41 Kentucky Derby Recipes That'll Win (Even If You Don't)
On your marks, get set, eat!
Placing bets, taking chances on underdogs, and superstitious rituals may be all part of the excitement of the Kentucky Derby, but we think your Derby Day party is one area that shouldn't be left up to chance. So while you're off to the races, it's time to think about the real winners. No, not the horses, the food and drinks! Thankfully, we've got tons of recipe ideas that are perfect for your Kentucky Derby party. With recipes like Southern tomato pie, bourbon balls, and BBQ brisket on the menu, your odds at having a great spread are very, very good. Be sure to check out all 41 of our top Kentucky Derby food recipes (and don't forget the mint juleps!). On your marks, get set, eat!
The Kentucky Derby is the perfect time of year to highlight one of the best gifts Kentucky has given us: Super good bourbon. And we're not just talking bourbon cocktails, either. We've found tons of ways to incorporate the spirit into sweet and savory dishes, like our bourbon bacon Brussels sprouts, cherry bourbon glazed ham, and even a bourbon peach pie. It also goes without saying that our slow-cooker bourbon barbecue wings go very well with our blackberry or strawberry jalapeño mint juleps.
The South has legendary cuisine and we'll take any opportunity to serve up our favorites on Derby Day. Our surefire winners? Bacon & pimento mac & cheese, crispy fried chicken with plenty of Southern potato salad and vinegar coleslaw on the side, and pimento cheese-stuffed mini peppers. And if you're in the mood to snack before the main event, whip up some pigs in a quilt or skillet beer cheese for good measure.
Now that you've got your fancy derby hat and prepped all the food, be sure to round out your party with plenty of bourbon and whiskey cocktails. If your bar cart needs restocking, check out all of our favorite bourbon and whiskey brands next!
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
Every sandwich is better in slider form, especially when it comes to the southern classic Kentucky hot brown. These are piled high with turkey breast, cheese sauce, crispy bacon, and juicy sliced tomatoes. We swapped the sliced bread for a pack of soft and fluffy King’s Hawaiian rolls to make these the perfect shareable bite.
Get the Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders recipe.
Blackberry-Mint Julep
Could mint juleps get even better? It's hard to believe, but this blackberry-mint julep is the refreshing upgrade on the classic cocktail that I can't get enough of. This Kentucky Derby drink gets a bright layer of flavor from muddled blackberries that also lend it a rich purple color.
Get the Blackberry-Mint Julep recipe.
Bacon & Pimento Mac & Cheese
I decided to give a new spin on this superior comfort food. From the kick of the pimento peppers and hot sauce to the bacon crumble in the sauce and the breadcrumbs, this kicked-up variation of mac & cheese keeps every bite interesting.
Get the Bacon & Pimento Mac & Cheese recipe.
Bloody Mary Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs can be divisive, as can bloody Marys. That being said, the Delish Test Kitchen happens to be obsessed with both. So, we decided, why not combine them for the ultimate party snack? We’re giving the classic appetizer the cocktail treatment in this recipe by adding horseradish, tomato paste, hot sauce, and celery seed.
Get the Bloody Mary Deviled Eggs recipe.
Mint Julep
Mint juleps are often only brought up around the time of the Kentucky Derby, and we think that’s a crying (neighing?) shame! Not only does the classic frosty cup and minty flavor provide a cooling freshness on a hot day, it’s also one of the best low-effort cocktails out there.
Get the Mint Julep recipe.
Honey Baked Pulled Ham
Pulled pork is undeniably a party favorite, but level up the classic by making pulled ham. Rubbed in a vibrant yellow South Carolina BBQ sauce, this main is not only delicious on its own, but is perfect stacked on top of sliders with pickles or coleslaw.
Get the Honey Baked Pulled Ham recipe.
Pimento Cheese-Stuffed Mini Peppers
In my opinion, pimento cheese is infinitely better when it’s served warm, and a small pepper becomes the perfect vessel for it in this recipe. These are a really good vegetarian alternative to a jalapeño popper, so everyone can enjoy them at your Kentucky Derby party spread.
