Experience a delightful twist on a legendary dish! These Mini Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwiches offer an easy and incredibly fun way to enjoy the classic flavors of the renowned open-face sandwiches, originally served at Louisville’s historic Brown Hotel, right in your own kitchen. Perfect for any meal or gathering!
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Embarking on a culinary journey through food blogging has been an extraordinary experience, opening my eyes to a vast world of diverse recipes and dishes I might never have discovered otherwise. Before I started sharing recipes and cooking adventures, my dinner table often looked quite different. I often wonder what culinary path I would have taken if this blogging adventure hadn’t begun.
Just over a decade ago, if someone had mentioned a “Hot Brown,” I would have been completely puzzled. This iconic dish was a mystery to me. But thanks to my passion for exploring new flavors and sharing them with you, my kitchen has become a testing ground for countless delights. And I am incredibly grateful for this journey, especially because it led me to these Mini Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwiches. They are simply outstanding – perfect for a satisfying lunch, a comforting dinner, or an impressive addition to any game day spread or party menu. While they might be a little messy, every single bite is undeniably worth it.
The Legendary Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwich: A Culinary Icon
If you’re unfamiliar with the Kentucky Hot Brown, you’re certainly not alone. It’s a regional specialty with a fascinating history. Trying the original version at its birthplace is definitely on my culinary bucket list, but for now, I’m delighted to share this easy, homemade interpretation that brings those incredible flavors right to your table.
The Hot Brown originated in the vibrant 1920s at the prestigious Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. It was ingeniously created by Chef Fred Schmidt as a late-night supper for hungry patrons who had danced the night away and were looking for something more substantial than traditional ham and eggs. This open-face sandwich quickly became a sensation, cementing its place in American culinary history.
The classic, authentic Kentucky Hot Brown is a truly indulgent affair. It features thick slices of Texas toast, generously piled with roasted turkey breast, crisp bacon strips, and ripe tomato slices, all smothered in a rich, creamy Mornay sauce. This luxurious sauce, a béchamel elevated with two types of cheese (typically Parmesan and sometimes cheddar or Gruyère), is the heart of the dish. Often, an additional layer of cheese is melted over the top, creating a golden, bubbling crust that is utterly irresistible. While the original is a magnificent creation, it’s also famously messy, often requiring a knife and fork to fully appreciate. Our mini version, however, offers all the flavor in a more manageable, handheld package, making it exceptionally family-friendly and perfect for casual entertaining.
Essential Ingredients for Your Mini Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
Crafting these delectable mini hot brown sandwiches requires a carefully selected list of ingredients to ensure that signature taste and comforting texture. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some helpful tips:
- Dinner Rolls: The foundation of our mini hot browns! I’ve had fantastic results with both classic white dinner rolls and soft potato rolls. For an extra touch of sweetness and richness, Hawaiian rolls would also be an excellent choice, adding a unique flavor dimension. Their soft texture holds up beautifully to the fillings and rich sauce.
- Mayonnaise: While butter is a common choice for toasting bread, mayonnaise creates an incredibly crisp, golden-brown crust on your rolls. Its high fat content helps achieve a beautiful toast without burning, adding a subtle tang that complements the savory fillings.
- Deli Sliced Turkey: For convenience and speed, quality deli-sliced turkey breast is a perfect choice. Opt for a good quality, flavorful brand. If you happen to have leftover roasted turkey breast from a holiday meal, feel free to use that instead – it will add an even richer, homemade touch.
- Tomatoes: Roma tomatoes are ideal for these sliders. Their oval shape means a single slice fits perfectly onto each mini sandwich, providing a burst of fresh, juicy flavor and a vibrant color contrast against the rich turkey and bacon.
- Bacon: Crispy bacon is non-negotiable! While regular cut bacon works well, upgrading to thick-cut bacon truly elevates the experience, offering a more substantial bite and richer smoky flavor that stands out in every sandwich. Make sure it’s cooked to a perfect crispness before adding.
- Butter: This forms the essential base for our creamy Mornay sauce. Unsalted or salted butter can be used; just adjust the seasoning later if using salted. Do not substitute butter with other fats, as its flavor is crucial for the sauce’s authenticity.
- All-Purpose Flour: A key thickening agent for the Mornay sauce, creating a smooth roux with the butter. Ensure it’s fresh for best results.
- Milk: I typically use 2% milk, which provides a lovely creamy consistency. Whole milk would make the sauce even richer, while 1% milk will also work. Skim milk might result in a thinner sauce, so I recommend at least 2% for optimal texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is paramount for a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth Mornay sauce. Pre-grated cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can hinder proper melting and create a grainy texture. Its sharp, salty notes are essential.
- Paprika: A small dash of paprika adds a subtle warmth and a beautiful hint of color to the Mornay sauce. While optional, it’s highly recommended for that extra layer of flavor and aesthetic appeal.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Even though it’s a small amount, sharp cheddar brings a wonderful depth of flavor and a classic cheese pull to the sauce. Its robust taste ensures it shines through in the rich sauce.
- Salt and Pepper: These humble seasonings are critical! Taste your Mornay sauce as you go and adjust the salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference. Proper seasoning can truly make or break the sauce, balancing all the rich flavors.
More Irresistible Slider Recipes to Try
If you’re a fan of these easy and versatile mini sandwiches, be sure to explore more slider recipes from my collection:
- Flavorful Poblano Pepper Slider Burgers
- Delicious Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders
- Savory Enchilada Beef Sliders
- Classic Roast Beef Sliders
- Creamy Pimiento Cheese Sliders
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Mini Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwiches
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Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 12 dinner or potato rolls split
- 9 oz deli sliced turkey
- 3 Roma tomatoes sliced
- 12 slices cooked bacon cut in half
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/8 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven: Preheat your broiler.
- Toast the Rolls: Spread mayonnaise evenly on the cut sides of the dinner or potato rolls. Arrange the rolls, cut side up, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully until they are perfectly golden brown and slightly crisp. Immediately reduce the oven temperature to 200ºF.
- Assemble the Bases: On the toasted bottom halves of the rolls, layer the deli-sliced turkey. Top each turkey layer with a slice of Roma tomato and two half-slices of cooked bacon. Return the baking sheet to the warm oven (200ºF) to keep the sandwiches warm while you prepare the Mornay sauce.
- Make the Mornay Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously, to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and paprika. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency, which usually takes about 4-5 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated sharp cheddar cheese until it has completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Season the sauce generously with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle approximately 1 tablespoon of the warm cheese sauce over each sandwich bottom on the baking sheet. Place the top halves of the rolls onto the sauced bottoms. Serve these delicious Mini Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwiches warm and enjoy!
Recipe Notes:
The original recipe posted here on Taste and Tell previously called for double the amount of Mornay sauce. After careful re-testing, I found that the sauce quantity was significantly reduced by half to achieve a better balance of flavors and a less overwhelmingly saucy, yet still perfectly decadent, result. If you prefer your sandwiches extra saucy, feel free to double the Mornay sauce ingredients to your liking.
Please note that the nutrition information provided is an estimate only. Nutritional values can vary based on the specific brands and products used. This information should be considered a general guideline.