Description
These mini Kentucky hot brown bites are the ultimate mini appetizer, perfect to serve at your Derby party! Packed full of the classic hot brown flavors like tender turkey breast and creamy Mornay sauce. They’re oven-baked for just 10 minutes until perfectly warm and golden. Whether you’re hosting or heading to a Derby party, this easy recipe makes 30 delicious bites that are sure to disappear fast.
Ingredients
- 2 boxes of mini phyllo dough shells (15 per box)
- 1/2 pound bacon (about 1/2 cup bacon bits after cooking)
- 2 Cups turkey breast - cooked and diced into small cubes (*see notes)
- 1/2 Cup cherry tomatoes - diced into small cubes
Mornary Sauce
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 1 Tbsp flour
- 1 1/2 Cups whole milk
- 1/2 Cup parmesan - grated
- 1/4 tsp salt
- pinch of nutmeg, freshly cracked black pepper, and white pepper
- fresh parsley for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
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In a skillet over medium heat, add in your bacon - using kitchen shears to cut into bits. Cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain. You should have about ½ cup of cooked bacon bits. Set aside.
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While the bacon is cooking, in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, add in the butter and flour. Once the butter melts, whisk with the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until smooth and lightly golden.
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Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and whisking for 3–5 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
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Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated parmesan, salt, nutmeg, black pepper, and white pepper. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Remove from heat.
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Place the mini phyllo shells on a baking sheet.
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To a large bowl, add in your chopped turkey, bacon, tomatoes, and Mornay sauce. Stir to combine.
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Add a small spoonful or about 1 tablespoon of the turkey filling to each of the phyllo shells.
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Place in the preheated oven for 7-10 minutes.
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Remove, place on a serving platter, and top with fresh chopped parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
For the turkey - I like to buy a 24-ounce package of turkey tenderloin and cook it according to the package directions in a baking pan with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. I will cube it once cooked and cooled and use it in this recipe. You can also purchase thickly sliced turkey breast from the deli and cube it to use for an easier and quicker option.
Make Ahead - if you are going to prep these ahead of time for your Derby party, then you can make the turkey mixture according to the directions, wrap plastic wrap around the bowl, and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before serving. Right before serving, scoop out into the shells and bake. It's best to do this right before so the shells are crispy and they are served hot, otherise the phyllo cups become soggy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 52
- Sugar: 0.7 g
- Sodium: 77.6 mg
- Fat: 2.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 5.1 g
- Cholesterol: 12.2 mg
