These Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders are everything you love about the classic open-faced turkey sandwich, baked into a warm, cheesy, pull apart party appetizer. They're easy to assemble and even easier to devour! Perfect for game day, holidays, or any gathering where finger food is a must.
Inspired by the flavors of the famous Kentucky Hot Brown, this version skips the fork and knife and brings those savory flavors in a portable slider. They're a great addition to your appetizer spread alongside other favorites like my Turkey Cranberry Sliders or Ham and Cheese Sliders.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
Perfect for leftovers: this is a smart and tasty way to use up cooked turkey from the holidays.
Savory and sweet combo: buttery rolls with melty cheese, smoky bacon, and tangy peppers bring bold flavor in every bite.
Crowd favorite: these are always one of the first dishes to disappear at any party!
Key Ingredients
Cooked turkey: leftover turkey or deli-sliced works well, and keeps the sliders hearty.
Hawaiian sweet rolls: the slight sweetness balances the salty bacon and cheese perfectly.
Havarti cheese: mild and melty, great texture and flavor.
Thick-cut bacon: crispy, smoky, and delicious! Adds depth and that beloved bacon fat crunch!
Sweet and hot salad peppers: a zesty stand-in for the tomato in traditional hot browns.
Mayonnaise, Honey Dijon mustard, and butter sauce: the spread that adds flavor and butter sauce to bake over top of the rolls for that sweet glazed top!
Ingredient Substitutions
- Swap sweet salad peppers for sliced tomatoes or pimentos for a more classic Hot Brown taste.
- Use rotisserie chicken or roast beef instead of turkey.
- Replace havarti with mozzarella or Swiss cheese if that's what you have on hand.
Variations
Spicy version: Add pickled sliced jalapeños for a kick
Southern style: Spread a little pimento cheese on the bottom roll layer.
Maple Bacon twist: Drizzle the bacon with a touch of maple syrup for a sweet contrast.
Top Tips
- Use pre-cooked bacon to save time.
- Don't skip the butter glaze, it's what gives the rolls that glossy, flavorful finish.
- Best served warm while the cheese is melty and gooey.
Storage
Refrigerate: store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
Reheat: use the microwave (1-2 minutes) or oven at 350 for 7-10 minutes, until warmed through.
Serve With...
Pair these sliders with a side of homemade potato salad, air fryer french fries, or homemade coleslaw.
When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating
📖 Recipe
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Hawaiian sweet rolls , cut in half
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 pound turkey breast , sliced
- 12 slices thick cut bacon , cooked and halved lengthwise
- 4 ounces diced sweet hot peppers , or diced pimentos
- 6 ounces gruyere cheese , cut into quarters
- 2 tablespoons butter , melted
- 1 tablespoons light brown sugar , loosely packed
- 1½ tablespoons everything bagel seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Slice the slider rolls in half using a serrated edge knife. Place the bottom halves of the rolls in a baking dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray.
- Lay half of the cheese slices over the bottom roll half, then add a layer of cheese, a layer of turkey slices, salad peppers, and crispy cooked bacon. Top with the remaining cheese and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and mustard. Spread the mayo mixture on the cut side of the top portion of the rolls. Place cut side down on top of the final cheese layer of the sandwiches.
- Melt butter in a small saucepan (or microwave). Stir in the brown sugar and minced onion pieces. Brush the butter mixture over the tops of the rolls.
- Cover rolls with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and return sliders back to the oven and bake 5 minutes more, until tops of the rolls are golden brown and cheese is melty.
lil says
can l put the se together the night before bake the next day
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Lil, Yes, think that would be fine to do.