Go Back

Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

Kentucky hot brown sliders with pull-apart Hawaiian rolls, layered turkey and tomato, then drenched in golden Mornay sauce. Broiled bacon and toasty browned edges make this hot brown recipe ideal as party sliders or Kentucky Derby food.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Slider rolls
  • 12 slider rolls (hawaiian sweet rolls) Use as the full slider rolls before slicing.
Turkey layer
  • 1 lb deli turkey, thinly sliced Thinly sliced deli turkey helps the bake heat through evenly.
Bacon and tomatoes
  • 6 bacon strips, cooked until crispy Arrange over the finished sliders before broiling.
  • 2 large tomatoes, sliced thin Thin slices prevent watery pooling in the layers.
Mornay sauce
  • 2 tbsp butter For making the roux base.
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour Cook briefly with butter to remove raw flour taste.
  • 1.5 cup whole milk, warmed Warm milk thickens smoothly when whisked in.
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar or gruyère cheese, shredded Sharp cheddar or Gruyère both melt into a rich sauce.
  • 0.5 tsp salt Season the sauce.
  • 0.25 tsp white pepper Adds classic gentle heat.
  • 0.25 tsp nutmeg Use freshly grated or pre-ground for best aroma.
  • 0.01 paprika For garnish after baking.
  • 0.01 fresh parsley For garnish after baking.

Equipment

  • 1 cast iron skillet

Method
 

Prep and assemble
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13 baking dish.
  2. Slice the slider rolls in half horizontally and place the bottoms in the baking dish.
  3. Layer the turkey slices evenly over the roll bottoms, then top with the tomato slices.
Make Mornay sauce
  1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
  2. Slowly whisk in the warmed milk and stir until the sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
  3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheese, salt, white pepper, and nutmeg until smooth.
Bake, broil, and serve
  1. Pour the Mornay sauce generously over the turkey layer, then place the slider tops on.
  2. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
  3. Remove from the oven, place the bacon strips across the top, switch to broil, and broil for 2–3 minutes until the tops are golden and edges are crispy.
  4. Garnish with paprika and fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For a smooth Mornay sauce, warm the milk and pour it in slowly while whisking so the roux stays lump-free. Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days; reheat in a 325°F oven until warmed through, then broil briefly for crisp edges. Freezing is not recommended because the sauce can break when thawed. For a dairy-light option, use lactose-free whole milk and lactose-free cheddar/Gruyère in the same amounts.