Derby Day Hot Brown (Printable)

Miniature Kentucky sandwiches featuring turkey, bacon, creamy Mornay sauce on soft rolls, ideal for celebrations.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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

→ 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

→ Garnish

15 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven 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, stirring continuously until thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Set aside.
03 - Split slider rolls horizontally and place bottom halves in a 9x13-inch baking dish.
04 - Layer turkey evenly over the rolls, followed by tomato slices and bacon pieces.
05 - Pour Mornay sauce evenly over the top layer. 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. Serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Party-perfect portions that capture all the flavors of the classic Hot Brown in handheld form
  • Rich, velvety Mornay sauce made from scratch with sharp white cheddar and Parmesan
  • Easy to assemble and bake all at once—no individual plating required
  • Impressive presentation that brings Southern hospitality to any gathering
  • Ready in just 45 minutes from start to finish
02 -
  • Use rotisserie chicken instead of turkey for an even quicker prep time
  • Make the Mornay sauce up to a day ahead and reheat gently before assembling
  • Keep the rolls connected in their package tray for easier handling and uniform presentation
  • Don't skip the foil during the first bake—it keeps the tops from browning too quickly while the filling heats through
  • Let the sliders rest for 3-4 minutes after baking so the sauce sets slightly and doesn't run when serving
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