Kentucky Derby Food Ideas

It’s mint julep season, which means your Kentucky Derby party is around the corner. If you’re planning a watch party, then you need these Kentucky Derby food ideas. From bourbon to hot browns and classic to creative, there’s a recipe here for all your entertaining needs.

a julep cocktail with a mint leaf garnish next to a bottle of whiskey

Your ultimate guide to Kentucky Derby food

I love a good theme. A theme drives the direction of the occasion, gives guests an idea of what to expect and can even help determine the menu.

Derby Day parties are especially fun. While I can’t say that I’m an avid follower of horse racing, the Kentucky Derby is an exception for me — and for most! Whether it’s the fancy hats, the iconic drinks, or the mouthwatering food, there’s just something about the Derby that draws fans from all over to cheer on the field.

The Kentucky Derby is a race of thoroughbred horses on the first Saturday in May each year. It takes place at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky and is steeped in tradition. After all, it’s been around since 1875!

Bourbon, chocolate and southern delicacies are staple at any Derby celebration. As long as you have some of each, you can’t go wrong!

Quick tips for hosting

Pre-mix your drinks: By prepping drinks in big batches ahead of time, you’ll stop yourself from getting stuck behind the bar. Skip the ice and garnishes and leave the drinks in the fridge until you’re ready to serve so the drinks look and taste their freshest.

Offer options: If you set up your drinks into a self-serve bar, you can mix all the ingredients except the alcohol. Set out several different choices that guests might like, including a zero-proof spirit for those that prefer to skip the booze.

Lean into the theme: Draw inspiration from the horses who are competing and give your drinks or food fun names! Plus, give your drinks their own fabulous toppers by using fun garnishes to mimic the festive hats worn at the Derby.

A refreshing Oaks Lily cocktail with lemon and blackberries on a white background.

What to serve with Kentucky Derby food

To go with your Derby spread, mix up some of the most popular Kentucky Derby cocktails. Kentucky is the home of bourbon whiskey, after all, so any kind of bourbon cocktail will definitely be a hit.

The most well-known cocktail is the mint julep, a bourbon and mint mashup served ice-cold in a silver cup. If you’re serving these, stock up on fresh mint leaves and make some mint simple syrup.

But the julep is not the only drink served at Churchill Downs. You can also try the Kentucky Oaks Lily and the Woodford Reserve Spire.

For the non-drinkers, prepare virgin mint juleps or a big batch of cold brew iced tea with lemon.

The best Kentucky Derby food

The most popular Kentucky Derby recipes are ones that you can order pretty much any time in Louisville. Any of these dishes would be authentic additions to your party menu.

  • Derby Pie is a delicious chocolate pecan pie that is a staple any time you visit Louisville.
  • The Kentucky Hot Brown is a gravy-soaked bacon sandwich that Louisville is famous for.
  • Southern staples like cream cheese and cucumber sandwiches and pimento cheese sandwiches tend to make an appearance at Derby parties.
  • You could also serve some pork bbq. This apple cider pulled pork is always a hit.
  • Fried chicken is another Southern recipe that everyone loves.

Here’s what else I would serve for a winning Derby Day:

