Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders feature tender slices of turkey, crunchy bacon, juicy tomatoes, a homemade cheese sauce on Hawaiian sweet rolls all topped with a delicious glaze!
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
Make the cheese sauce first. Melt 2 Tablespoons salted butter in a small saucepan. Whisk in 2 Tablespoons all purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and pinch nutmeg. Cook for 1 minute.
Slowly stream in 1 cup whole milk while whisking constantly. Bring to a simmer and simmer for 1 minute; continue to whisk.
Take off the heat then whisk in 1/2 cup shredded gruyere cheese until melted. Set aside.
Slice 12 Hawaiian rolls in half lengthwise. Place the bottom half of the rolls, cut side up into the prepared baking dish.
Layer 1 pound sliced deli turkey on top of the rolls.
Then layer 12 ounces bacon, cooked crispy and chopped on top of the turkey.
Dollop the cheese sauce over the top and gently spread it out.
Top the rolls evenly with 12 slices small tomato. I try to put one tomato slice on each roll if possible.
Evenly add 1 cup shredded gruyere on top.
Place the other half of the rolls on top.
In a separate small bowl, stir together 1/2 cup salted butter, melted, 2 Tablespoons light brown sugar, packed, 1/2 Tablespoon dijon mustard, 1/2 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon dried onion flakes and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder until well combined.
Brush the butter mixture all over the rolls. It may seem like too much but use it all.
Cover with nonstick foil (or spray foil with nonstick cooking spray) and cover the baking dish. If possible, try not to let the aluminum foil touch the tops of the rolls.
Bake for about 20 minutes. Uncover and then bake an additional 5 minutes or until the rolls are browned on top.
Allow to cool for about 5-10 minutes, then slice and serve.
Notes
Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.