Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders bring the classic openfaced Kentucky Hot Brown sandwich into a fun and easy to eat handheld form. These sliders are loaded with tender turkey, crispy bacon, fresh tomato slices, and a rich homemade cheese sauce called Mornay sauce all layered on sweet Hawaiian rolls. The glaze on top adds a sweet and tangy finish that perfectly balances savory elements. This recipe is perfect for game days, casual dinners, or special gatherings like the Kentucky Derby.

I first made these sliders for a game night with friends and they disappeared fast. Now they are a requested staple whenever we watch the big races or have casual parties.

Ingredients

• Salted butter and all purpose flour: Combine into a roux that thickens the cheese sauce for a smooth creamy texture. Use real butter for the best flavor.
• Nutmeg: Adds a subtle warm spice to the cheese sauce, enhancing its complexity. Freshly grated nutmeg is always preferable but pre ground works fine.
• Whole milk: Provides richness and creaminess to the sauce. Avoid skim milk as it thins out the sauce too much.
• Shredded Gruyere cheese: Melts beautifully and offers nutty, savory notes. You can substitute mozzarella or Swiss if needed.
• Hawaiian rolls: Bring a sweet softness that contrasts the savory ingredients well. Look for fresh rolls without preservatives.
• Sliced deli turkey: Provides a tender, lean protein layer. Leftover turkey or even cooked chicken works in a pinch.
• Bacon: Adds crunch and smoky goodness. Try to cook your own for crispy texture but store bought crumbles also work.
• Light brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, dried onion flakes, and garlic powder: Create the flavorful glaze topping the rolls. Adjust to taste and use quality mustard if possible.
• Ripe tomato slices: Contribute juiciness and a pop of acidity, balancing richness. Choose firm but ripe tomatoes for best results.

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics and Make the Cheese Sauce:

Melt the butter over medium heat in a small saucepan until fully melted. Whisk in the flour, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until smooth to form a roux. Cook this mixture for one full minute, stirring constantly to avoid lumps and to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly to keep the sauce smooth. Bring it to a simmer and let it cook for one minute more, whisking frequently until it thickens. Remove from heat and immediately whisk in the shredded Gruyere cheese until completely melted and glossy. Set this sauce aside.

Prepare the Roll and Meat Layers:

Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half lengthwise so you have a bottom and a top half. Place only the bottom halves cut side up in a buttered or sprayed 9x13 inch baking dish. Lay the sliced turkey evenly over the rolls in a single layer.

Add Bacon and Cheese Sauce Layers:

Arrange the crispy bacon pieces over the turkey slices. Then dollop the cheese sauce over the bacon, spreading it gently and evenly. Place a tomato slice on top of each roll, then sprinkle the shredded Gruyere cheese over the tomatoes.

Assemble, Glaze, and Bake:

Add the top halves of the Hawaiian rolls over the cheesy tomato layer. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, light brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, dried onion flakes, and garlic powder. Stir well until smooth. Brush this glaze all over the tops of the rolls generously. Cover the baking dish with nonstick foil ensuring the foil does not touch the rolls to prevent sticking.

Bake and Finish:

Place the covered baking dish into the oven preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for 20 minutes to heat through. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes or until the tops of the rolls are golden brown and caramelized. Let the sliders rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

My favorite ingredient has to be the Mornay cheese sauce. It transforms these sliders from a simple sandwich into something decadent and luscious. I remember the first time I tried this sauce at the Brown Hotel in Louisville and knew I wanted to replicate that magic at home. It’s proof that homemade cheese sauce is totally worth the effort.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. These sliders reheat best covered in foil either in the oven or microwave so they stay moist. You can also freeze the sliders before baking or after. When frozen baked sliders, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.

Ingredient Substitutions

Gruyere cheese can be swapped with Swiss, mozzarella, Gouda, or white cheddar depending on what you have. If you want a simpler glaze, a mixture of melted butter and brown sugar alone works fine though less complex. Hawaiian rolls can be replaced with any soft dinner roll or slider bun.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these sliders with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A side of sweet potato fries or kettle chips also works well for game day fun.

These sliders are an easy, crowd pleasing way to serve the flavors of the Kentucky Hot Brown. Make the cheese sauce ahead to save time on game day.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What makes the cheese sauce special?

The cheese sauce, or Mornay, is a creamy mixture of butter, flour, milk, and shredded Gruyere cheese, seasoned with nutmeg for a subtle warmth and depth of flavor.

→ Can I use other cheeses instead of Gruyere?

Yes, mozzarella, Swiss, Gouda, or white cheddar can be substituted to achieve similar meltiness and flavor profiles.

→ How do I prepare the glaze on top?

The glaze is a blend of butter, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, dried onion flakes, and garlic powder, brushed on the rolls before baking to create a sweet and savory crust.

→ What type of rolls work best?

Hawaiian sweet rolls add a slight sweetness that balances the savory layers, but dinner rolls can be used as an alternative.

→ How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Store sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for up to three months. Reheat covered in the oven or use the microwave carefully to avoid dryness.

→ Can this be made with chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, sliced chicken can replace turkey slices while maintaining the flavor and texture balance of the sliders.