35 Best Kentucky Derby Recipes That’ll Have Everyone Cheering
Celebrate in true Southern style!
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You don't need to be at Churchill Downs to join in the Kentucky Derby fun. Even folks who've never watched a horse race tune in for the most exciting two minutes in sports! After all, it's the perfect reason to throw a Derby Day party, complete with spring dresses, extravagant hats, festive games, and, of course, plenty of delicious Kentucky Derby foods. Between the many Southern comfort classics, bourbon cocktails, and iconic race-day recipes, there's something for everyone to enjoy as you celebrate in style.
If hosting a Kentucky Derby party, there are a few must-haves to make the day complete. First, cocktails! And more specifically: mint juleps. The classic icy beverage made with bourbon, sugar, and mint has been the official drink of the derby since 1938. Then, there's the food. Some traditional derby dishes include pimento cheese, tea sandwiches, and deviled eggs. Here, you'll find those recipes and so much more. Like Southern fried okra, homemade biscuits, ham and cheese sliders, and tomato pie. We've even included a few spring desserts that would be perfect for a Southern-inspired party. Try hummingbird cake, pecan pie bars, or one of the peach recipes ahead. Odds are that these dishes will be the real winners of the day.
Lemon-Garlic Shrimp and Grits
It doesn't get more Southern (or comforting) than a bowl of shrimp and grits! This recipe loads up on herbed butter, which coats the shrimp and gets drizzled over top the finished dish.
Get Ree's Lemon-Garlic Shrimp and Grits recipe.
Horseradish Deviled Eggs
Dole out a heaping tray of deviled eggs—with a twist. Horseradish and paprika add some spice to the classic finger food, while a broken potato chip garnish adds some much needed crunch.
Get Ree's Horseradish Deviled Eggs recipe.
Macaroni and Cheese
You can't have a Southern shindig without a tray of golden brown, baked mac and cheese! Ree's take on the comforting classic features a blend of different cheeses. Colby, Monterey jack, fontina, mild cheddar, and pepper jack are just a few options!
Get Ree's Macaroni and Cheese recipe.
Pickled Okra
No matter what you dish up on Derby Day, don't forget to add some pickled okra to your spread. The snackable spears are tangy, crunchy, and perfect for pairing with pimento cheese and crackers.
Get the Pickled Okra recipe.
Pimento Cheese Thumbprint Crackers
Pimento cheese isn't just good in dip form! It also makes a delicious base for these crumbly, cheesy crackers, topped with sweet and spicy pepper jelly.
Million Dollar Dip
One scoop of this rich, flavorful dip is all it takes to feel like a million bucks. Cream cheese, cheddar, and bacon form the base, with slivered almonds and a pinch of cayenne adding bold, flavorful flair.
Get the Million Dollar Dip recipe.
Deviled Eggs
No Southern celebration is complete without classic deviled eggs! This recipe ensures they come out perfect every time.
Get the Deviled Eggs recipe.
Mint Julep
This classic Derby drink calls for just three ingredients: mint, simple syrup, and bourbon. For an authentic Churchill Downs touch, serve it in a traditional silver julep cup.
Get the Mint Julep recipe.
Buttermilk Ranch Angel Biscuits
These biscuits strike the perfect balance between buttery and fluffy, with a savory boost from ranch butter. A parsley leaf on top adds the prettiest decorative touch!
Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
A big batch of these flaky pinwheels are perfect for parties no matter what the occasion might be. They're swirled with slices of ham and three types of cheese, including a ranch cream cheese that really sets them apart.
Get the Ham and Cheese Pinwheels recipe.
Chicken BLT with Pimento Cheese
What's the best way to turn your BLT into a Southern dish that's worthy of Derby Day? Just add pimento cheese. In fact, it'll take any sandwich to the next level.
Get Ree's Chicken BLT with Pimento Cheese recipe.
Spring Pea Pesto Pasta Salad
Whether you're hosting a Derby party yourself or going to a potluck, you can't go wrong with pasta salad. Ree's new recipe is coated in green pesto dressing and loaded with fun mix-ins, like prosciutto, peas, and mozzarella pearls.
Get Ree's Spring Pea Pesto Pasta Salad recipe.
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
For a dessert that's as pretty as your Derby Day hats, check out this recipes for strawberry cheesecake bars. They're swirled with a sweet strawberry sauce and layered on a vanilla cookie crust.
Get the Strawberry Cheesecake Bars recipe.
Grit Cakes
This twist on Southern grits is cheesy and crispy. But the best part is that you can make it ahead. It'll keep entertaining easy before the big race.
Get the Grit Cakes recipe.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
Whip up a big batch of this saucy BBQ chicken and you can let your guests build their own sandwiches. Just don't forget to put our buns or biscuits and pickles for topping.
Get the Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken recipe.
Millionaire's Shortbread
Doesn't "Millionaire's Shortbread" sound like it could be a winning horse name? 😂 But really, it's one of the sweetest shortbread bars made with caramel and chocolate.
Get the Millionaire's Shortbread recipe.
Spiked Arnold Palmer
Bourbon lovers will appreciate this big batch cocktail. It's a twist on the classic lemonade and ice tea drink with the addition of bourbon and mint sprigs for garnish.
Get the Spiked Arnold Palmer recipe.
Ham and Cheese Sliders
The classic combination of ham and cheese will be a crowd-pleaser for the whole family. Then add mayo, honey, and pickled jalapeños for extra kick.
Get the Ham and Cheese Sliders recipe.
Southern Fried Okra
One of the most popular ways to cook okra is to fry it. That's because it gets nice and crunchy—perfect for popping in your mouth while watching the race.
Get the Southern Fried Okra recipe.
Buttermilk Biscuits
Golden, tender, flaky biscuits are delicious no matter how you serve them. Drizzle with honey for a sweet treat or use them to make ham sandwiches for something savory.
Get the Buttermilk Biscuits recipe.
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