Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting the perfect appetizer that captures the spirit and excitement of the Kentucky Derby! These Kentucky Hot Brown Turkey Sliders offer a modern, party-friendly twist on the iconic Louisville classic. Featuring succulent Castle Wood Reserve® smoked honey turkey breast, a creamy homemade pimento cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh tomatoes, these sliders are designed to be the star attraction at your next Derby Day celebration. Prepare for a flavor sensation that will have your guests galloping back for more!
With spring officially in full bloom, my thoughts invariably turn to sunny days, vibrant flowers, and the joyous energy of gatherings. Spring ushers in a fantastic season for celebrations, highlighted by cherished events like the exhilarating Kentucky Derby, the festive Cinco de Mayo, and the reflective Memorial Day. On a personal note, this season is extra special as we celebrate not only my husband’s birthday but also a joint birthday for both of our children, who wonderfully share the same special day!
The mystique of the Kentucky Derby has always captivated me. Attending the actual race one day remains a treasured item on my bucket list. Until that dream materializes, I find immense joy and fulfillment in bringing the magic of the Derby right into my home, hosting unforgettable parties that capture its essence.
There’s something truly enchanting about Derby Day. Who can resist the allure of donning extravagant, wide-brimmed hats, slipping into elegant sundresses, and placing a friendly wager on a magnificent thoroughbred? It’s “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” famously known as “The Run for the Roses!” For me, it’s an event where I’m absolutely #allin for the fun and tradition.
It was just last year that I embarked on my inaugural Kentucky Derby party adventure, alongside my dear friend, Kayla. We immersed ourselves in the delightful preparations, meticulously selecting stylish hats, vibrant party décor, and, of course, planning a spectacular menu. We set up a charming photo booth, prepared a feast, and watched as our vision came to life. The atmosphere was electric, and everyone had an absolute blast! Fast forward to this year, and my Derby party plans have grown significantly in scale. I’m orchestrating an even grander affair at our local Moose lodge, an ideal venue where all our friends are members. They are all eagerly anticipating what promises to be a truly fantastic shindig!
If you know anything about me, you’ll know I have an undeniable passion for planning exceptional parties. My only perceived flaw, according to my husband, is my Type A personality, which drives me to meticulously plan every single minute detail, often leading me to what some might call “going overboard.” In my defense, however, is there truly such a thing as going too far when it comes to creating a memorable celebration? I think not! My paramount concern is ensuring every guest has an absolutely wonderful time, and I’m prepared to do whatever it takes to make that happen, from crafting intricate DIY photo props to curating the perfect menu. Oh, yes!
Unveiling the Star of the Show: Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
When planning any party, my mind immediately zeroes in on the food—it’s simply a given! For this year’s Kentucky Derby party, I knew I wanted to feature a dish that truly embodies the spirit of Kentucky: the classic Hot Brown. This iconic open-faced turkey sandwich boasts a rich history, dating back to the 1920s at the prestigious Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. Traditionally, a Hot Brown consists of slices of roasted turkey, bacon, and tomatoes, all nestled on Texas toast and smothered in a decadent Mornay sauce, served hot in a skillet. While undeniably delicious, serving individual skillets to a large crowd isn,t exactly practical. This culinary challenge sparked the inspiration for my brilliant solution: the crowd-pleasing, easy-to-serve Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders.
My goal was to capture the essence of the classic Hot Brown while making it accessible and enjoyable for a lively party setting. I embraced most of the traditional ingredients but introduced a few innovative twists to elevate the appetizer experience. Last year, I painstakingly prepared my own turkey breast for the sandwiches. This year, however, I opted for the sheer convenience and exceptional quality of Castle Wood Reserve® Smoked Honey Turkey meat. This premium deli meat is not only incredibly flavorful and tender but also offers the peace of mind of containing no binders, no MSG, and being both trans-fat and gluten-free – making it a fantastic choice for discerning guests.
For the foundation of these delightful Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders, I selected soft, sweet slider rolls, which provide the perfect contrast to the savory fillings. Alongside the turkey, crispy bacon and ripe Roma tomatoes complete the familiar flavor profile. But now, for the exciting, game-changing twist. Are you ready? It’s just two words: Pimento Cheese. Oh, yes, I went there, and let me tell you, it’s absolutely delicious!
The Pimento Cheese Revelation: A Southern Twist for the Derby
The traditional Hot Brown features a rich Mornay sauce, crafted from a roux and enhanced with Pecorino Romano cheese. While exquisite, preparing a complex sauce from scratch isn’t ideal when you’re caught up in the excitement of a two-minute race and entertaining a crowd. This is where the magic of homemade pimento cheese truly shines! This beloved Southern staple, with its creamy texture and tangy, cheesy flavor, provides a fantastic, time-saving alternative to Mornay sauce. It offers a similar richness and savory depth, but with a delightful Southern flair that perfectly complements the turkey and bacon.
