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If you’re craving a delicious twist on a classic Southern favorite, this Mouthwatering Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe is exactly what you need. These mini sandwiches feature tender turkey, crisp bacon, melty cheese, and a savory butter glaze all nestled inside soft, sweet Hawaiian rolls. They’re perfect for game day, parties, or a comforting family dinner. The combination of smoky, creamy, and tangy flavors guarantees that every bite will keep you coming back for more, making this recipe an instant crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity and the way each ingredient shines through. From the sweet softness of Hawaiian rolls to the savory sharpness of Swiss cheese, everything works together to create the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
- Sweet Hawaiian rolls: These provide a soft, slightly sweet base that contrasts perfectly with savory fillings.
- Sliced deli turkey breast: Tender and mild, turkey is the star protein that keeps the sliders light yet satisfying.
- Cooked turkey bacon: Adds a smoky crunch to enhance every bite—feel free to use your favorite bacon substitute.
- Shredded Swiss or white cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully to create creamy, gooey goodness.
- Tomato, thinly sliced: Adds freshness and a hint of acidity to cut through the richness.
- Mayonnaise (optional): A subtle creamy layer that enhances moisture and flavor.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Essential for creating the flavorful glaze that seals in all the goodness.
- Dijon mustard: Brings a gentle tang and depth to the butter glaze.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds an umami punch that enriches the overall taste.
- Garlic powder: Lends a warm, savory note without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Onion powder: Provides a subtle sweetness and complexity.
- Dried parsley: Offers a hint of herbaceous freshness for visual appeal and flavor.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing every ingredient’s natural flavor.
- Optional Parmesan cheese: For a crispy, cheesy topping that adds a delightful finishing touch.
How to Make Mouthwatering Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with non-stick spray or butter—this prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. A well-prepped dish ensures your sliders bake evenly and release without trouble, so don’t skip this step.
Step 2: Slice the Hawaiian Rolls
Slice the pack of Hawaiian rolls horizontally, but keep the top and bottom halves intact as one large piece each. This technique allows you to layer all the ingredients at once without losing the slider structure, making it easier to assemble and slice later.
Step 3: Assemble Your Fillings
Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise over the bottom half of the rolls for extra moisture and flavor. Then layer on the sliced turkey, shredded cheese, tomato slices, and cooked turkey bacon evenly. Once everything is piled high, place the top half of the rolls back on, creating a sandwich that’s bursting with all the classic Kentucky Hot Brown flavors.
Step 4: Mix and Brush the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. This glaze is the magical finishing touch, adding richness and flavor that caramelizes beautifully during baking. Brush it generously over the top of the assembled sliders to ensure every bite is infused with scrumptious goodness.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden Perfection
Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. This steams the sliders gently, melting the cheese and warming the fillings thoroughly. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 7 to 10 minutes until the cheese bubbles up and the top turns a gorgeous golden brown. If you love a crispy top, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese before baking uncovered to get that irresistible crust.
Step 6: Let Them Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, allow your sliders to cool for about 5 minutes. This resting time lets everything set up slightly so that when you slice them, the layers don’t fall apart. Then slice into 12 individual sliders and get ready to enjoy a bite of Southern comfort in every mouthful.
How to Serve Mouthwatering Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can take your sliders to the next level. Consider sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and an herbaceous lift. A dash of paprika or cracked black pepper on the finished sliders also adds visual appeal and a hint of spice that complements the rich buttery glaze perfectly.
Side Dishes
For a balanced meal, serve your sliders with crisp sides such as a light mixed green salad or tangy coleslaw. Crispy sweet potato fries or classic kettle chips also pair beautifully, offering a satisfying crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft, saucy sliders.
Creative Ways to Present
These sliders are as versatile as they are delicious. Arrange them on a rustic wooden board with toothpicks for easy grabbing at parties. For a fun twist, try serving mini slider “stacks” by adding layers of sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions between the cheese and turkey. The possibilities are endless and always crowd-pleasing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which might be unlikely), tightly wrap the cooled sliders in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or a second dinner.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the sliders but do not bake them. Wrap them securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, bake them directly from frozen, adding extra baking time to ensure they are heated through and bubbly.
Reheating
Reheat your sliders in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melted again. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the rolls soggy—an oven reheat keeps the texture just right.
FAQs
Can I use regular sandwich rolls instead of Hawaiian rolls?
Absolutely! While Hawaiian rolls add a hint of sweetness that balances the savory flavors, any soft sandwich roll will work well. Just choose rolls that are not too dense so the sliders stay moist and tender.
Is it necessary to use mayonnaise in the recipe?
Mayonnaise adds creaminess and helps keep the turkey moist, but it’s optional. If you’re not a fan, you can skip it or substitute with a thin layer of softened cream cheese or even a light mustard spread for a tangy twist.
Can I prepare these sliders for a crowd?
Definitely! This recipe yields 12 sliders, but Hawaiian rolls come in larger packs too. Simply double or triple the ingredients to suit your gathering. They’re always a hit, so plan accordingly.
What’s the best cheese to use for this dish?
Swiss cheese is traditional and melts beautifully, but white cheddar offers a sharper taste that complements the turkey and bacon wonderfully. Feel free to use a mix of both if you want a blend of creamy and tangy flavors.
How do I make these sliders vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, replace the turkey and bacon with grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu, and use a vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. The cheese and flavorful glaze will still give you that delicious, rich taste.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing good food with the people you love, and this Mouthwatering Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders Recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion where smiles and satisfied appetites are the goal. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly these sliders disappear from the table!
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