Pigs In A Quilt
Pigs in a blanket are one of the best make-ahead party bites, but it’s time they get an upgrade. Here, we swap crescent dough wrapped around the hot dog with a quilt made with woven crescent dough, and egg wash for a shiny golden finish.
Get the Pigs In A Quilt recipe.
Bourbon Peach Pie
This bourbon peach pie has a flaky buttery pie crust that is so easy and makes it worth making your own. The filling is rich with spices and hint of bourbon that really makes it really stand out. Any Kentucky Derby party needs a peach pie, why not amplify it with bourbon?!
Get the Bourbon Peach Pie recipe.
Bourbon Balls
If you’re looking for a boozy treat to get the party started, these bourbon balls are calling your name. Made with finely chopped pecans, crushed vanilla wafer cookies, and of course, bourbon, these no-bake cookie truffles highlight the flavor of the bourbon while taming its typical burn.
Get the Bourbon Balls recipe.
Deviled Egg Dip
Imagine all the creamy, tangy, and punchy flavors you love from the classic appetizer now in a scoopable form, and infused with the same flavors you’d find in a classic deviled egg. Dijon mustard, tangy dill pickle relish, and a touch of spice are brought together with chopped hard-boiled eggs.
Get the Deviled Egg Dip recipe.
Southern Tomato Pie
Fillings for Southern tomato pies always include tomatoes, mayonnaise, plenty of cheese, and Dijon mustard, but our version's got a flavorful upgrade: chopped pimiento peppers, which lend the filling all the delicious richness of pimiento cheese dip.
Get the Southern Tomato Pie recipe.
Banana Pudding
Banana pudding is one of our all-time favorite desserts. It's a classic Southern recipe, and for good reason; luscious layers of pudding, whipped cream, ripe bananas, and wafer cookies are completely impossible to resist.
Get the Banana Pudding recipe.
Prosecco Mint Julep
This festive sparkling drink is perfect for a low-key party cocktail hour. A sort of lightened-up mint julep, the addition of a dry sparkling wine provides a pleasant brightness and effervescence that plays well with the rich, caramelized tones of bourbon whiskey.
Get the Prosecco Mint Julep recipe.
Brown Sugar BBQ Chicken
This slow-cooker recipe makes it easier than ever to create delicious, tender, and extra-flavorful pulled chicken right at home with minimal effort. We added brown sugar, some Italian dressing, and bourbon to create a slightly sweet, smoky sauce that you just might want to add to all your BBQ staples.
Get the Brown Sugar BBQ Chicken recipe.
Skillet Beer Cheese
No matter the occasion, this dip is sure to get the party started. All you need is cheese, beer, a few staple spices, and a skillet for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that will be the star of any Kentucky Derby spread.
Get the Skillet Beer Cheese recipe.
Vinegar Coleslaw
To make this a truly vegan-friendly slaw, there is neither mayonnaise nor honey in the mix. We use maple to bring out the veggies’ natural sweetness and Dijon mustard helps emulsify the oil and vinegar while adding a bit of a kick.
Get the Vinegar Coleslaw recipe.
Copycat Popeyes Biscuits
Aside from mouth-watering chicken and sandwiches, Popeyes is known for their iconic, fluffy, crisp, salty, and buttery biscuits. Made for sopping up gravy or shuttling red beans and rice from point A to point B, these copycat biscuits come crazy close to the original using a few classic biscuit baking techniques and tips.
Get the Copycat Popeyes Biscuits recipe.
Pimento Cheese
If you love party dips like Buffalo chicken or spinach artichoke, you’ll LOVE pimento cheese. This soft, creamy spread loaded with shredded cheddar cheese and spiked with diced pimento peppers and hot sauce can be served hot or cold.
Get the Pimento Cheese recipe.
Strawberry Jalapeño Mint Julep
Don’t let Derby Day be your only excuse to make these juleps; they’re worthy all year. If you’re into spicy margs then you’ll be able to handle the heat here; the jalapeño-infused simple syrup mellows out once it hits the cool mint and sweet berries.