1
A glass of bourbon next to a tray of Kentucky bourbon balls.
Kentucky Bourbon Balls
Bourbon Balls are a sweet and boozy confection and a Southern delicacy you'll find at Kentucky distilleries. They are perfect for Derby Day cookie trays!
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2
A chocolate pie with nuts on top and a scoop of ice cream on a light green plate with two forks
Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie
Your guests will love this Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie, the ultimate Derby Day dessert. Gooey chocolate pecan pie with hints of whiskey is absolutely to die for.
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3
Hot Brown Sandwich
Girl Carnivore
Hot Brown Sandwich
The Hot Brown Sandwich is a Kentucky classic! Toasted bread gets topped with turkey, bacon, tomatoes and creamy Mornay sauce. It’s the ultimate hot sandwich.
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4
Cat Head Cheddar Biscuits // Feast + West
Cathead Biscuits
There's not much more Southern than a fluffy biscuit that's filled with melted cheese. These skillet biscuits are perfect for your Derby party.
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5
Rectangular cheese crackers on a black wire cooling rack.
Spicy Cheese Straws
Cheese straws are a delicious Southern treat. These cheesy crackers are ultra-simple to make.
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6
Sausage meatballs on a tray with rosemary sprigs.
Sausage Balls
Cheesy Sausage Balls are perfect for any party. Guest will devour this Southern favorite in no time.
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7
Make tailgating better with a batch of Chorizo Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates! They're an easy appetizer you can make for a crowd on game day or any gathering. (via feastandwest.com)
Bacon Wrapped Dates
Sausage-stuffed, sweet dates encased in crispy bacon are the ultimate bite-sized appetizer for your Derby Day spread.
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8
A creamy spinach dip is spooned out of a blue baking dish.
5-Ingredient Spinach Artichoke Dip
This cheesy hot dip is perfect for serving with chips, crackers or bread for a party. It's a simple appetizer that's always a classic.
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9
Celebrate the Kentucky Derby with Brown Butter Bourbon Walnut Chocolate Chip Cookies! (via feastandwest.com)
Brown Butter Bourbon Walnut Chocolate Chip Cookies
With nuts and a splash of bourbon, these chocolate chip cookies are like pieces of Derby Pie in bite-size form.
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10
Bacon Pimento Cheese is the Southern salty cheese spread that will make your party guests happy. (via feastandwest.com)
Spicy Bacon Pimento Cheese
This pimento cheese spread is perfect for spreading on crackers. Everyone loves bacon, so this appetizer will disappear in a hurry. You can also spread it on sandwiches for your derby party.
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11
a stack of three Salted Brown Butter Bourbon Rice Krispie Treats
Bourbon Rice Krispie Treats
These boozy Bourbon Rice Krispie Treats are the grown-up version of your childhood favorite treat and the perfect addition to the adults-only snack table.
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12
A light green baking dish contains cheese slices, pimentos and marinade
Marinated Cheese
Marinated cheese is the ultimate easy, make-ahead appetizer to serve with crackers. Stacks of cheese with a tangy dressing are a unique offering for the snack table.
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13
DIY white fluffy marshmallow squares sit in rows on a white background
Bourbon Marshmallows
Homemade marshmallows are the fluffiest treat for your dessert trays. Bourbon adds layers of sweet vanilla and caramel.
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14
a cake stand with a bourbon ginger ale with a grey and white kitchen towel and mint green plates and gold forks
Bourbon Ginger Ale Cake
This fluffy cake has notes of bourbon and ginger. It's like a Kentucky Mule in cake-form.
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15
Charcuterie board with assorted cheeses, crackers, green olives, grapes, cured meats, and a bowl of jam.
Cheese and Charcuterie Board
Grab all the meat and cheese your heart desires and make the best of the best charcuterie board! There's so many fun combinations and flavors to choose from.
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16
A close-up of a mixed nuts assortment, including cashews, pecans, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, and walnuts.
Candied Nuts
These Candied Spiced Nuts are super simple and absolutely delicious. Make this easy snacking treat in just a few easy steps! Makes about 12 cups.
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17
Sliced chocolate chip banana bread on a wooden board, surrounded by bananas and a small bowl of chocolate chips.
Dark Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
This delicious Dark Chocolate Chip Banana Bread recipe comes very moist, rich, and perfectly sweet with the irresistible taste of dark chocolate. This recipe is ideal for breakfast or a sweet snack.
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18
Lemon bars on a silver tray.
Lemon Bars
Lemon bars are a fresh, zesty dessert that's perfect for parties. There won't be a single one leftover!
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19
A cheese ball covered in bacon and green onions is placed on a white plate surrounded by circular crackers.
Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball
This bacon ranch cheese ball is exploding with delicious flavors! It is sure to be a new party favorite.
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20
A pile of pastries covered in powdered sugar.
French Madeleines
21
baked brie and crackers on a plate
Baked Brie with Honey, Bacon and Walnuts
Baked brie with honey and your favorite toppings is the ultimate elegant appetizer!
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22
Berry muffins sit on a white surface.
Blueberry Muffins with Crumble Topping
These blueberry muffins with a delightful crumble topping offer a burst of fresh blueberries in every bite, complemented by a sweet and buttery crumbly layer on top that adds an irresistible texture.
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23
A slice of lemon cake on a wooden cutting board.
Iced Lemon Pound Cake
Make iced lemon pound cake for all of your spring and summer gatherings. It's the best sweet treat with a slight lemon tang. So refreshing and fun!
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24
A glass dessert cup filled with banana pudding, topped with whipped cream and vanilla wafers, with a decorative spoon inserted.
nutmegnanny.com
The Best Banana Pudding
This recipe is the best banana pudding you will ever have! Homemade vanilla pudding, layered with Nilla wafers, fresh bananas, and topped with toasted meringue.
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25
Pimento Cheese Pinwheels
Stephie Cooks
Pimento Cheese Pinwheels
Pimento cheese pinwheels are a quick and easy appetizer that’s sure to be a hit with any pimento cheese fan! This flavorful cheese spread is a must for Derby Day.
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26
Chicken Salad Wonton Cups
Stetted
Chicken Salad Wonton Cups
Looking for something different for your Derby Party? These chicken salad wonton cups are the perfect solution.
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27
Banana Pudding Cheesecake
My Baking Addiction
Banana Pudding Cheesecake
With a vanilla wafer crust and creamy banana filling, this banana pudding cheesecake brings together two of your favorite desserts into one decadent bite.
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28
Mini Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pies
The Speckled Palate
Mini Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pies
Celebrate Derby Day with Mini Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pies! These bite-sized pies studded with pecans, chocolate and bourbon are a treat.
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29
Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies
Cake ‘n Knife
Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies
Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies are buttery and flaky infused with citrus and floral notes throughout. They are perfect for a springtime party like a Derby Day party.
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30
Everything Bagel Deviled Eggs
Cook at Home Mom
Everything Bagel Deviled Eggs
Everything Bagel Deviled Eggs are a fabulous (and healthy) Southern appetizer. The Everything but the Bagel Seasoning gives this classic extra crunch and flavor.
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About Susannah

Susannah Brinkley Henry is the founder of Feast + West, a cocktail blog featuring creative, budget-friendly drinks and hosting ideas. A graphic designer with bartending school training, she shares cocktails, mocktails, appetizers and desserts for easy, stylish entertaining. Her work has been featured by Southern Living, Buzzfeed, The Huffington Post and Mashable, and she was a finalist in the Saveur Blog Awards. Susannah is also a publisher on MSN and has appeared on local news segments sharing seasonal drinks. She lives in Charlotte, N.C., where she brings Southern charm and global inspiration to every pour. Read more.

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