Hot Brown Slider Melts with Roasted Snap Peas and Mint Juleps
These slider-sized Hot Brown sandwiches capture the essence of Kentucky's famous open-faced turkey sandwich in a portable format. Layered with deli turkey, crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and nutty Gruyere cheese, then baked until golden and bubbly. The garlic butter brushed on top creates an irresistible golden crust while keeping the rolls tender inside. Accompanied by simply roasted snap peas and refreshing bourbon mint juleps, this makes an ideal casual dinner for entertaining or a fun twist on game day fare. The combination of savory sliders and cool cocktails offers both comfort and sophistication.
Ingredients
- 20 leaves Mint, fresh, plus more for garnish
- 2 Tbsp Lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp Maple syrup
- ¾ cup Seltzer
- ½ cup Bourbon
- Ice, for serving
- 5 oz Cheese, Gruyere, sliced or shredded
- ¼ cup Cheese, parmesan, shredded(optional)
- 3 Tbsp Mayonnaise
- 2 tsp Mustard, Dijon
- ⅛ tsp Nutmeg(optional)
- 8 slices Bacon, chopped
- 12 Slider buns, small, slicedsweet Hawaiian rolls1:1
adds sweetness that complements the savory filling
- 2 Tomatoes, medium, thinly sliced
- 8 oz Turkey, deli-sliced
- 2 Tbsp Butter
- ½ tsp Garlic powder
- ¼ tsp Onion powder
- Foil, for baking
- 12 oz Sugar snap peas, trimmed
- 1 Tbsp Oil, cooking
- 2 tsp Lemon juice
Instructions
- 1
Heat oven to 400F and set out a sheet pan and rectangular baking dish
- 2
Spread bottom halves of slider buns in baking dish and spread with mayo mustard dressing
- 3
Top buns with turkey, bacon, tomato slices, Gruyere, and Parmesan if using, then add top halves
- 4
Melt butter and stir in garlic powder and onion powder, then brush over bun tops
- 5
Cover pan tightly with foil and bake until cheese is melted and heated through, about 15 minutes
- 6
Toss snap peas with cooking oil and season with salt and pepper
- 7
Spread snap peas on sheet pan and roast until tender, 10 to 14 minutes, shaking pan halfway through
- 8
Muddle mint leaves in pitcher or large glass jar
- 9
Add lemon juice and maple syrup to mint and mash again to combine flavors
- 10
Gently stir in seltzer and bourbon, taste and adjust sweetness or strength as desired, then refrigerate
- 11
Remove foil from sliders and bake until golden brown on top, about 1 minute more
- 12
Toss roasted snap peas with lemon juice
- 13
Fill glasses with ice and pour mint julep over top, garnish with extra mint leaves
- 14
Serve sliders with snap peas on the side and mint juleps
Tips
Watch sliders carefully during the final browning step to prevent burning - ovens vary and they can go from golden to burnt quickly.
Make the mint julep mixture ahead and keep it chilled - the flavors will meld beautifully and it will be ready when your sliders come out of the oven.
Use a gentle hand when muddling the mint to avoid bitter flavors - you want to bruise the leaves, not pulverize them completely.
Good to Know
Store assembled sliders covered in refrigerator up to 1 day before baking. Store mint julep mixture up to 2 days refrigerated.
Assemble sliders completely and cover tightly, then bake when ready to serve. Make mint julep base without ice up to 2 days ahead.
Serve sliders warm immediately after baking while cheese is melty. Mint juleps should be served cold over ice.
Common Mistakes
Avoid overbaking sliders or they will dry out - check at 15 minutes and remove as soon as cheese melts.
Don't over-muddle mint or it will become bitter and cloudy the drink.
Avoid leaving sliders uncovered during initial baking or tops will brown before cheese melts.
Substitutions
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
adds sweetness that complements the savory filling
FAQ
Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the sliders completely and refrigerate covered up to 1 day before baking. Add 2-3 minutes to the covered baking time if starting from cold.
What if I don't have bourbon for the mint juleps?
You can substitute any whiskey or even rum. For a non-alcoholic version, replace bourbon with additional seltzer and add a splash of vanilla extract.
How long will leftover mint julep mixture keep?
The mint julep base will keep refrigerated for up to 2 days. The mint flavor actually improves over time, but add fresh ice when serving.