Experience a taste of Kentucky tradition transformed into the ultimate party appetizer! These Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are a classic made bite-sized, perfect for delighting a crowd at your next Kentucky Derby celebration or any festive gathering. Prepare for them to vanish in a flash!
As the vibrant energy of spring fills the air, anticipation for festive events like the Kentucky Derby grows. This iconic event isn’t just about thrilling horse races; it’s a celebration of Southern charm, stylish hats, and, most importantly, incredible food. While Mint Juleps are a must, no Derby party is complete without a spread of delicious, crowd-pleasing bites. That’s where these exquisite Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders gallop in! Forget the fuss of traditional open-faced sandwiches – we’re taking all the rich, savory flavors of this beloved dish and transforming them into irresistible, easy-to-eat sliders that are guaranteed to be the star of your spread.
Whether you’re hosting a grand Kentucky Derby party, a casual weekend get-together, or simply looking for a fun and flavorful meal, these sliders hit all the right notes. They capture the essence of the classic Hot Brown in a convenient, shareable format. Imagine tender turkey, crispy bacon, and fresh tomatoes, all enveloped in a creamy, cheesy Mornay sauce, tucked inside soft Hawaiian rolls and finished with a savory butter glaze. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will have your guests reaching for seconds, and probably thirds!
The Storied History Behind the Kentucky Hot Brown
To truly appreciate these sliders, it’s worth understanding the rich heritage of the original Kentucky Hot Brown. This iconic sandwich was created in 1926 by Chef Fred Schmidt at the historic Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. Back then, after a night of dancing and revelry, guests at the Brown Hotel often sought a hearty, satisfying meal. Schmidt’s culinary genius led him to invent an open-faced sandwich that would become a local legend.
The traditional Hot Brown is a substantial dish, typically served hot and fresh from the broiler. It starts with slices of oven-roasted turkey breast piled high on thick Texas toast, adorned with strips of crispy bacon, and then lavishly drenched in a rich, velvety Mornay sauce. A final flourish often includes a slice of ripe tomato, and it’s then broiled until the sauce is bubbly and lightly browned, creating a perfect balance of crispy edges and creamy indulgence. It’s more than just a sandwich; it’s a piece of Kentucky culinary history, a comforting, savory creation that has stood the test of time.
Why You’ll Adore These Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
While the classic Hot Brown is fantastic, our slider version offers several advantages that make it perfect for modern entertaining:
- Effortless Entertaining: Unlike the knife-and-fork affair of the original, these sliders are wonderfully portable and easy to eat while mingling. They eliminate the need for individual plating, making them ideal for parties and casual gatherings.
- Irresistible Flavor Profile: Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of savory turkey, smoky bacon, the bright tang of fresh tomato, and the luxurious, cheesy Mornay sauce. The slight sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls provides a delightful contrast, while the buttery, poppy seed glaze adds an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful golden finish.
- Surprisingly Simple to Make: Don’t be intimidated by the mention of Mornay sauce! It’s a classic French sauce that’s easier to master than you might think, requiring just a few common ingredients and a few minutes on the stovetop. This extra step is well worth it, elevating the sliders far beyond typical deli meat sandwiches.
- Crowd-Pleasing & Scalable: This recipe yields 12 generous sliders, making it perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. If you’re hosting a larger event, simply double or triple the recipe with ease. They’re guaranteed to be a hit and disappear quickly, so planning for plenty is always a good idea!
- A Touch of Culinary Elegance: Serving these sliders shows off a bit of culinary flair without requiring hours in the kitchen. They feel gourmet and special, perfect for themed parties like the Derby, yet remain approachable and comforting.
Essential Ingredients for Authentic Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
Crafting these delectable sliders requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving that authentic Hot Brown flavor:
- Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: These are a game-changer for sliders. Their soft, fluffy texture and subtle sweetness perfectly complement the savory fillings, creating a balanced and utterly delicious bite. While you can use other rolls, Hawaiian rolls are highly recommended for their unique contribution.
