The Best Kentucky Derby Food: The Ultimate Guide
Kentucky Derby food – The Kentucky Derby isn’t just about the horses; it’s also an exciting celebration of Southern culture, and that includes the food!
Whether you’re hosting a Kentucky Derby Party at home or actually headed to the track, the traditional dishes for this iconic event are just as fun as the race itself.
Since moving to Kentucky from San Diego 9 years ago, we’ve spent plenty of time at Churchill Downs and attended loads of Derby parties. I always look forward to the food as much as anything.
From classic mint juleps to yummy bites like burgoo and hot browns, these Kentucky Derby foods are delicious so let’s jump right in!
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Classic Kentucky Derby Food Dishes
The first Saturday in May each year, the track at Churchill Downs especially comes alive. Try these delicious dishes at your next Derby themed party.
1. The Kentucky Hot Brown –
Arguably the most famous Kentucky Dish. It’s an open-faced sandwich that usually includes turkey, bacon, tomato, cheese, and Mornay Sauce (which makes it). Mornay sauce is basically a French white cheese sauce. It’s usually got Gruyere and sometimes parmesan cheese.
- Toast bread, top with turkey and tomato
- Cover with a quick cheese sauce made from butter, flour, milk, and Parmesan.
- Broil until bubbly and browned, then finish with crispy bacon and a little parsley.
2. Burgoo
Burgoo is a hearty and traditional Kentucky stew. It’s usually made with pork, beef chuck, chicken, carrots, onion, corn, celery, and lima beans.
- Brown your meat, then simmer it low and slow with onions, tomatoes, broth, corn, lima beans, and potatoes until everything is tender and thick like a hearty stew.
- Season well with salt, pepper, and a little Worcestershire or hot sauce for extra flavor.
3. Pimento Cheese Sandwiches
Hearty and tasty, if you don’t feel like making the spread, you can order it here.
- Mix shredded cheddar, pimentos, mayo, and a little cream cheese or seasoning until smooth and spreadable.
- Spread it onto soft white bread
- Trim the crusts if you want, and cut into tea sandwich squares or triangles.
4. Race Day Charcuterie
I love to make Charcuterie Boards for the Race Day parties we attend. Who doesn’t love meat and cheese? I made the above-pictured charcuterie board for the 150th Run for the Roses. Can you see the Churchill Downs Twin Spires made out of pita bread? If you don’t want to make it you can always just order a pre-made charcuterie board here.
5. Grilled Beef Tips with Kentucky Peppercorn Sauce
A classic Churchill Downs Dish
- Season and sear or grill the beef tips until nicely browned and cooked to your liking.
- Make the peppercorn sauce in the same pan with butter, garlic, beef broth, cream, cracked black pepper, and a splash of bourbon or Worcestershire
- Simmer until slightly thickened and spoon it over the beef before serving.
6. Kentucky Fried Chicken
I mean, of course!!
- Season chicken, dip it in buttermilk, dredge it in seasoned flour, then fry until golden, crispy, and cooked through. I love to air fry mine!
- Let it rest on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving so the coating stays crisp.
7. Old Forester Butter Shrimp and Orzo
If you’re trying to channel Kentucky, you’ve got to add the Bourbon, right?
- Sauté shrimp in butter until just pink, then set aside. Cook orzo and toss it with more butter, garlic, a splash of Old Forester bourbon, and a little broth or cream, then stir the shrimp back in and finish with lemon, salt, pepper, and parsley.
7. Derby Pie
Derby Pie is a famous Kentucky chocolate-walnut tart. It was created in 1854 by the Kern family at the Melrose Inn in Prospect, Kentucky. They picked the name by drawing out of a hat. The official recipe is a secret but you can order the pie here.
- Bake a pie crust filled with a rich mixture of eggs, butter, sugar, vanilla, chocolate chips, and chopped walnuts or pecans until set and golden. Let it cool before slicing so the filling has time to firm up.
8. Bourbon Balls
- Mix 2 cups crushed cookies, 1 cup powdered sugar, 3 tbsp cocoa, 1/2 cup bourbon, 1/4 cup corn syrup.Form into balls.
- Dip in melted chocolate.
- Chill until firm.
If you just want to buy Bourbon Balls, I’ve listed two good choices above.
Serve Your Food Beautifully
Your presentation is half the fun, right? Make sure you serve up your food is a fantastic, race-themed way!
