Derby Day Hot Brown Sliders

When the first Saturday in May rolls around, Kentucky comes alive with the thunder of hooves, the splash of mint juleps, and the elegance of Derby Day tradition. Among the celebration's most beloved culinary icons is the Hot Brown—a rich, open-faced sandwich born at Louisville's Brown Hotel in the 1920s. These Derby Day Hot Brown Sliders bring that same indulgent magic to your party spread in bite-sized form, layering tender turkey, crispy bacon, and velvety Mornay sauce on soft rolls that disappear as fast as the horses round the final turn.

Save

The genius of these sliders lies in their construction. Unlike traditional Hot Browns served on individual plates, these are assembled together in one baking dish, making them ideal for entertaining. The soft slider rolls—Hawaiian or brioche work beautifully—soak up just enough of that luxurious cheese sauce while maintaining their tender texture. Each bite delivers the perfect ratio of turkey, bacon, tomato, and that signature creamy topping that made the original famous nearly a century ago.

Ingredients

• For the Sliders: 12 soft slider rolls (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: Prepare the oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Make the Mornay sauce

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

Step 3: Prepare the rolls

Split the slider rolls horizontally and place the bottom halves in a baking dish.

Step 4: Layer the filling

Layer turkey evenly over the rolls, followed by tomato slices and bacon pieces.

Step 5: Add sauce and cheese

Pour the Mornay sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan.

Step 6: Top and bake

Place the top halves of the rolls over the filling. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 5–7 minutes, until tops are lightly browned and cheese is bubbling.

Step 7: Garnish and serve

Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

The key to a perfect Mornay sauce is patience and constant whisking. Make sure your butter and flour mixture (the roux) cooks long enough to remove the raw flour taste, but don't let it brown too much. When adding the milk and cream, pour slowly while whisking to prevent lumps. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon when ready. If it gets too thick, thin it with a splash of milk. For the best texture, remove from heat before adding the cheese so it melts smoothly without becoming grainy. Using a 9x13-inch baking dish ensures the sliders fit snugly together, which helps them stay moist during baking.

Varianten und Anpassungen

While turkey is traditional, you can easily substitute ham for a different take on this Southern classic. For a lighter version, use turkey bacon and reduce the cream in the Mornay sauce by half, replacing it with additional milk. If you want extra richness, brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter mixed with garlic powder before the final bake. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Mornay sauce or layer in some sliced jalapeños with the tomatoes. Vegetarians can swap the turkey and bacon for roasted mushrooms and plant-based bacon alternatives, though you'll lose some of the authentic Hot Brown character.

Serviervorschläge

These sliders shine as the centerpiece of a Derby Day buffet, but they're equally at home at brunches, game day gatherings, or holiday parties. Serve them straight from the baking dish while still warm and bubbly for maximum impact. Pair with classic Kentucky sides like pimento cheese, bourbon-glazed carrots, or a simple green salad to balance the richness. For beverages, a crisp Chardonnay cuts through the creamy sauce beautifully, while bourbon cocktails—especially mint juleps or whiskey sours—honor the Derby Day tradition. If serving for brunch, mimosas or Bellinis make excellent companions. Don't forget to set out plenty of napkins; these are deliciously indulgent and wonderfully messy.

Save

Whether you're hosting a proper Derby Day celebration complete with fancy hats and bow ties, or simply craving the comforting flavors of Southern tradition, these Hot Brown Sliders deliver every time. They capture the essence of Kentucky's most famous sandwich in a format that's perfect for sharing, made with a Mornay sauce so silky and flavorful it might just steal the show. From the first bite of crispy bacon to the last creamy, cheesy morsel, these sliders prove that some classics deserve to be celebrated—and when they're this easy to make and this delicious to eat, every day can feel a little like Derby Day.