- Turkey Breast: Opt for thinly sliced, high-quality oven-roasted turkey breast. Freshly sliced from the deli counter or leftover homemade roasted turkey will provide the best flavor and texture.
- White Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This is the ideal cheese for your Mornay sauce. Its sharp, distinct flavor cuts through the richness of the sauce, adding depth and a classic taste.
- Bacon: Crispy bacon is non-negotiable! Its smoky, salty crunch adds incredible flavor and texture, a cornerstone of any Hot Brown.
- Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomato slices (like Campari or Roma) add a touch of acidity and freshness, brightening the rich flavors of the sandwich.
- Butter (for Mornay and Glaze): The foundation of both the silky Mornay sauce and the golden, savory butter glaze.
- All-Purpose Flour: Used to create the roux, the thickening agent for the Mornay sauce.
- Milk: The liquid base for the Mornay sauce, ensuring a smooth and creamy consistency. Whole milk is recommended for richness.
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- Nutmeg: A subtle but critical spice for Mornay sauce, adding a warm, aromatic depth that rounds out the cheese flavor beautifully.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a zesty, pungent kick to the butter glaze, balancing its richness and complementing the savory fillings.
- Poppy Seeds: Provides a pleasant visual appeal and a slight nutty crunch to the butter glaze.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A secret weapon in the butter glaze, offering umami depth and a complex, savory tang that elevates the overall flavor profile.
Crafting Your Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders: A Detailed Step-By-Step Guide
Follow these instructions carefully for perfect, mouthwatering sliders every time:
Step One: Prepare the Velvety Mornay Sauce
In a small saucepan, begin by melting 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, gradually whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to create a roux. Cook this mixture, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes, being very careful not to let it brown – we want a pale roux. Slowly whisk in 1 1/2 cups of milk, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, continuing to whisk constantly, until it thickens to a smooth, creamy consistency, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until it’s fully melted and incorporated. Remove the saucepan from the heat and season generously with kosher salt, black pepper, and a dash of nutmeg. Keep the sauce warm and set aside while you assemble your sliders; a warm sauce will spread more easily.
Step Two: Assemble the Savory Sliders
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil and spray it lightly with nonstick cooking spray; this will make cleanup much easier. Using a large, sharp knife, carefully slice your 12 King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls in half horizontally, keeping the tops connected in one slab and the bottoms connected in another. Place the bottom portion of the rolls into your prepared baking pan. Evenly layer half of your thinly sliced turkey breast over the roll bottoms. Next, arrange the 12 slices of white sharp cheddar cheese over the turkey. Sprinkle the crispy, crumbled bacon pieces evenly across the cheese layer. Then, place your 12 tomato slices over the bacon, trying to ensure each slider section gets a piece of tomato. Gently and evenly spread the warm Mornay sauce over the tomatoes, covering them completely. Finally, layer the remaining sliced turkey over the Mornay sauce, then carefully place the top portion of the Hawaiian buns over the turkey, completing your sandwich assembly.
Step Three: Prepare the Golden Butter Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup (one stick) of melted butter, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds, 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. This flavorful glaze will give your sliders a beautiful golden crust and an extra burst of savory goodness.
Step Four: Bake to Perfection and Serve
Pour the prepared butter glaze evenly over the top of the assembled rolls, making sure to coat them well. Cover the pan snugly with aluminum foil and let it stand at room temperature for 10 minutes; this allows the glaze to soak in slightly and the flavors to meld. Bake the covered sliders for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. Remove the foil and continue to bake for another 5 minutes, or until the tops of the rolls are lightly golden brown and slightly crisp. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven, let them cool for just a few minutes, then use a large knife to cut them into individual sliders. Serve immediately while they are warm and gooey for the best experience. These sliders are the perfect easy recipe for your Kentucky Derby party this year. The recipe makes 12 sliders, so if you’re having a bigger gathering just double the recipe! They’re always a hit and are guaranteed to disappear quickly!
