Hot Brown Minis and Citrus & Mint Juleps up ahead!
Okay, I’m posting this FROM KENTUCKY! How crazy fun is that? The Kentucky Derby is right around the corner, and I’m headed into Ohio for a few days of work with Kroger. I’m absolutely giddy with excitement—because I’m actually in Kentucky posting Derby recipes!
The Derby is so Southern and so romantic—the pageantry, the beautiful horses, that iconic cloak of roses draped over the winner. It’s called “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports” and has been held every single year since 1875. I love a long-running tradition! And if grand horse races are your thing, I’ve got the perfect snack pairing to enjoy during the Derby: Hot Browns—in this case, Hot Brown Minis—and Citrus & Mint Juleps.
The Kentucky Derby Hot Brown originated in 1926 at the Brown Hotel in Louisville. Traditionally, it’s an open-faced sandwich layered with turkey, bacon, and a savory cheese sauce—definitely a fork-and-knife affair (it’s nearly impossible to eat one without a fork, actually). But I’ve put a little spin on the classic and created the Hot Brown Mini. These are finger-friendly, totally poppable, and absolutely worth making.
And what better way to enjoy a savory Southern treat than with a refreshing Southern cocktail? Below, you’ll also find the recipe for my Citrus & Mint Julep—it’s bright, cool, and the perfect companion to the Hot Brown Minis.
I grabbed all the ingredients for these delectable little bites at my local Kroger store. If you’re planning a Kentucky Derby shindig, Kroger has you covered. I hope you enjoy these delicious mini sandwiches—and the cocktails to go with them. Gather some friends and throw a little party!
How to Make Kentucky Derby Hot Brown Minis and Citrus & Mint Juleps
Let’s start with the Hot Brown Minis. This playful twist on the classic Kentucky Derby favorite originated at the Brown Hotel in Louisville back in 1926. Traditionally, the Hot Brown is an open-faced sandwich piled high with turkey, bacon, and a creamy cheese sauce, but these mini versions are just the right size for easy snacking. Begin by preparing a rich and velvety Parmesan béchamel sauce. Melt butter in a saucepan and add red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Let the butter foam and toast the spices, then whisk in flour and cook until bubbly and golden. Slowly add in milk and continue whisking until the sauce thickens, then stir in the Parmesan until it’s smooth and creamy. Once your béchamel is ready, set it aside to cool.
Next, preheat your oven to 350°F and butter a muffin tin. Roll out frozen puff pastry sheets, cut them into squares, and press each one into the muffin cups. Fill each pastry shell with diced deli turkey, halved cherry tomatoes, and crumbled bacon. Spoon the cooled béchamel over the top, dividing it evenly between each mini pie. Bake uncovered for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and puffed up, and the tops are lightly browned. These savory little bites are a perfect finger-food version of the original Hot Brown—rich, cheesy, and just the right amount of indulgent.
Now, no Derby celebration is complete without a Citrus & Mint Julep. This modern take on the classic Mint Julep combines the traditional ingredients of bourbon, mint, and sugar with the refreshing zing of lime and the effervescence of sparkling water. To make it, start by muddling fresh mint, sugar, and lime juice in a cocktail shaker. Add in bourbon and give it a good shake. Fill a glass with crushed ice, pour the muddled mixture over the ice, and top it off with Kroger Lemon Lime Sparkling Water for a crisp and bubbly finish. Stir gently, and garnish with a sprig of mint for an extra touch of freshness. This cocktail is as light and lively as a spring breeze, perfectly complementing the rich flavors of the Hot Brown Minis.
A Taste of Tradition: The History Behind Hot Browns & Mint Juleps
The Kentucky Derby isn’t just a race—it’s a celebration of Southern culture, tradition, and flavor. Two icons that have stood the test of time at Derby Day gatherings are the Hot Brown and the Mint Julep, each with a story as rich as their taste.
The Hot Brown: A Louisville Legend
The Hot Brown was born in 1926 at the historic Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. Late-night revelers attending the hotel’s dinner dances were craving something more indulgent than the usual ham-and-eggs. So the hotel’s chef, Fred Schmidt, created a warm, open-faced sandwich layered with roasted turkey, crispy bacon, tomatoes, and a bubbling Mornay-style cheese sauce—and the Hot Brown was an instant classic.
Over the decades, it’s become a staple of Kentucky cuisine, especially around Derby season. Rich, satisfying, and unapologetically Southern, the Hot Brown pairs perfectly with all the pomp and pageantry of Derby Day. Our Hot Brown Minis are a playful take on this legendary dish, made easy to serve and even easier to enjoy.
The Mint Julep: A Cool Derby Tradition
When it comes to cocktails, nothing says “Kentucky Derby” quite like the Mint Julep. This refreshing mix of bourbon, mint, and sugar has been the official drink of the Derby since 1938—but its roots go back much further. The julep first appeared in the South as a medicinal tonic in the late 18th century, often used to soothe stomach ailments. Over time, it evolved into a beloved warm-weather drink and a symbol of Southern hospitality.
Each year during Derby weekend, nearly 120,000 mint juleps are served at Churchill Downs alone—most in iconic silver cups over crushed ice. Our Citrus & Mint Julep brings a lighter, modern sparkle to the tradition, perfect for backyard parties or front-porch sipping.
Together, the Hot Brown and the Mint Julep tell a story of heritage, creativity, and celebration—making them the perfect duo for your Derby Day spread.
More Recipes from Rustic Joyful Food
If you loved this Hot Brown Minis recipe, you’ll love any of these equally delicious options!
- Ball Park Food
- Dark Chocolate Southern Spoon Pudding with Raspberry Syrup and Velvety Cream
- Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- The Greatest Chicken Pot Pie with a Cheddar Biscuit Crust
Citrus & Mint Juleps
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring spoons
- Muddler or wooden spoon
- Glass
- Spoon or straw
Ingredients
- 1 ounce bourbon
- 1/2 ounce lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 sprig fresh mint
- Crushed ice
- 1/2 cup Kroger Lemon Lime Sparkling Water
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the bourbon, lime juice, sugar, and mint. Muddle everything together until the sugar is mostly dissolved and the mint is fragrant.
- Fill a glass with crushed ice.
- Pour the muddled mixture over the ice and top with Kroger Lemon Lime Sparkling Water.
- Give it a gentle stir and garnish with a fresh mint sprig, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the sparkle!
Kentucky Derby Hot Brown Minis
Equipment
- Rolling Pin
- Muffin tin
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Knife
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
- 1 package frozen puff pastry sheets
- 2 cups deli turkey diced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cooked crumbled bacon
- 3 cups Parmesan béchamel see below
Parmesan Béchamel
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- Pinch red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan
Instructions
- To make the béchamel, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the butter foams and the spices are fragrant.
- Whisk in the flour and let it cook, stirring constantly, until bubbly and golden—about 3 minutes.
- Slowly pour in the milk, whisking as you go. Continue to stir over medium heat until the sauce thickens, about 7 minutes.
- Add the shredded Parmesan and stir until completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly butter a muffin tin.
- On a floured surface, gently roll out the puff pastry sheets. Cut each sheet into six equal squares and press the squares into the muffin cups.
- Distribute the diced turkey, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled bacon evenly into the pastry-lined cups.
- Top each mini with about 2 tablespoons of béchamel.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden and the tops have a light brown color.
- Serve warm alongside a citrusy mint julep and celebrate in true Derby Day fashion.
