Name: Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Southern Comfort
Ingredients: 1 package (12-count) slider rolls (Hawaiian rolls or brioche); 1 lb sliced roasted turkey (deli or leftover); 8 slices cooked bacon, cut in half; 1½ cups shredded Swiss cheese (or provolone); ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp butter, melted (for brushing); For the Mornay Sauce:; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1¼ cups whole milk; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp Dijon mustard; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; ½ cup shredded Swiss or white cheddar; ¼ cup grated Parmesan

Thank you for being here — truly! I’m so excited to share this game-day-and-holiday-ready twist on a classic: Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders. If you’ve never had a Hot Brown before, you’re in for a treat. It’s a rich, open-faced sandwich straight out of Louisville, Kentucky — stacked with turkey, bacon, and creamy Mornay sauce — and we’re turning that southern comfort into cheesy, pull-apart sliders. Right after the title, let me tell you: they’re buttery, savory, and the definition of indulgent!

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What Are Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders?

These sliders are a mini, party-friendly take on the traditional Hot Brown sandwich, which was invented at the Brown Hotel in the 1920s. Instead of open-faced, we’re layering roasted turkey, crispy bacon, and melty cheese between buttery slider rolls — and then drenching them in a garlicky, Dijon-spiked Mornay sauce. Baked until golden and bubbly, these little guys are a total showstopper!

Why You’ll Love These Sliders:

Rich and decadent. Cheese, bacon, butter — need we say more?
Perfect party food. Easy to serve, easy to love!
Make-ahead friendly. Assemble ahead, bake before guests arrive.
Great use for leftover turkey. Thanksgiving remix alert!
Southern comfort in every bite. But with no fork required.

What Do They Taste Like?

Imagine a bite of soft, toasty bun layered with creamy sauce, smoky bacon, tender turkey, and gooey cheese — all warmed together into slider heaven. Each mouthful is a combo of buttery crispiness, salty-rich bacon, and cheesy meltiness. These are comfort food in every way.

Ingredients for Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

1 package (12-count) slider rolls (Hawaiian rolls or brioche work great)
1 lb sliced roasted turkey (deli or leftover)
8 slices cooked bacon, cut in half
1½ cups shredded Swiss cheese (or provolone)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp butter, melted (for brushing)

For the Mornay Sauce:

2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1¼ cups whole milk
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ cup shredded Swiss or white cheddar
¼ cup grated Parmesan

Tools You’ll Need

Medium saucepan
Whisk
Baking dish or sheet pan
Serrated knife (to slice slider rolls evenly)
Pastry brush
Aluminum foil

Ingredient Substitutions & Additions

No turkey? Swap in rotisserie chicken or thick-sliced deli ham.
Need it spicy? Add sliced jalapeños or pepper jack cheese.
Don’t have Dijon? Use spicy brown or stone-ground mustard.
Add tomatoes for a nod to the original Hot Brown sandwich.

How to Make Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
Make the Mornay sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth and thickened (about 3–4 minutes).
- Stir in garlic powder, Dijon, salt, pepper, and both cheeses. Remove from heat once melted and smooth. Set aside.
Prepare the sliders:
- Slice the rolls in half horizontally (keep the top and bottom layers intact).
- Place the bottom halves in the prepared dish.
- Layer on turkey, bacon, and Swiss cheese.
- Spoon about ¾ cup of the Mornay sauce over the filling.
Top and bake:
- Add the top halves of the rolls. Brush with melted butter and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Uncover and bake another 5–7 minutes, until golden and melty.
Serve warm, gooey, and devoured instantly.

What to Serve with Hot Brown Sliders

Crispy oven fries or potato wedges
Fresh green salad to balance the richness
Pickles or coleslaw for a little acidity
Sweet tea or bourbon cocktails for that southern vibe

Tips for the Best Hot Brown Sliders

I’ve made these beauties more times than I can count, and trust me — a few simple tips take them from really good to absolutely unforgettable:
- Use bakery-fresh rolls. Soft, pull-apart slider rolls (like Hawaiian or brioche) hold everything together without going soggy. Stale bread just doesn’t do them justice!
- Don’t skimp on the sauce. That creamy Mornay is the heart of a true Hot Brown! Spoon a generous layer over the turkey and cheese before baking — and if you’re feeling extra, drizzle more on top once they’re done.
- Cook your bacon crispy. It adds a needed crunch that balances all the creaminess. No floppy bacon allowed here!
- Let the sauce thicken properly. When you make your Mornay, give it a few minutes on the stove to get silky and rich. A thin sauce will make the sliders soggy.
- Brush the tops with butter. That little extra step gives you that golden, bakery-style shine — and adds flavor, too!
- Cover with foil, then uncover to finish. This keeps the tops from browning too quickly while the cheese gets perfectly melty. Uncover at the end to get that irresistible toasted top.
- Let them rest before slicing. Give the sliders 5 minutes to cool after baking. This helps the filling set and makes them much easier to pull apart cleanly.
- Get creative! Add thin-sliced tomato, a little hot sauce, or even leftover roasted veggies for a fun twist. This recipe is flexible and forgiving!

Storage Instructions

These reheat beautifully — and may even taste better the next day!

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To reheat: Cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes, or microwave individual sliders for 30–45 seconds.
Freezing: Not recommended once assembled due to the creamy sauce, but you can freeze the cooked turkey and bacon ahead of time and assemble fresh.

🧊 Pro Tip: If making ahead for a party, assemble everything but the Mornay sauce and add it just before baking for best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the sliders (without the sauce) and refrigerate them, tightly covered. Warm the sauce and pour it over just before baking.

Are these spicy?

Not at all! But you can spice them up with hot sauce, pepper jack, or chili flakes in the sauce.

What’s the best cheese for the Mornay?

Swiss is classic, but white cheddar, Gruyère, or provolone all melt beautifully.

Can I use leftover turkey?

YES! This is one of the best ways to reinvent it.

Let’s Recap the Magic ✨

These Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are everything: buttery, cheesy, bacon-laced, and bite-sized. They channel all the decadent flavor of the classic open-faced Hot Brown, but wrapped in the convenience and crowd-pleasing joy of slider form. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or “let’s just stay in” comfort food nights, this is one recipe that will get requested again and again.

Want more cozy-meets-crowd-pleasing dishes? Try:

Baked Ham and Swiss Sliders
Buffalo Chicken Pull-Apart Sliders
Turkey & Cranberry Brie Sliders

Show Off Your Sliders!

💬 Tried these? I’d love to hear what you thought — drop a comment below!

📸 Tag your creations on Pinterest using #mmmrecipes — I’m always cheering you on in the kitchen!

Nutritional Information (Per Slider – based on 12 servings):

Calories: ~310
Carbs: 20g
Protein: 14g
Fat: 20g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 580mg