Derby Day Hot Brown Sliders (Printable)

Mini sliders layered with turkey, bacon, tomatoes, and creamy cheese sauce on soft rolls.

# 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 Make It:

01 - Set oven temperature to 350°F and allow to reach temperature.
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 while stirring continuously. Cook until thickened, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, kosher salt, and black pepper until smooth. Set aside.
03 - Split the slider rolls horizontally and place the bottom halves in a 9 by 13 inch baking dish.
04 - Distribute cooked turkey evenly over the bottom roll halves, followed by tomato slices and bacon pieces.
05 - Pour the Mornay sauce evenly over the filling. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the sauce.
06 - Place the top halves of the rolls over the filling.
07 - Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
08 - Remove foil and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until tops are lightly browned and cheese is bubbling.
09 - Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Classic Southern flavors in a convenient, party-friendly slider form
  • Rich, creamy Mornay sauce made from scratch with sharp cheddar and Parmesan
  • Perfect for Derby Day celebrations, game day gatherings, or any festive occasion
  • Easy to assemble and bake all at once—no individual sandwich assembly required
  • Combines savory turkey, crispy bacon, and fresh tomatoes in every bite
02 -
  • Make the Mornay sauce ahead of time and reheat gently before assembly
  • Use thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and texture contrast
  • Don't skip the nutmeg—it adds a subtle warmth that elevates the cheese sauce
  • Keep the rolls connected for easier assembly and serving
  • Let the sliders rest for a few minutes after baking so the sauce sets slightly
  • Reheat leftovers in a 300°F oven covered with foil to prevent drying out
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