Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, toasty Hot Brown Slider, where layers of turkey and crispy bacon mingle delightfully with a creamy Mornay sauce that oozes happiness with each bite. The savory aroma wafts through the air, teasing your taste buds and promising an unforgettable experience that’s perfect for gatherings or game day celebrations.
As I recall the laughter and chatter of friends around the table, these sliders always take center stage, sparking joy with their rich flavors and fun presentation. Whether you’re hosting a lively party or simply indulging in comfort food on a cozy evening, these delicious mini sandwiches guarantee to elevate any occasion while leaving everyone craving more.
Why are Hot Brown Sliders a must-try?
Irresistible flavor combinations come together in these mini sandwiches, featuring turkey, bacon, and a creamy Mornay sauce.
- Perfect for gatherings: These sliders are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
- Quick to make: Prep and bake in under 30 minutes.
- Versatile delight: Great for game day or casual parties.
- Easy serving: Mini size means no mess—just grab and enjoy!
You’ll love how effortlessly they elevate any occasion!
Hot Brown Sliders Ingredients
For the Sliders
- 12 count slider buns – Soft and fluffy, these are perfect for holding all the delicious fillings.
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded – Leftover turkey works great here, adding a hearty and savory base to your sliders.
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled – Crispy bacon adds a delightful crunch and smoky flavor to each bite.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – This cheese melts beautifully, giving a rich taste that complements the other ingredients.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Mozzarella provides a stretchy texture that makes these sliders extra fun to eat.
For the Mornay Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter – Use unsalted butter for better control over the seasoning of your sauce.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – This helps thicken the sauce, creating a creamy consistency that coats the sliders nicely.
- 2 cups milk (preferably whole milk) – Whole milk gives richness; you can substitute with 2% if needed.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a nutty flavor and enhances the creaminess of the Mornay sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – A touch of garlic elevates the flavor profile without overpowering it.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Essential for bringing out all the wonderful flavors in your Mornay sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Adds just enough spice to balance out the richness of the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg – A pinch of nutmeg introduces warmth and depth to your creamy mixture.
How to Make Hot Brown Sliders
1. Melt In a saucepan, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden, creating a roux that forms the base of your Mornay sauce.
2. Whisk Gradually whisk in the 2 cups of milk, preferably whole milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. You’ll notice a creamy texture forming — this is the heart of your delicious sauce!
3. Combine Remove from heat and stir in the 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese along with 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg until smooth. The flavors will blend beautifully, ready to elevate your sliders.
Assemble the Sliders:
4. Preheat Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps ensure your Hot Brown Sliders will bake evenly and become wonderfully golden.
5. Slice Slice the 12 count slider buns in half and place the bottom halves in a baking dish. Make sure they fit snugly together; this will hold all those tasty fillings!
6. Layer Layer the 2 cups of shredded turkey, crumbled bacon from 6 slices, and both cheeses (1 cup shredded cheddar and 1 cup shredded mozzarella) on the buns. Feel free to be generous with those layers — more flavor awaits!
7. Pour Pour the Mornay sauce evenly over the assembled sliders, ensuring every bite gets that rich, creamy goodness. Watch as it seeps into all those nooks and crannies.
8. Top & Bake Top with the other halves of the buns and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Keep an eye on them; you want a beautiful melted top that beckons you!
Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Tips for the Best Hot Brown Sliders
- Choose Fresh Buns: Use fresh slider buns for a fluffy, soft texture that holds up well against the Mornay sauce. Stale buns can lead to sogginess.
- Turkey Temperature: Ensure your shredded turkey is warmed before assembling. Cold turkey can cool down your sliders and make them less enjoyable.
- Bacon Crispiness: Cook your bacon until crispy to add a satisfying crunch. Soft bacon can become chewy and affect the overall texture of the Hot Brown Sliders.
- Cheese Blend: Combining cheddar and mozzarella provides a creamy texture and tangy flavor. Don’t skip on the cheese; it’s essential for richness!
- Mornay Sauce Consistency: When whisking in the milk, do so gradually to avoid lumps. A smooth sauce ensures even coverage over the sliders.
- Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your sliders as they bake. Overbaking can dry them out—look for a golden, bubbly top for perfect results!
How to Store and Freeze Hot Brown Sliders
Room Temperature: Enjoy your Hot Brown Sliders fresh for up to 2 hours at room temperature before they should be refrigerated to ensure food safety.
Fridge: Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven for best results.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze assembled sliders (without Mornay sauce) wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat frozen sliders, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
Hot Brown Sliders Variations
Feel free to get creative and make these sliders your own with delightful twists and substitutions!
- Dairy-Free: Use almond or oat milk in the Mornay sauce, and swap cheeses for dairy-free alternatives. Your guests will love how creamy it remains without the dairy!
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha to the turkey mixture for an extra zing. This variation brings a fiery flavor that will excite your taste buds.
- Herbed Delight: Mix in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the Mornay sauce. The aromatic notes elevate the dish, making each bite a fragrant experience.
- BBQ Twist: Incorporate barbecue sauce into the shredded turkey for a smoky flavor profile. This twist transforms your sliders into a backyard barbecue favorite!
- Crunchy Topping: Top sliders with crushed potato chips or panko breadcrumbs before baking for added texture. The crunch contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
- Veggie-Packed: Substitute turkey with sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a vegetarian option. You’ll still enjoy that hearty goodness while keeping things light and fresh!
- Italian Style: Add Italian seasoning to the Mornay sauce and use provolone cheese instead of mozzarella. This Italian-inspired version will transport you straight to Tuscany!
Make Ahead Options
Hot Brown Sliders are a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to save time while still serving up delicious flavors. You can prepare the Mornay sauce up to 3 days in advance; just melt the butter, stir in the flour, and gradually whisk in the milk as described in the recipe. After thickening, mix in the Parmesan cheese and seasonings. Additionally, you can shred your turkey and crumble the bacon a day ahead for ease on game day. Assemble the sliders by layering the slider buns with turkey, bacon, and cheeses, then pour over that creamy Mornay sauce before covering with the top buns. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake them from chilled at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until they’re golden and bubbly. These make-ahead tips ensure your Hot Brown Sliders are as fresh and tasty as possible!
Hot Brown Sliders Recipe FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese for the sliders?
Absolutely! While cheddar and mozzarella create a great melty texture, you can experiment with other cheeses like gouda, provolone, or even a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly.
What can I substitute for the cooked turkey?
If turkey isn’t available, shredded chicken works just as well and is equally delicious. For a vegetarian option, consider using sautéed mushrooms or a mixture of your favorite roasted vegetables to replace the meat while still keeping that savory flavor.
How should I store leftover Hot Brown Sliders?
To store leftovers, simply cover them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. They’ll be good for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Can I freeze these sliders before baking?
Yes! You can assemble the sliders and then wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake them, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking them straight from the fridge at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes.
How do I make sure my Mornay sauce turns out smooth?
To achieve a smooth Mornay sauce, be sure to whisk constantly while adding the milk to prevent lumps. Cooking the flour until lightly golden before adding milk also helps create a creamy base. If your sauce does get lumpy, blending it with an immersion blender can save the day!
What is the serving size for this recipe?
This recipe makes enough Hot Brown Sliders for about 4 people, with each serving totaling approximately 450 calories. Perfect for sharing at a party or game day gathering!
Hot Brown Sliders
Ingredients
Method
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg until smooth.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the slider buns in half and place the bottom halves in a baking dish.
- Layer the shredded turkey, crumbled bacon, and both cheeses on the buns.
- Pour the Mornay sauce evenly over the assembled sliders.
- Top with the other halves of the buns and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
