Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are a delicious handheld take on the classic Kentucky Hot Brown sandwich. Tender turkey, crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and a rich homemade cheese sauce all layered on sweet Hawaiian rolls make these sliders a perfect choice for game day, parties, or a fun family dinner. The creamy cheese sauce, known as a mornay sauce, is surprisingly simple to make and brings together all the flavors in a wonderfully comforting way.

I made these sliders for a Kentucky Derby party once, and they were the first to disappear. Now, they are a go-to when I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Roux: Salted butter and allpurpose flour combine to create the roux that thickens the cheese sauce. Use good quality butter for the best flavor
• Nutmeg: Nutmeg adds a subtle warmth to the mornay sauce. It is delicate and optional but really elevates the sauce
• Whole milk: Whole milk creates a creamy texture in the sauce. Avoid skim milk because it won't provide enough richness
• Shredded Gruyere cheese: Shredded Gruyere cheese melts beautifully and adds a nutty taste. If you can find aged Gruyere, that will deepen the flavor
• Hawaiian rolls: Hawaiian rolls offer a sweet contrast to the savory ingredients inside. Choose fresh, soft rolls for the best slider experience
• Sliced deli turkey: Sliced deli turkey is the main protein. Leftover turkey or even chicken work well if you want to switch it up
• Bacon: Bacon provides the essential crunch and smoky flavor. Freshly cooked bacon is ideal, but storebought bacon bits can work in a pinch
• Glaze: Light brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, dried onion flakes, and garlic powder combine to make the flavorful glaze that brushes the tops of the rolls
• Tomatoes: Tomatoes add freshness and a juicy bite, choose ripe and firm tomatoes for the best slices

Instructions

Sauté the Roux:

Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until smooth and cook for one minute to remove the raw flour taste.

Add the Milk:

Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and continue whisking for one minute until it thickens.

Incorporate the Cheese:

Remove the pan from heat and whisk in the shredded Gruyere cheese until fully melted and smooth. Set this cheese sauce aside for assembling the sliders.

Prepare the Rolls and Turkey:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally and place the bottom halves cut side up into a greased 9 by 13 baking dish. Layer the sliced deli turkey evenly over the rolls.

Layer the Bacon and Sauce:

Add the crispy bacon pieces on top of the turkey, then dollop spoonfuls of the cheese sauce over the bacon. Spread the sauce gently to cover the sliders.

Add Tomatoes and Cheese:

Place tomato slices evenly over the cheese sauce, then sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Gruyere cheese on top of the tomatoes.

Top and Glaze the Rolls:

Place the top halves of the Hawaiian rolls over the layers. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, light brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, dried onion flakes, and garlic powder. Brush this glaze all over the top of the rolls.

Bake the Sliders:

Cover the baking dish with nonstick foil, taking care not to let it touch the rolls if possible. Bake covered for about 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake another 5 minutes until the tops are golden and slightly caramelized.

Rest and Serve:

Allow the sliders to cool for five to ten minutes before slicing. This gives the cheese sauce time to set slightly for easier serving.

Gruyere cheese is my favorite part of this dish because it melts into the sauce with a smooth, nutty flavor that puts it over the top. One time I made these sliders for a family reunion, and everyone was lining up for seconds which told me I had recreated something really special.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, cover the sliders with foil to keep them moist and avoid burning. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

Gruyere can be swapped with mozzarella, Swiss, Gouda, or white cheddar if you prefer. Each cheese will offer a slightly different flavor profile but will still be delicious. You can use chicken instead of turkey, especially if you have leftovers from a roast. Storebought precooked bacon bits also work if you want to save time on cooking bacon.

Serving Suggestions

These sliders shine on their own but pair wonderfully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For parties, serve alongside chips and pickles to balance the richness. A crisp white wine or a cold lager complements the cheesy, smoky flavors perfectly.

These Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are a crowd-pleasing, easy make ahead option that balances sweet and savory. They reheat well and are perfect for parties or a comforting weeknight meal.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ What is a Kentucky Hot Brown?

A traditional open-faced sandwich from Louisville, featuring turkey, bacon, and a creamy cheese sauce, often served warm on toasted bread.

→ What makes the cheese sauce special?

The cheese sauce, known as Mornay, combines melted Gruyère cheese with a buttery roux, seasoned lightly with nutmeg for creamy richness.

→ Can I substitute the type of cheese used?

Yes, options like mozzarella, Swiss, Gouda, or white cheddar work well if Gruyère isn’t available.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

→ What’s the best way to reheat these sliders?

Cover with foil and warm in the oven to prevent burning, or use a microwave with care to avoid drying out.