Bourbon-Bacon Turkey Sliders with Mornay Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Mini turkey burgers infused with bourbon and bacon, topped with a creamy cheese sauce and served on soft buns for a quick Kentucky-inspired bite. This american-inspired quick meals ready in about 35 minutes pairs ground turkey, bourbon, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine ground turkey, 1/4 cup bourbon, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined, then form into 4 small patties (about 3 inches in diameter).
  2. Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook patties for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  3. Step 3: While patties cook, prepare Mornay sauce: Melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute until golden.
  4. Step 4: Gradually whisk in 1 cup milk until smooth, then bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in 1/2 cup grated Gruyere cheese and 1/4 tsp nutmeg until melted.
  5. Step 5: Place cooked patties on slider buns, top with 1 tbsp Mornay sauce, 1 tablespoon crumbled bacon, and a sprinkle of 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Bourbon-Bacon Turkey Sliders with Mornay Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Bourbon-Bacon Turkey Sliders with Mornay Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground turkey from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Bourbon-Bacon Turkey Sliders with Mornay Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Bourbon-Bacon Turkey Sliders with Mornay Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Bourbon-Bacon Turkey Sliders with Mornay Sauce?

American quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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