Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders : Ultimate Party Sandwich

If you’re searching for a warm, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing sandwich idea, these Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are the answer. A mini version of the legendary open-faced sandwich from Kentucky, this slider recipe takes all the comforting flavors—turkey, creamy sauce, melty cheese—and tucks them inside soft, buttery Hawaiian rolls. Whether you’re hosting a game-day get-together, looking for easy lunch meat sandwiches, or simply craving something indulgent, this is the recipe that delivers.

These sliders come together quickly, require minimal ingredients, and are perfect for both casual weeknights and impressive party spreads. Once you try them, you’ll understand why they’re one of the most requested hot sandwich recipes around.

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What Is a Kentucky Hot Brown?

Originating from the historic Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, the original Hot Brown is an open-faced sandwich made with turkey, Mornay sauce (a cheesy béchamel), and bacon, all broiled to perfection. It’s rich, indulgent, and deeply comforting—like a Southern take on a French croque monsieur.

These Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders take that same idea and scale it down into bite-sized sandwiches, perfect for sharing. Instead of slices of bread, we use sliders recipes Hawaiian rolls for a soft, sweet contrast to the savory filling. The result? A gooey, golden, flavorful bite you won’t forget.

Why You’ll Love These Sliders

They’re quick to make and even faster to disappear. Here’s why they’re a must-try:

• A delicious twist on a classic Southern sandwich
• Easy to prep and perfect for parties or potlucks
• Use rotisserie turkey or deli meat for quick assembly
• Melty, cheesy, and layered with flavor
• Ideal as chicken lunch meat sliders or turkey-based sliders
• Make-ahead friendly

Whether served hot out of the oven or gently warmed for lunch, these lunch meat sliders check every box for comfort and convenience.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

This recipe yields 12 sliders. Feel free to double the batch if you’re feeding a crowd.

• 1 package (12-count) Hawaiian sweet rolls
• 1 pound sliced cooked turkey breast (use lunch meat or leftovers)
• 6 slices of cooked turkey bacon or beef bacon (optional but recommended)
• 2 cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

This combo mimics the rich flavor of the original dish while keeping the process quick and manageable.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make these sliders, you’ll need:

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Small saucepan
• Whisk
• Bread knife
• Basting brush
• Aluminum foil
• Mixing spoon
• Measuring spoons and cups

Simple tools make this one of the easiest DIY food recipes you’ll come back to often.

How to Make Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper for easier cleanup.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the milk and stir constantly until thickened, about 3–4 minutes.

Add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and remove from heat. This will be your creamy cheddar Mornay-style sauce.

Step 3: Assemble the Sliders

Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping the rolls connected. Place the bottom half in your baking dish.

Layer the turkey slices evenly over the bread, followed by crumbled bacon (if using), then pour the warm cheese sauce over the meat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the sauce.

Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese layer.

Step 4: Butter the Tops

Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter. You can add a pinch of garlic powder or chopped parsley to the butter for extra flavor.

Step 5: Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 5–7 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.

Step 6: Serve

Let cool for 5 minutes, then cut and serve. These sliders are best enjoyed warm, when the cheese is at its meltiest.

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Slider Sauce Tips & Variations

Want to switch up the sauce or add a personal touch? Try using Gruyère or Swiss cheese in the sauce for a nuttier profile. Add a touch of cayenne pepper for heat, or stir in cooked mushrooms for depth. For a smoky kick, use smoked cheddar or add a dash of liquid smoke to the sauce.

No time to make a homemade sauce? Use a high-quality jarred Alfredo or Mornay-style cheese sauce instead.

Recipe Variations & Swaps

This recipe is extremely flexible and can be adapted to suit your taste or ingredients on hand.

• Swap turkey for cooked chicken breast for a chicken version
• Use deli roast beef and cheddar for an Arby’s Beef N Cheddar Sliders vibe
• Make vegetarian sliders with sautéed spinach, tomato slices, and cheese sauce
• Add thin tomato slices before baking for a more traditional Hot Brown element
• Use slider buns or mini ciabatta rolls if Hawaiian rolls aren’t available

You can also serve these cold with turkey and cheese if you’re looking for cold lunch meat sliders for picnics or packed lunches.

Serving Suggestions for Sliders Recipes Hawaiian Rolls

These sliders are rich and cheesy, so pairing them with lighter sides works beautifully. Try them with:

• Crisp green salad with vinaigrette
• Tomato or potato soup
• Coleslaw or cucumber salad
• Sweet potato fries or veggie sticks
• Pickles or olives on the side

They’re also fantastic on a party platter alongside other sliders, chips, and dips.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

To make ahead, fully assemble the sliders (minus the butter topping), cover with foil, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, brush with butter and bake as directed.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 325°F oven until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for about 30 seconds.

Freezing isn’t recommended once assembled with sauce, but you can freeze components separately.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To avoid soggy sliders, don’t add too much sauce—just enough to coat the filling. Avoid overbaking, which can make the rolls too crisp. Be sure to slice the rolls evenly so they stay together during baking and serving. Don’t skip the foil during baking or the tops may brown too quickly.

Season each layer well—bland turkey needs the sauce and cheese to carry flavor.

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Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders FAQ

Can I make these with ham or roast beef instead of turkey?
Yes, but it won’t taste exactly like a Kentucky Hot Brown. Still delicious, though.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly.

What if I don’t have Hawaiian rolls?
Use any soft dinner rolls or slider buns. Just make sure they’re connected for easy layering.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just use a larger baking pan or two dishes, and increase baking time slightly.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! You can omit the mustard or use milder cheese to suit picky eaters.

More Hot Sandwich Recipes and Slider Ideas

If you love these sliders, check out these other tasty bites:

• Arby’s Beef N Cheddar Sliders
• Chicken Parmesan Sliders
• BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders
• Baked Ham and Swiss Sliders
• Turkey Pesto Party Sandwiches

These recipes make weeknight dinners and entertaining easier, tastier, and more exciting.

Call to Action: Try These Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Today

Now that you’ve got everything you need to make these incredible Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking. Whether you’re planning a cozy night in, prepping for a potluck, or hosting game day, these mini sandwiches are bound to be the MVP.

Give the recipe a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments. Don’t forget to share your slider creations on social media and subscribe for more hot sandwich recipes and easy comfort food ideas.

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