One of the biggest advantages of using pimento cheese is its versatility and make-ahead convenience. You can whip up a generous batch days in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. In fact, I highly recommend tripling the recipe, as this delectable pimento cheese isn’t just for sliders; it’s equally divine served with fresh vegetables, crispy crackers, or even stuffed into jalapeño poppers. It truly serves a dual purpose, making it a #winning addition to any party menu!
This particular pimento cheese recipe is a new favorite of mine. You might recall a previous pimento cheese recipe I shared a few years back, perfect for stuffing into jalapeño poppers. (Admittedly, those photos are on my “to-do” list for a reshoot, but rest assured, the recipe itself is super delicious and makes for a fantastic appetizer!). This updated recipe builds on that foundation, offering an even creamier and more flavorful experience that’s absolutely perfect for these sliders.
Effortless Assembly for a Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer
Beyond the simple preparation of the pimento cheese, these Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders come together with incredible ease and speed. Let me offer a crucial piece of advice: prepare several pans! I learned this firsthand after making just two pans for a gathering, and they vanished in what felt like the blink of an eye. The assembly process is wonderfully straightforward, making it ideal for party prep.
To begin, simply cut your package of sweet slider rolls in half horizontally, keeping the bottom halves intact. Place these bottom halves into a 13×9 inch baking pan. Next, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise over the bottom buns for extra moisture and flavor. Layer generously with slices of Castle Wood Reserve® Smoked Honey Turkey deli meat, followed by a dollop of your homemade pimento cheese. Arrange the crispy bacon slices and a few fresh Roma tomato slices over the cheese, then crown each slider with the top half of the sweet rolls.
For that irresistible golden-brown finish and an extra layer of flavor, melt some butter and whisk in a touch of minced onion, dried parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese. Brush this aromatic mixture generously over the tops of the buns. Bake in a preheated oven for just 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld, the cheese to melt into gooey perfection, and the buns to become beautifully toasted. As the enticing aroma fills your kitchen, you might find yourself wiping away a little drool – it’s that good! Once baked, remove from the oven, cut into individual sliders, and serve immediately. These savory bites are sure to be an instant hit!
These Kentucky Hot Brown Turkey Sliders are a must for your Kentucky Derby party!
4 votes
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
Prep
Cook
Total
Author Megan Marlowe- Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
Yield 12 servings
A delightful twist on the classic Hot Brown, these Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders feature savory Castle Wood Reserve® honey turkey breast, rich homemade pimento cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh tomatoes. They are the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next Kentucky Derby Party or any festive gathering.
Ingredients
Pimento Cheese
- 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 4 ounces gouda cheese, grated
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 (4oz) jar diced pimentos
- 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
- 1 package (12) Sweet Slider rolls
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 package Castle Wood Reserve® Smoked Honey Turkey
- 1/2 cup pimento cheese (recipe above)
- 12 pieces bacon, cooked
- 2 roma tomatoes, sliced into 12 slices.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon minced onion
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 2 tablespoon parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Cut sweet slider rolls in half horizontally, keeping the bottom halves connected. Place the bottom halves into a 13×9 inch baking pan.
- Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise over the bottom buns. Layer with slices of Castle Wood Reserve® Smoked Honey Turkey, followed by the homemade pimento cheese, cooked bacon, and sliced Roma tomatoes. Place the top halves of the buns over the fillings.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced onion, and dried parsley. Brush this mixture evenly over the tops of the buns.
- Cover the baking pan with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
- Remove the foil and sprinkle the tops of the sliders with grated Parmesan cheese. Return the pan to the oven, uncovered, for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tops are golden brown.
- Remove from oven, slice into individual sliders, and serve warm.
Courses Appetizer
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1 slider
Amount Per Serving | ||
|---|---|---|
Calories 252 | ||
% Daily Value | ||
Total Fat 13 g | 20% | |
Saturated Fat 5 g | 25% | |
Cholesterol 42 mg | 14% | |
Sodium 788 mg | 33% | |
Total Carbohydrates 19 g | 6% | |
Sugars 6 g | ||
Protein 19 g | 38% | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
The harmonious blend of the smoky, sweet honey turkey with the creamy, tangy pimento cheese, salty bacon, and refreshing juicy tomato creates a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds sing. These delightful sliders are perfectly complemented when served alongside a rich Derby pie and a refreshing minty beverage, such as the classic Mint Julep, to truly encapsulate the Kentucky Derby experience!
While undoubtedly a showstopper for your next Derby party, don’t limit these incredibly versatile sliders to just one occasion. They’re equally perfect for an elegant Easter brunch, a casual get-together with friends, or even a simple, satisfying weeknight dinner. Their absolutely delicious flavor, ease of preparation, and ability to generously feed a crowd make them an unbeatable choice for any event!
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