Spring in Kentucky brings with it more than blooming dogwoods and sunshine. It brings the irresistible charm of Southern hospitality and flavors that speak to comfort and tradition. Few dishes embody that charm better than the Kentucky Hot Brown, a culinary treasure born in Louisville’s Brown Hotel. In this reinvented slider version, you’ll discover the perfect crowd-pleaser for spring picnics, brunch buffets, or Derby Day celebrations.
These Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders bring together all the iconic components of the original dish—roasted turkey, creamy Mornay sauce, ripe tomatoes, and crispy bacon—but in a format that’s convenient, fun, and perfect for sharing. Warm, cheesy, and tucked inside golden-toasted rolls, these sliders are bound to become a seasonal staple.
As someone who grew up with a grandmother who always had something bubbling in the oven, this recipe speaks directly to my roots. It’s a blend of nostalgia and practicality—tradition served bite-sized and baked to perfection.
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What Are Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders?
The classic Hot Brown sandwich is an open-faced creation originally made to feed hungry dance-goers in the 1920s. It typically features turkey, bacon, tomato, and a velvety cheese sauce served on toast and broiled until bubbly.
In slider form, the dish takes on a portable, sharable structure—perfect for entertaining without losing the soul of the original. Think of it as the Hot Brown’s younger, party-ready cousin: elegant enough for a Derby party, hearty enough for a family meal.
Ingredients for Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
This recipe makes 12 sliders—enough for 6 people (2 sliders per person). You can easily double it for larger gatherings.
For the Sliders:
- 12 slider rolls (preferably Hawaiian or brioche)
- 2 cups cooked turkey breast, sliced or shredded
- 12 slices cooked bacon, halved
- 1 large tomato, thinly sliced
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp white cheddar
For the Mornay Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk (warmed)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
For the Topping:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
How to Make Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
Step 1: Make the Mornay Sauce
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until the roux is golden.
- Gradually whisk in the warm milk, stirring constantly until smooth.
- Reduce heat and stir in Parmesan. Cook until melted and thickened.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using. Set aside.
Step 2: Assemble the Sliders
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the slider rolls in half horizontally, keeping them attached as one block.
- Place the bottom half in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer turkey evenly across the rolls.
- Spoon the Mornay sauce over the turkey.
- Lay tomato slices evenly over the sauce.
- Add bacon strips.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the bacon.
- Top with the other half of the slider rolls.
Step 3: Add the Butter Topping
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire.
- Brush over the top of the rolls.
Step 4: Bake
- Cover the baking dish loosely with foil.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 5–8 minutes, until the tops are golden and the cheese is bubbling.
What Makes These Sliders Perfect for Spring?
Spring is a season of gatherings—Derby parties, Mother’s Day brunches, Easter picnics. These sliders are ideal because they:
- Reheat beautifully
- Are easy to transport
- Taste rich yet feel seasonally light with fresh tomatoes
- Pair well with fresh salads and fruit
This makes them one of the most versatile spring party foods around.
Suggested Pairings
Make it a true Southern spring feast with these side ideas:
- Classic deviled eggs with smoked paprika
- Strawberry and spinach salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Chilled cucumber dill soup
- Lemon mint iced tea or classic Kentucky mint juleps
Tips for the Best Hot Brown Sliders
- Use freshly roasted turkey if possible. Leftover roast turkey works wonderfully.
- Don’t skip the Mornay sauce—it’s what transforms these into Hot Brown sliders.
- For extra crispiness, toast the bottom rolls in the oven for 5 minutes before assembling.
- Make ahead tip: Fully assemble up to 24 hours in advance, cover with foil, and refrigerate. Bake before serving.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat: Bake covered at 300°F for 10 minutes or until heated through.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the sauce may separate when thawed.
FAQs About Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
Can I use deli turkey instead of roasted turkey?
Yes, high-quality deli turkey works in a pinch. Roasted turkey offers the best flavor and texture, but thin-sliced deli meat can be a convenient substitute.
What kind of cheese is best?
Traditionally, the Mornay sauce includes Parmesan. For sliders, we recommend adding sharp white cheddar for extra melt and bold flavor. Swiss or Gruyère are also great options.
Can I make these vegetarian?
While the bacon and turkey are essential to a true Hot Brown, you can use roasted mushrooms or seared tofu in place of the meat and still enjoy the creamy, cheesy flavor.
Are these good for meal prep?
Yes. Assemble everything except the topping, refrigerate, then brush and bake when needed. Perfect for making the night before a brunch or party.
Can I serve these at room temperature?
They’re best served warm, but they hold their flavor well even slightly cooled—ideal for potlucks or buffets.
A Taste of Tradition in Every Bite
The beauty of Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders lies in their dual identity: they are both timeless and timely. With origins that date back over a century and a style suited perfectly for modern entertaining, they reflect what great food should be—rich in flavor, easy to enjoy, and meant to be shared.
Bringing these to a spring gathering feels like sharing a piece of history, but doing it in a way that’s fresh, fun, and entirely approachable. Whether you’re hosting a Derby party, planning a baby shower, or simply having friends over for lunch on the porch, these sliders deliver the kind of satisfaction that always invites seconds.
Irresistible Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
These Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are a springtime spin on a Southern classic—perfect for entertaining and irresistibly cheesy with turkey, bacon, and Mornay sauce.
- Saucepan
- Baking Dish
- Oven
Main Ingredients
- 12 pieces slider rolls (Hawaiian or brioche)
- 2 cups cooked turkey breast (sliced or shredded)
- 12 slices bacon (cooked and halved)
- 1 large tomato (thinly sliced)
- 1.5 cups shredded sharp white cheddar
Mornay Sauce
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups whole milk (warmed)
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- ground nutmeg (optional)
Butter Topping
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 0.5 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Prepare the Mornay sauce by melting butter, whisking in flour, and gradually adding warm milk. Stir in Parmesan, season, and set aside.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Slice slider rolls horizontally and place the bottom halves in a greased baking dish.
Layer turkey, Mornay sauce, tomatoes, bacon, and cheddar cheese on the rolls. Cover with top halves.
Mix melted butter with garlic powder, mustard, and Worcestershire. Brush over top rolls.
Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake 5–8 more minutes until golden.
These sliders are best served warm and can be made ahead. Great for spring brunches or Derby Day.
More Southern-Inspired & Chocolate Desserts
- Craving a no-bake creamy dessert? Try the indulgent No Bake Banana Pudding Cheesecake—a chilled twist on Southern nostalgia.
- Want another rich chocolate treat? The Red Velvet Brownies offer classic cocoa tang in bar form.
- For a cinnamon-and-cream cheese combo with flaky layers, bake a batch of Churro Cheesecake Bars.
- Prefer fruity but decadent? These Blackberry Pistachio Dream Bars balance tart berries with nutty sweetness.
- Hosting brunch or Derby Day? Add savory balance with the Easy Frittata Recipe.
- Or serve a buttery citrus contrast like the Lemon Cupcakes with Blueberry Buttercream for a refreshing dessert plate variety.
