Derby Day Hot Brown Sliders (Printable)

Mini sandwiches with turkey, bacon, Mornay sauce on soft rolls, perfect for celebrations.

# What You'll Need:

→ For the Sliders

01 - 12 soft slider rolls, such as Hawaiian rolls or brioche
02 - 2 cups cooked turkey breast, sliced or shredded
03 - 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and cut in half
04 - 1 cup Roma tomatoes, thinly sliced
05 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ For the 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 shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
11 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
13 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
14 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ For Garnish

15 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional

# How-To Steps:

01 - Set oven temperature to 350°F.
02 - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly golden. Slowly whisk in milk and cream, cooking continuously until thickened, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, Parmesan, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.
03 - Split slider rolls horizontally and place bottom halves in a 9x13-inch baking dish.
04 - Distribute turkey evenly over the rolls, followed by tomato slices and bacon pieces.
05 - Pour Mornay sauce evenly over the top and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese.
06 - Place top halves of rolls over the filling.
07 - Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
08 - Remove foil and bake an additional 5 to 7 minutes until tops are lightly browned and cheese is bubbling.
09 - Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve while warm.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • They're fancy enough to impress but simple enough that even your most anxious cooking moments won't derail you.
  • One baking dish means minimal cleanup while everyone's busy eating and celebrating around you.
02 -
  • The roux method is non-negotiable; whisking constantly prevents lumps and gives you a sauce that tastes professionally made rather than scratchy and grainy.
  • Don't assemble these more than an hour before baking or your rolls will absorb too much moisture and lose their structure.
03 -
  • Always grate your cheese fresh rather than using pre-shredded if possible; the anti-caking agents in packaged cheese can make your sauce feel slightly grainy.
  • If your Mornay sauce breaks or looks separated, remove it from heat immediately and whisk in a tablespoon of cold milk to bring it back together.
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