Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

Name: Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
Prep time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon butter; 1 1/2 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1 cup milk; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon white pepper; 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/8 teaspoon paprika; 1 ounce shredded white cheddar or grated Pecorino Romano cheese; 12 ounce package King's Hawaiian Sweet Rolls; 16 ounces thinly sliced turkey; 3 roma tomatoes (1/4-inch slices); 8 slices cooked and crumbled bacon; 4 tablespoons butter (melted); 1/4 teaspoon white pepper; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; 3 ounces shredded white cheddar or grated Pecorino Romano cheese

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Hot Brown Sliders are more than just a delicious snack – they're a celebration of Southern hospitality especially in Kentucky. Turkey and bacon are layered on a slider bun with tomato and a smothering of cheesy Mornay sauce. Make the components ahead of time for easy Derby Day or Spring entertaining!

Whether you're cheering on the horses at Churchill Downs or enjoying the Kentucky Derby from the comfort of your home, these incredible sliders are the perfect addition to your Derby Day festivities. As a true Kentuckian, horse racing is in my blood and going big for Derby Day is a must! I finally got to cross the Derby off my bucket list in 2017...and it was magical!

At their core, these Hot Brown Sliders feature layers of yummy turkey, savory bacon, sliced fresh ripe tomatoes, a creamy, rich homemade cheese sauce, and sandwiched between buttery, sweet rolls, creating a the perfect blend of flavors and textures!

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Make mini croissant sandwiches with my famous Homemade Pimento Cheese and Southern Chicken Salad for more hearty hand-held treats at your Derby Day Party or spring get-together!

Holding 1 Kentucky hot brown slider in his hand.

What is the World-Famous Hot Brown?

Originating from the historic Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, the Hot Brown sandwich has been a beloved Derby Day staple since the 1920s. Traditionally, it's a classic open-faced sandwich consisting of turkey, bacon, tomatoes, and a creamy Pecorino Romano cheese sauce (Mornay sauce) served over Texas toast.

Our Hot Brown Sliders recipe takes this iconic original recipe to the next level by transforming it into bite-sized sliders, ideal for sharing and savoring during the festivities.

Why You'll Love this Recipe

Perfect for Parties: Beside a Kentucky Derby Party, these sliders are the perfect appetizer at a party, special event, or game night. I'm always making them during football season!
Handheld Treat: Their small size makes them easy to manage, and the variety of flavors packed into each bite ensures that they are a crowd-pleaser.
Easy Assembly & Make-Ahead Wonder: You can make the components for this Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders recipe ahead of time and assemble and bake right before your party making it easier for entertaining.
Incredible Textures and Flavors: The combination of creamy, crunchy, and soft textures along with sweet and savory flavors creates the perfect bite!

Ingredients

Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Recipe Card Below

Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth texture for the sauce.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce.
Milk: Adds creaminess and richness.
White pepper: Adds flavor and a subtle heat. Black pepper can be used instead if you don't have white pepper on hand.
Nutmeg: Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
Paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness and color.
White cheddar cheese: The star ingredient, it provides a rich, tangy flavor and adds creaminess. Traditionally, the hot brown uses Pecorino Romano cheese, so you can use that if you'd like as well.
King's Hawaiian Rolls: Serve as the foundation of the sliders, providing a soft and slightly sweet bread base. The sweetness of the rolls complements the savory ingredients.
Turkey Breast: The main protein that provides substance and flavor.
Roma Tomatoes: Adds acidity and a fresh and juicy touch.
Bacon: Contributes a smoky, salty flavor and a satisfying crunch.

The ingredients to make hot brown sliders.

Tools You'll Need

13”x9” Baking Dish or 12" Round Baking Dish
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Medium Saucepan
Flat Whisk

How to make Hot Brown Sliders

To Make the Mornay Sauce:

To a small skillet on medium-low heat, melt butter. Whisk in the flour, and cook 1 minute.
Whisk milk into the mixture until it’s a cohesive blend.
Stir in white pepper, nutmeg, paprika, and salt. Bring to a light simmer.
Once thickened, fold and blend in cheese. Turn off the heat and set aside.

