Kentucky Derby Recipes

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 recipes. 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

Whether you’re throwing (or attending) a big derby watch party or enjoying a relaxing time catching the horse race at home, you can pretend you’re in Louisville with your own fancy hat and some Kentucky Derby recipes.

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

Kentucky Derby drinks

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 (pictured above) and the Woodford Reserve Spire.

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

Kentucky Derby recipes

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!
GET THE RECIPE
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.
GET THE RECIPE
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.
GET THE RECIPE
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.
GET THE RECIPE
5
These Spicy Southern Cheese Straws are a family recipe and a traditional party snack, perfect for serving with wine at a Christmas party or other holiday party! They also make for a superb food gift for teachers, friends and neighbors. (via feastandwest.com)
Spicy Cheese Straws
Cheese straws are a delicious Southern treat. These cheesy crackers are ultra-simple to make.
GET THE RECIPE
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.
GET THE RECIPE
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.
GET THE RECIPE
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.
GET THE RECIPE
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.
GET THE RECIPE
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.
GET THE RECIPE
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.
GET THE RECIPE
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.
GET THE RECIPE
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.
GET THE RECIPE
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.
GET THE RECIPE
15
Make Bourbon Caramel Popcorn for your next movie night. It's smoky and sweet, and easy to make! (via feastandwest.com)
Bourbon Caramel Popcorn
Caramel popcorn gets layers of flavor with a splash of oaky bourbon in the caramel. The perfect party snack.
GET THE RECIPE
16
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.
GET THE RECIPE
17
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.
GET THE RECIPE
18
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.
GET THE RECIPE
19
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.
GET THE RECIPE
20
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.
GET THE RECIPE
21
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.
GET THE RECIPE
decorative icon of a beer stein.

The Golden Ratio Guide:

Mix the perfect cocktail, every time

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Sharing is Caring

Help spread the word. You're awesome for doing it!