Kentucky Derby Hot Brown Sliders (Print Version)

Mini sliders showcasing roasted turkey, bacon, and rich Mornay sauce on buttery brioche buns.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Sliders

01 - 12 mini brioche slider buns, sliced
02 - 12 slices roasted turkey breast (14 oz)
03 - 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and halved
04 - 2 Roma tomatoes, thinly sliced
05 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter for toasting buns

→ Mornay Sauce

06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
07 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
08 - 1 cup whole milk
09 - 0.5 cup heavy cream
10 - 1 cup grated sharp white cheddar cheese
11 - 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 - 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
13 - 0.5 teaspoon salt
14 - 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

→ Garnish

15 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
16 - 0.25 teaspoon smoked paprika

# Step-by-Step:

01 - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Whisk in flour and cook 1-2 minutes until bubbling but not browned. Slowly add milk and cream while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until thickened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
02 - Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and keep warm.
03 - In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Place cut sides of brioche slider buns down and toast until golden brown, 1-2 minutes.
04 - Place bottom halves of toasted buns on a baking sheet. Layer each with one slice turkey, one tomato slice, and 1 tablespoon Mornay sauce. Top with half a bacon slice.
05 - Preheat broiler. Slide assembled slider bottoms without tops under broiler for 2-3 minutes until sauce is bubbly and lightly golden.
06 - Remove from oven and sprinkle with parsley and smoked paprika. Crown each slider with the top half of brioche bun.
07 - Serve immediately while warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • These sliders capture the beloved flavors of the iconic Hot Brown in a fun, easy-to-eat format.
  • The creamy Mornay sauce elevates the savory turkey and crispy bacon layers.
  • Pillowy brioche buns provide the perfect soft, buttery base.
  • Ideal for entertaining, especially for Kentucky Derby celebrations or any festive gathering.
02 -
  • Cook bacon thick-cut for ideal texture and flavor.
  • Toast buns just before assembling to keep them crisp yet soft inside.
  • Keep the Mornay sauce warm but do not reheat aggressively to avoid separation.
  • Use fresh parsley for bright garnish and optional smoked paprika for subtle smoky depth.
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