivers the best texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute chicken for turkey in Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders?
Absolutely! Shredded or sliced roasted chicken is a delicious swap if turkey isn’t on hand. The flavors will remain classic and comforting, and it’s a great way to use up leftovers from a rotisserie chicken or holiday meal.
How can I make Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders ahead of time for a party?
You can assemble the sliders up to a day ahead (right up until brushing on the butter mixture), then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, simply add the glaze and Parmesan, and proceed as directed. This makes party prep a total breeze!
What’s the best way to keep the sliders warm for serving?
Once baked, you can keep Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders warm in a low oven (around 200°F) lightly covered with foil. They’ll stay soft and melty until your guests are ready to dig in.
Can I add a sauce like traditional Hot Brown sandwiches?
Definitely! For extra indulgence, spread a thin layer of Mornay sauce (a creamy cheese sauce) over the turkey layer before adding the tomatoes and bacon. This takes the sliders even closer to the classic Louisville favorite.
What if I don’t have slider rolls—will dinner rolls work?
Yes! Dinner rolls, Hawaiian rolls, or even small ciabatta buns can be used. Just make sure they’re soft enough to absorb the glaze without falling apart, and cut them to size if needed for the perfect bite.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a platter of Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders, whether it’s game night, brunch, or just an ordinary Tuesday made a little bit extraordinary. Give these sliders a spot on your table and watch as friends and family come back for seconds—and maybe even thirds! I promise, they’ll become your new tradition.
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 delightful twist on the classic open-faced sandwich. Perfect for game day or as a savory appetizer, these cheesy baked sliders are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Ingredients
Slider Rolls:
- 12 slider rolls or mini brioche buns
Turkey Layer:
- 12 ounces sliced roasted turkey breast
Fillings:
- 8 slices cooked bacon, cut in half
- 2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Butter Mixture:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the sliders: Slice the slider rolls in half horizontally and place the bottom halves in the dish.
- Layer the fillings: Evenly layer turkey, tomatoes, bacon, and cheddar cheese over the rolls. Top with the remaining roll halves.
- Make the butter mixture: Whisk together melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Brush over the rolls.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the tops of the rolls.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let rest, then cut into sliders. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Serve with pickles or a green salad.
- For extra flavor, add a thin layer of mornay sauce before layering the turkey.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
