Mini Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders

Ingredients

• 12 mini slider buns
• 1 lb cooked turkey breast, thinly sliced
• 12 slices cooked bacon
• 1 large tomato, thinly sliced into rounds
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk, warmed
• 1.5 cups sharp white cheddar, freshly grated
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• salt to taste
• black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. 1

   Slice and butter buns: Slice the slider buns in half and brush the cut sides with melted butter.

2. 2

   Toast buns: Place buns on a baking sheet and toast under the broiler for 1–2 minutes until the edges are golden brown.

3. 3

   Make the roux: Melt 3 tbsp butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until the mixture smells slightly toasted but remains pale.

4. 4

   Thicken the sauce: Gradually whisk in warmed milk, stirring constantly to eliminate lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer until thickened.

5. 5

   Finish the cheese sauce: Remove the saucepan from heat and fold in grated cheddar, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is glossy.

6. 6

   Assemble sliders: Place a slice of turkey on each toasted bun base. Top with a tomato slice and a piece of bacon.

7. 7

   Apply cheese sauce: Spoon a generous dollop of the cheese sauce over each slider.

8. 8

   Broil until bubbling: Place under the broiler for 3–5 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and has developed mahogany-colored charred spots.