For the Brown Sliders:

In a small bowl, whisk together butter, white pepper, nutmeg, and paprika.

Place the bottom buns in a 13"x9" baking dish.
Build the sliders in this order: turkey, tomato slices the prepared Mornay sauce, crispy bacon, shredded cheese, then the top buns.

Brush the seasoned butter on the tops of the rolls. Cover with aluminum foil. Bake at 350ºF for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 5-10 minutes or until the buns are golden brown and cheese melted.

A Kentucky Experts Hot Brown Tips

As a Kentucky-native, I know all the tips to the perfect hot brown, I've been eating them for too many years!

Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh and high-quality ingredients, especially when it comes to the turkey, bacon, and tomatoes. Fresh ingredients will elevate the flavor of your sliders.
Customize the Sauce: While Mornay sauce is traditional, feel free to experiment with different cheese sauces to suit your taste preferences. Pecorino Romano is what is traditionally used, by I love it with white cheddar cheese. You can also use sharp cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, gruyere, or Swiss.
Make Ahead: You can prepare components of the sliders ahead of time to save time on the day of serving. Cook the bacon and prepare the Mornay sauce in advance. Assemble the sliders just before baking.
Meat Options: You can use fresh sliced turkey breast, holiday, leftover turkey, or deli turkey. You can also substitute the turkey with sliced chicken breast or even roasted vegetables for a vegetarian option.
Bread Variations: While King's Hawaiian Sweet Rolls are traditional, you can use other types of bread for the sliders, such as dinner rolls, mini ciabatta rolls, or even sliced baguette.
Bacon Alternatives: If you don't eat pork, you can use turkey bacon or beef bacon as a substitute for traditional bacon.
Sauce Variations: In addition to Mornay sauce, you can use other sauces or spreads such as barbecue sauce, honey mustard, dijon mustard, or pesto for a unique twist.
Slider Garnishes: You can simply stick fun serving picks into each slider, or you can also sprinkle with poppy seeds prior to baking or chopped fresh parsley after they've baked.

What to Serve with Brown Sliders

Hot Brown Sliders pair well with a variety of side dishes such as macaroni salad, potato salad, pasta salad, or a simple green salad. You can also serve them alongside pickles, olives, or chips for a complete meal.

Storage and Freezing

Refrigeration: Store leftover roast beef sliders in the refrigerator in an airtight container up to 2-3 days.

Freezing: For longer storage, you can these sliders. However, freezing can affect the texture, so it's best for shorter periods. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes.

Reheating: Place leftovers in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave. However, this will affect the texture of the bread. Heat in short intervals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Hot Brown Sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare some components ahead of time like prepare the bacon and making the Mornay sauce. Assemble the sliders just before baking to ensure they stay fresh and flavorful.

Can I freeze Hot Brown Sliders?

It's not recommended to freeze assembled sliders as the texture of the bread may become soggy upon thawing.

What are some alternative cheeses I can use for the Mornay sauce?

While Pecorino Romano cheese is the traditional choice for Mornay sauce, you can experiment with other cheeses such as Gruyère, Parmesan, sharp cheddar, Swiss, or Fontina for different flavor profiles.

Can I make Hot Brown Sliders gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free sweet rolls or bread to make Hot Brown Sliders. Additionally, ensure that you thicken your Mornay Sauce with a gluten-free flour or thickening agent.

What is Mornay Sauce?

Mornay, a French sauce is a variation of béchamel sauce. It's typically made with Gruyère or Parmesan, though other cheeses can be used. Its preparation begins with a buttery roux, which is then thickened with milk and simmered until smooth and velvety. Finally, the cheese is added creating a luxurious, velvety, rich white sauce.