Raise your hand if you watch the Kentucky Derby? Have you ever been? I don’t know about you, but I love to watch the Kentucky Derby. It’s on our Bucket List, we crossed off The Master’s last year. It was a blast. If you can get tickets, I highly recommend going to The Master’s even if you’re not a big golf fan.
The Kentucky Derby just sounds like fun. I want to have a big fancy hat, dress up and sip Mint Juleps from silver cups!
While we haven’t been able to go to the Derby yet, we celebrate and watch it each year with friends. We love to make classic Kentucky Derby recipes like a Kentucky Hot Brown, tea biscuits with ham and, of course, Mint Juleps!
Below are classic and not-so-classic Kentucky Derby recipes for you. It’s beautiful weather and the perfect time to host, lace your bets and have fun!
A Mint Julep is an alcoholic cocktail made with bourbon, crush mint, ice, and water and served in a silver julep cup. It’s the traditional drink at Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby.
This fizzy cocktail is bursting with tart, sweet, and smoky flavors. It's a delightful concoction with sweet cherries, bourbon, and is topped off with a fizzy finish.
Best Damn Deviled Eggs are creamy and tangy. Deviled or “Stuffed” Eggs are the perfect addition to any party or gathering and a staple at our family dinners!
Using gouda cheese instead of the traditional cheddar in Gouda Pimento Cheese gives this recipe a delicious twist. Pimento Cheese is a popular Southern cheese spread that can be served as a sandwich, as a dip, or on wraps and burgers.
Kentucky Bourbon Braised Bacon Brussel Sprouts are full of flavor from braising them in a bourbon, apple juice, and honey and tossing with smokey bacon.
Tender pasta is coated in a creamy cheese sauce, then layered with roasted chicken or turkey, crispy bacon, and fresh tomatoes. Baked until bubbly and golden, this hearty dish brings all the flavors of the iconic Hot Brown in a cozy, cheesy casserole form.
One bite of the Kentucky Hot Brown and it'll become your favorite as well. Loaded with flavors, this sandwich has turkey, cheese, and bacon on crusty bread. #sandwich #hotbrown #ham #cheese #derby #Kentuckyderby
Pork Tenderloin Sliders with Bourbon Peach BBQ Sauce are stacked high with tender pork, creamy slaw and tangy, sweet Peach BBQ Sauce that’s been spiked with bourbon.
This is an authentic Kentucky Bourbon Balls recipe. They are rich, smooth, decadent, and delicious! It’s a Southern delicacy of a sweet boozy confection of sugar, pecans, and bourbon.
These recipes offer a range of Kentucky Derby-inspired recipes and party planning tips to help you create an enjoyable and authentic Derby Day experience for your guests. Whether you’re a seasoned host or a first-time Derby party planner, these resources can be a valuable reference.
I updated this post from an earlier version dated April 30, 2014. I made new photos and simplified the recipe instructions.
17 Comments
Paula, I am very excited to be introduced to your webpage!! I look forward to making many of your recipes. I have been to the Derby and it is Fantastic!! I grew up in KY so, that is a very special event for me. I wanted to mention one other popular recipe that is especially made at Derby time, but it’s great anytime. That is Benedictine. It is a creamy fancy sandwich spread or dip made with cucumbers. It’s very refreshing and delicious.
Happy soon-to-be Derby Day, Paula!!!! What a delicious collection of Derby-worthy dishes and drinks! I’ll take a little of each, please. 🙂 Thank you so much for including my Sparkling Mint Juleps!
Tracey @ The Kitchen is My Playground
I want to go so badly and experience the Derby! Maybe next year, we can plan on meeting up and wearing our pretty hats! Love all of these swoon worthy recipes you gathered!
Paula what a great round-up, thanks for including my meatballs. I’m going to have to beef up my bourbon supply so I can try some of these fabulous recipes!
Paula, I am very excited to be introduced to your webpage!! I look forward to making many of your recipes. I have been to the Derby and it is Fantastic!! I grew up in KY so, that is a very special event for me. I wanted to mention one other popular recipe that is especially made at Derby time, but it’s great anytime. That is Benedictine. It is a creamy fancy sandwich spread or dip made with cucumbers. It’s very refreshing and delicious.
Oh that’s very interesting! Thank you for mentioning it. I have never heard of that dip before. I’ll going to research it now!
Look so delicious!!! I want to eat all of this at the first moment when I see them. Thank you for sharing these food.
Happy soon-to-be Derby Day, Paula!!!! What a delicious collection of Derby-worthy dishes and drinks! I’ll take a little of each, please. 🙂 Thank you so much for including my Sparkling Mint Juleps!
Tracey @ The Kitchen is My Playground
Wow – I totally want an invitation to your Kentucky Derby Party Paula! Everything looks delicious! Thanks for including our biscuits!
Absolutely! I hope it brings you traffic. They look so tasty!
I want to go so badly and experience the Derby! Maybe next year, we can plan on meeting up and wearing our pretty hats! Love all of these swoon worthy recipes you gathered!
Thank you Gloria! Next year, it’s a date!
Paula what a great round-up, thanks for including my meatballs. I’m going to have to beef up my bourbon supply so I can try some of these fabulous recipes!
I need to restock as well!
Came looking for the Kentucky hot brown and mint julep and got so much more!
It started out as me planning my menu for Saturday, you see it’s mostly cocktails 😉
This stuff looks great, bring on the race!
Totally love this, Paula! We always watch the Derby and usually have a little party with friends. It’s on our bucket list to go one day! Pinning!
I hope to go next year, I thought we were this time 🙁 Maybe we’ll be there at the same time!
So many fun Derby recipes! Thanks for including my popcorn and Hot Brown Grilled Cheese!
Love your recipes esp the grilled cheese!