Please let me know if you give the recipe a try. And if you have any questions about the recipe, just drop a comment below. Enjoy!
A Few Cook’s Notes and Tips for Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
To ensure your Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are absolutely perfect and easy to enjoy, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Bacon Preparation: For ease of slicing and eating, I highly recommend using crumbled bacon for these sliders instead of whole strips. Cook your bacon until it’s perfectly crisp, then crumble it into small, manageable pieces. This way, each bite of the slider will have that satisfying bacon crunch without pulling out an entire strip.
- The Butter Glaze is Essential: Do not skip the butter glaze! This step is crucial for achieving that irresistible golden-brown crust and infusing the top buns with a rich, savory flavor that truly elevates the sliders. It adds moisture, taste, and a beautiful finish.
- Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the Mornay sauce and cook the bacon a day in advance to save time on party day. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently reheat it before assembly, adding a splash of milk if it’s too thick. The sliders can also be assembled several hours before baking, then covered and refrigerated. Bring them to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking for best results.
- Turkey Choice: While deli turkey works, consider roasting your own turkey breast for an even more authentic and flavorful experience, especially if you have leftovers from a holiday meal.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair these savory sliders with classic Kentucky Derby beverages like Mint Juleps or Bourbon Sweet Tea. For a complete spread, add some fresh fruit salad, deviled eggs, or a crisp green salad to balance the richness.
- Variations: If you’re looking for a slightly different take, you can experiment with other cheeses in the Mornay sauce, such as Gruyere or Monterey Jack, though sharp cheddar remains the classic choice. For a spicier kick, a pinch of cayenne pepper in the Mornay sauce can add a delightful warmth.
More Delicious Sammie Recipes to Savor
If you loved these Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders, you might also enjoy these other fantastic slider recipes:
Cuban Sliders
Bacon, Egg and Cheese Bagel Breakfast Sliders
Tony’s Baked Cheeseburger Sliders
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
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Ingredients
- 1 12-count package Hawaiian Sweet Rolls, sliced in half horizontally
- 1 lb. turkey breast, thinly sliced (deli or roasted) and divided
- 12 slices white sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled into 1-inch pieces
- 12 tomato slices, about 1/4-inch thick (Campari or Roma tomatoes recommended)
Mornay Sauce (makes about 1 cup)
- 3 Tbsp. butter
- 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk (whole milk for richness)
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- dash nutmeg
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Butter Glaze
- 1/2 cup (one stick) butter, melted
- 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
- 1 Tbsp. poppy seeds
- 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
Instructions
Mornay Sauce Preparation
- In a small saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to create a roux. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes, taking care not to brown the flour. Gradually whisk in 1 1/2 cups of milk until smooth. Bring the mixture to a boil, whisking constantly until it thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Reduce heat to low, then add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted. Remove from heat and season with salt, pepper, and a dash of nutmeg. Keep warm and set aside.
Slider Assembly
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Using a large knife, slice the entire package of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms connected in two separate slabs. Place the bottom portion of the rolls into the prepared pan.
- Evenly layer half of the thinly sliced turkey breast over the bottom rolls.
- Evenly layer the 12 slices of white sharp cheddar cheese over the turkey.
- Generously sprinkle the crumbled, crispy bacon over the cheese layer.
- Place the 12 tomato slices over the bacon, trying to position one slice on top of each individual roll section.
- Carefully and evenly spread the warm Mornay sauce over the tomato slices, ensuring good coverage.
- Evenly layer the remaining sliced turkey over the Mornay sauce, then top with the connected top portion of the Hawaiian buns.
Butter Glaze & Baking
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the top of the assembled rolls, ensuring thorough coating.
- Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and let stand at room temperature for 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld. Bake covered for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is thoroughly melted and bubbly. Remove the foil and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the tops of the rolls are lightly browned and slightly crisp. Cut into individual sliders and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
Don’t skip the butter glaze! It adds incredible flavor, a beautiful golden crust, and essential moisture to the top buns.