Kentucky Derby Hot Brown Sliders (Printable)

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

# 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

06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
07 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
08 - 1 cup whole milk
09 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
10 - 1 cup grated sharp white cheddar cheese
11 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
13 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
14 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Garnish

15 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
16 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, optional

# How To Make It:

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 cheese, 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 face down and toast until golden, 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 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 if desired. Place top half of brioche bun on each slider. Serve immediately while warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Classic flavors of the Louisville Hot Brown miniaturized into easy-to-handle sliders.
  • Rich Mornay sauce elevates the roasted turkey and crispy bacon layers.
  • Pillowy brioche buns add a sweet, buttery balance perfect for parties.
  • Quick to prepare and guaranteed to impress your guests at any Derby celebration.
02 -
  • Melt butter and whisk flour slowly for a lump-free roux in the Mornay sauce.
  • Toast buns just until golden to keep them soft yet slightly crisp.
  • Broil the assembled sliders carefully – keep an eye as Mornay sauce browns quickly.
  • Pre-cook bacon thickly for added crunch and flavor, then halve slices for balanced topping size.
  • Use freshly grated cheeses for best melt and texture in the sauce.
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