Derby Day Hot Brown Sliders

There's something undeniably festive about Derby Day—the excitement, the hats, the mint juleps—and now, these irresistible Hot Brown Sliders bring a taste of Kentucky tradition right to your party table. Inspired by the legendary Hot Brown sandwich from Louisville's historic Brown Hotel, these miniature marvels pack all the rich, savory goodness of tender turkey, crispy bacon, and velvety Mornay sauce into perfectly portioned slider rolls. Whether you're hosting a Derby Day celebration or simply craving a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these sliders deliver Southern comfort in every bite.

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What makes these sliders truly special is the luxurious Mornay sauce—a classic French béchamel enriched with sharp white cheddar and Parmesan. The gentle hint of nutmeg adds warmth and depth, while the bacon provides that essential salty crunch. Baked together until golden and bubbling, these sliders emerge from the oven as a unified, pull-apart masterpiece that's both elegant and comforting. Whether you're celebrating the Run for the Roses or simply gathering friends for game day, these Hot Brown Sliders are guaranteed to steal the show.

Ingredients

• For the Sliders: 12 soft slider rolls (e.g., Hawaiian rolls or brioche), 2 cups cooked turkey breast (sliced or shredded), 8 slices thick-cut bacon (cooked crisp and cut in half), 1 cup Roma tomatoes (thinly sliced), 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• For the Mornay Sauce: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 cup whole milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 cup shredded sharp white cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• For Garnish: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and gather all ingredients and tools.

Step 2: Make the Mornay Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden. Slowly whisk in the milk and cream, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens (about 3–4 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar, Parmesan, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Sliders

Split the slider rolls horizontally and place the bottom halves in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer the turkey evenly over the rolls, followed by the tomato slices and bacon pieces.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese

Pour the Mornay sauce evenly over the layered ingredients. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top, then place the top halves of the rolls over the filling.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 5–7 minutes, until the tops are lightly browned and the cheese is bubbling.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve warm.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best results, use high-quality slider rolls like Hawaiian rolls or soft brioche buns—their slight sweetness balances the rich, savory sauce beautifully. When making the Mornay sauce, be patient and whisk constantly to avoid lumps; the key is adding the milk and cream slowly while maintaining steady heat. If you're preparing these sliders ahead of time, you can assemble them completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the covered baking time if they're coming straight from the fridge. Brushing the tops with melted butter before the final uncovered bake adds a gorgeous golden finish and extra flavor.

Varianten und Anpassungen

While turkey is traditional, you can easily substitute thinly sliced ham for a different twist on the classic Hot Brown. For a smokier flavor, try using applewood-smoked bacon or even pancetta. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Mornay sauce or sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the assembled sliders before baking. Vegetarians can omit the meat entirely and double up on roasted vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free slider buns and substitute the all-purpose flour in the sauce with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.

Serviervorschläge

These Hot Brown Sliders are ideal for Derby Day parties, game day gatherings, or any festive occasion where finger foods shine. Serve them warm, straight from the oven, alongside a crisp green salad or tangy coleslaw to balance the richness. For beverages, pair with a crisp Chardonnay, a hoppy IPA, or stay true to Kentucky tradition with a classic mint julep or bourbon cocktail. The sliders also work wonderfully as part of a larger appetizer spread—think alongside deviled eggs, pimento cheese dip, and bourbon-glazed meatballs. For easy serving, cut the sliders apart individually or leave them connected for a fun pull-apart presentation that encourages sharing.

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With their golden tops, bubbling cheese, and layers of savory goodness, these Derby Day Hot Brown Sliders are more than just an appetizer—they're a celebration on a plate. Whether you're watching the races, hosting a party, or simply treating yourself to a taste of Southern tradition, these sliders bring comfort, flavor, and a touch of Kentucky elegance to any occasion. So preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience why the Hot Brown has remained a beloved classic for nearly a century. Your guests will be asking for the recipe before the last slider disappears!

Recipe FAQs

→ What is Mornay sauce made of?

Mornay sauce is a creamy cheese sauce made from butter, flour, milk, cream, sharp white cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses, seasoned with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

→ Can I use a different meat instead of turkey?

Yes, ham or roasted chicken make excellent substitutes for turkey, offering a pleasant variation in flavor.

→ What type of rolls work best for these sliders?

Soft slider rolls such as Hawaiian rolls or brioche provide a tender and slightly sweet base that complements the rich fillings.

→ How should the sliders be baked?

After assembling, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes until tops are browned and sauce bubbles.

→ Can these sliders be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sliders in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for convenience and freshness.