Derby Hot Brown Sliders (Printable)

Mini sandwiches with turkey, bacon, Mornay sauce, and brioche buns ideal for parties and casual entertaining.

# What You'll Need:

→ For the Sliders

01 - 12 brioche slider buns
02 - 12 slices roasted turkey breast
03 - 12 slices cooked bacon
04 - 1 large tomato, thinly sliced
05 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted for brushing

→ 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 Gruyère cheese or sharp white cheddar
11 - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
12 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
13 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
14 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ For Garnish

15 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
16 - 1/4 cup extra Parmesan cheese, optional

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk and cream while whisking until smooth and thickened, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Gruyère, Parmesan, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until cheese is fully melted and sauce reaches smooth consistency.
03 - Slice brioche buns in half horizontally. Position bottom halves on the prepared baking sheet.
04 - On each bun bottom, layer in sequence: one slice roasted turkey, one tomato slice, one spoonful Mornay sauce, and one slice crispy bacon.
05 - Place bun tops on each slider. Brush tops lightly with melted butter.
06 - Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese over sliders if desired.
07 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until buns are golden brown and filling is warmed through.
08 - Remove from oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately while warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They taste like a fancy restaurant dish but come together faster than you'd expect, making you look like a culinary genius without the stress.
  • The combination of crispy bacon, tender turkey, and that creamy cheese sauce is genuinely addictive—people will ask for the recipe before they finish their first one.
  • These sliders are small enough to eat multiple versions, which means you can actually savor the flavors instead of committing to one massive sandwich.
02 -
  • Don't skip the nutmeg—it sounds strange, but it's what separates a good Mornay from an authentic one, and your guests will taste the difference even if they can't name it.
  • The sauce can be made up to a day ahead and reheated gently in a saucepan; assemble and bake the sliders fresh for the best texture on the buns.
03 -
  • Cook your bacon in the oven at 400°F on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil for perfectly crispy strips that you can make ahead without crowding a skillet.
  • Keep your Mornay sauce warm in a double boiler if you're making sliders in batches, and if it thickens too much while sitting, thin it with a splash of warm milk.
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