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Savory Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders with Turkey and Mornay Sauce

Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders - featured image

These sliders combine tender turkey, crispy bacon, fresh tomato, and a rich homemade mornay sauce on toasted slider buns for a quick and indulgent Southern-inspired treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 slider buns (soft, small, Hawaiian rolls recommended)
  • Thinly sliced roasted turkey breast (about 24-36 slices)
  • 6 strips thick-cut bacon
  • 12 slices fresh ripe tomato (Roma or vine-ripened)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh thyme leaves or ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook 6 strips of thick-cut bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and set aside.
  2. Slice 12 slider buns in half horizontally. Butter each cut side lightly. In the same skillet (wipe excess bacon fat if needed), toast buns butter-side down over medium heat until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour and cook the roux, whisking constantly, for 2 minutes until light golden.
  4. Slowly pour in 2 cups whole milk in a steady stream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the sauce, stirring often, until it thickens, about 6-8 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, ½ cup grated Parmesan, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to taste until smooth and velvety.
  6. On a baking sheet or shallow casserole dish, arrange the bottom halves of toasted buns. Layer each with 2-3 slices of roasted turkey breast, a slice of tomato, and a strip of crispy bacon.
  7. Spoon generous amounts of mornay sauce over each slider, letting it drape over the sides.
  8. Place the bun tops on each slider, then spoon additional mornay sauce over the top. Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar or Parmesan on top for a golden crust.
  9. Place under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
  10. Remove from oven and let cool for a minute. Optionally, sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley. Serve warm.

Notes

Watch the broiler carefully to avoid burning the cheese. If the mornay sauce thickens too much before assembling, stir in a splash of milk to loosen. Toasting the buns prevents sogginess. For gluten-free, substitute flour and buns accordingly. Vegetarian versions can replace turkey and bacon with sautéed mushrooms and roasted red peppers.

Nutrition

Keywords: Kentucky Hot Brown, sliders, turkey, mornay sauce, bacon, Southern comfort food, easy recipe, party food