Mornay-Sauced Turkey Sliders with Bacon

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

Mini turkey patties topped with crispy bacon and creamy mornay sauce on toasted brioche buns for a Kentucky-inspired bite. This kentucky-inspired quick meals ready in about 25 minutes pairs ground turkey, bacon, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.

★ 4.5 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Kentucky cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook 2 chopped bacon slices in a skillet until crispy, then remove and set aside. Pour out all but 1 tbsp of bacon fat.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour to form a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
  3. Step 3: Gradually whisk in 1/4 cup milk until thickened, then stir in 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Season 1 lb ground turkey with salt and pepper, then form into 4 small patties. Cook patties in the bacon fat for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Mix 2 tbsp mayonnaise and 1 tbsp Dijon mustard. Spread on the bottom of each bun. Place a turkey patty on each, top with 1 tbsp mornay sauce and 1/4 cup diced red onion, then add 1/2 of the cooked bacon.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Mornay-Sauced Turkey Sliders with Bacon?

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 Mornay-Sauced Turkey Sliders with Bacon?

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 Mornay-Sauced Turkey Sliders with Bacon 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 Mornay-Sauced Turkey Sliders with Bacon?

Kentucky 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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