Kentucky Derby Hot Brown Sliders

Featured in: Simple Starters & Extras

These sliders feature tender roasted turkey and crisp bacon nestled on toasted brioche buns, topped with a rich Mornay sauce made from sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Ideal for gatherings, the creamy sauce adds depth and warmth, while the fresh tomato slices and sprinkle of smoked paprika bring balance and subtle heat. Quick to prepare and broiled to bubbly perfection, they offer delightful flavors inspired by Southern cuisine, perfect for festive occasions or casual indulgence.

Updated on Fri, 13 Mar 2026 05:15:24 GMT
Kentucky Derby Hot Brown Sliders on brioche buns with roasted turkey, bacon, and creamy Mornay sauce. Pin it
Kentucky Derby Hot Brown Sliders on brioche buns with roasted turkey, bacon, and creamy Mornay sauce. | forkledger.com

Miniature versions of the classic Louisville Hot Brown, these indulgent Kentucky Derby Hot Brown Sliders on brioche buns bring roasted turkey, crispy bacon, and creamy Mornay sauce together in perfect harmony. Ideal for Derby Day celebrations or any festive gathering, these sliders deliver a rich yet approachable taste of Southern American cuisine wrapped in soft, golden brioche buns.

Kentucky Derby Hot Brown Sliders on brioche buns with roasted turkey, bacon, and creamy Mornay sauce. Pin it
Kentucky Derby Hot Brown Sliders on brioche buns with roasted turkey, bacon, and creamy Mornay sauce. | forkledger.com

What's for Dinner Tonight? 🤔

Stop stressing. Get 10 fast recipes that actually work on busy nights.

Free. No spam. Just easy meals.

This appetizer effortlessly combines tradition and convenience, offering the iconic tastes of Southern American fare in slider form. The savory layers, creamy cheese sauce, and toasted brioche ensure every bite is a decadent celebration.

Ingredients

Tired of Takeout? 🥡

Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.

One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

  • For the Sliders
  • 12 mini brioche slider buns, sliced
  • 12 slices roasted turkey breast (about 400 g / 14 oz)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and cut in half
  • 2 Roma tomatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for toasting buns)
  • For the Mornay Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated sharp white cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Garnish
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Mornay Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, until bubbling but not browned. Slowly add the milk and cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
2. Finish the Sauce
Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth. Keep warm.
3. Toast the Buns
In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Place the cut sides of the brioche slider buns down and toast until golden, 1–2 minutes.
4. Assemble the Sliders
Place the bottom halves of the toasted buns on a baking sheet. Layer each with a slice of turkey, a tomato slice, and 1 tablespoon of Mornay sauce. Top with half a bacon slice.
5. Broil
Preheat the broiler. Slide the assembled bottoms (without tops) under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and lightly golden.
6. Finish
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with parsley and smoked paprika if using. Top each slider with the top half of the brioche bun.
7. Serve
Serve immediately while warm.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Die Mornay-Sauce erfordert ständiges Rühren, um Klümpchenbildung zu vermeiden – Geduld zahlt sich hier aus. Das Toasten der Brioche-Brötchen sorgt für eine angenehme Textur und verhindert Durchweichen. Für gleichmäßiges Browning die Broilerzeit genau beobachten.

Still Scrolling? You'll Love This 👇

Our best 20-minute dinners in one free pack — tried and tested by thousands.

Trusted by 10,000+ home cooks.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Für eine schnellere Variante kann auch Aufschnitt-Pute verwendet werden. Vegetarisch lässt sich das Rezept durch Weglassen von Pute und Speck und Ersetzen durch sautierte Pilze oder geröstetes Gemüse abwandeln. Ein Spritzer scharfe Sauce in der Mornay-Sauce bringt eine reizvolle Schärfe.

Serviervorschläge

Diese Sliders passen hervorragend zu einem klassischen Mint Julep oder einem kühlen Chardonnay und sind das perfekte Fingerfood für Derby-Partys und gesellige Anlässe.

Pin it
| forkledger.com

With these pointers and the authentic ingredients, your Kentucky Derby Hot Brown Sliders will delight friends and family with their classic Southern charm. Serve them warm, and watch them disappear fast at any festive table.

Recipe FAQ

What is the best way to make the Mornay sauce smooth?

Whisk continuously while gradually adding milk and cream over medium heat to avoid lumps. Cook until thickened and add cheeses off heat for a creamy texture.

Can I prepare the sliders in advance?

Assemble the components separately and assemble just before broiling to keep buns crisp and sauce bubbly.

Which turkey works best for these sliders?

Roasted turkey breast slices offer the best flavor and texture, but deli turkey can be used as a substitute.

How do I toast the brioche buns evenly?

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and place buns cut-side down. Toast for 1–2 minutes until golden and warm.

Are there ways to add spice to these sliders?

Adding a dash of hot sauce to the Mornay sauce or sprinkling smoked paprika on top introduces a subtle kick.

What are good beverage pairings for these sliders?

A classic mint julep or a crisp Chardonnay complements the rich flavors beautifully.

20-Minute Dinner Pack — Free Download 📥

10 recipes, 1 shopping list. Everything you need for a week of easy dinners.

Instant access. No signup hassle.

Kentucky Derby Hot Brown Sliders

Mini brioche buns with turkey, crispy bacon, and creamy cheese sauce for an indulgent Southern treat.

Prep time
20 minutes
Cook time
25 minutes
Total duration
45 minutes
Published by Natalie Hall


Skill level Medium

Cuisine American (Southern)

Makes 12 Number of servings

Diet details None specified

What You 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

01 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
03 1 cup whole milk
04 1/2 cup heavy cream
05 1 cup grated sharp white cheddar cheese
06 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
07 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
08 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish

01 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
02 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, optional

How To Make It

Step 01

Prepare Mornay Sauce: 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.

Step 02

Season Mornay Sauce: Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and keep warm.

Step 03

Toast Brioche Buns: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Place cut sides of brioche slider buns face down and toast until golden, 1-2 minutes.

Step 04

Assemble Sliders: 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 bacon slice.

Step 05

Broil Sliders: Preheat broiler. Slide assembled slider bottoms without tops under broiler for 2-3 minutes until sauce is bubbly and lightly golden.

Step 06

Finish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle with parsley and smoked paprika if desired. Place top half of brioche bun on each slider. Serve immediately while warm.

You Just Made Something Great 👏

Want more like this? Get my best easy recipes — free, straight to your inbox.

Join 10,000+ home cooks. No spam.

Tools Needed

  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Large skillet
  • Baking sheet
  • Broiler or oven
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy info

Review each component for possible allergen content—ask a healthcare provider whenever you're unsure.
  • Wheat (brioche buns, all-purpose flour)
  • Milk (cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, butter, heavy cream)
  • Eggs (possible in brioche buns)
  • Pork (bacon)

Nutrition info (per serving)

Nutritional details are for your reference. This doesn't substitute health advice.
  • Calories: 280
  • Total fat: 16 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 19 grams
  • Protein: 13 grams

Cooking Shouldn't Be Hard ❤️

Get a free recipe pack that makes weeknight dinners effortless. Real food, real fast.

Free forever. Unsubscribe anytime.