Use Fresh and Local Ingredients
- Bluegrass Fields Salad, featuring crisp Kentucky Bibb lettuce and fresh seasonal berries
- Grilled Corn & Tomato Salad, made with charred sweet corn and juicy cherry tomatoes
- Lemon Honey Harvest Brussels Sprouts, roasted to perfection with a zesty lemon-honey glaze
- Brown Butter Farro & Roasted Root Vegetables, a hearty and comforting dish
- Fresh herbs and edible flowers for food styling and garnishes
Kentucky Derby Appetizers
- Put together a Kentucky Derby themed charcuterie board complete with crackers, cheese and meats
- Pigs in a Blanket, a tasty and easy-to-make appetizer
- Deviled Eggs with dijon mustard and Country Ham, a twist on the classic deviled egg
Southern Comfort Food
- Pimiento Cheese, a classic dip served throughout the South
- Macaroni and Cheese with Buttery Crumbs, a creamy and comforting dish
- Fried Chicken, a Southern favorite perfect for a Kentucky Derby party
- Biscuits and gravy, a classic Southern breakfast dish
Delicious Drink Options
1. The Mint Julep
The signature Kentucky Drink.
- Muddle 8–10 mint leaves with 1 tsp sugar and a splash of water.
- Fill glass with crushed ice.
- Add 2 oz bourbon.
- Stir gently and garnish with a mint sprig.
2. The Lily
If a Mint Julep isn’t your thing you can try a Lily which is my favorite.
- It’s 1 part vodka,
- 1 part sweet & sour mix,
- 1/4 part triple-sec, and 3 parts cranberry juice. Mix and Enjoy!
3. Derby Lemonade Fizz
A great non-alchoholic option
- Ingredients: 1 cup lemonade, 1/2 cup ginger ale, splash of grenadine, ice, mint sprig for garnish.
- Instructions:
3. Kentucky Mule, a twist on the classic Moscow Mule
Kentucky Mule (Non-Alcoholic Option: “Mock Mule”)
- Fill a copper mug with ice.
- Add 2 oz bourbon (or skip for mock version).
- Pour in 4 oz ginger beer and 1/2 oz lime juice.
- Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge and mint sprig.
4. Bourbon
- Of course straight bourbon is a classic Kentucky choice. Check out my post on the best bourbon. Fun choices include Woodford Reserve
- If you want to really impress your guests, you can smoke your bourbon drink.
- If you prefer wine, they serve Kendall Jackson at Churchill Downs
Desserts
- Chocolate Pecan Pie with Bourbon, a twist on the classic pecan pie
- Get creative and made your own race day cake like I’ve done for the past few years. I made the one pictured above for Derby 151. I used real flowers and molding chocolate to form the horseshoe!
- Red Velvet Cake, a classic Southern dessert
- Bourbon Balls, a no-bake chocolatey treat perfect for a Derby party
- Derby Pie – an open faced chocolate and walnut pie- so good!
Hosting a Kentucky Derby Party
1. Embrace the Theme
Decorate your space with Kentucky Derby-inspired touches. Think mint julep cups, horse racing banners, and elegant floral arrangements. Don’t forget to add some greenery and roses, which are synonymous with the Derby.
2. Encourage Derby Attire
The Kentucky Derby is known for its fashion, so encourage your guests to dress in their best Derby attire. Ladies can wear big Derby hats. For outfit inspiration check out my post on the best Derby dresses. The men can sport seersucker suits or bow ties. It adds to the event and makes for great photos!
3. Set Up a Betting Station
Add some excitement by setting up a mock betting station where guests can place small bets on their favorite horses. You can even offer fun prizes for those who pick the winning horse. It’s a great way to engage everyone in the race! My friends do this every year and it’s really cool- especially for the guys.n
4. Create a Viewing Area
Make sure you have a comfortable spot where everyone can gather around to watch the race during your Kentucky Derby Party. Whether it’s a big-screen TV, a projector, or a cozy corner with plenty of seating, make sure everyone has a good view of the action!
5. Provide Fun Party Favors
Send guests home with themed party favors like mini bottles of bourbon, Derby-inspired cookies, or custom hats. It’s a great way to leave them with a memorable souvenir from the event.
6. Incorporate Horse Racing Games
If you want to keep the fun going before the race starts, consider setting up a few horse racing games, like a DIY “horse race” using a simple board game or even a mini track for toy horses.
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Conclusion
No matter how you’re celebrating the Kentucky Derby, the food is an essential part of the experience.
From delicious bites like hot browns to refreshing mint juleps, these iconic dishes bring a taste of Kentucky’s rich culinary tradition right to your table.
Just because you can’t make it to Churchill Downs, doesn’t mean you can throw an entertaining event.
So, gather your friends, put on your best Derby attire, and enjoy the flavors that make this event so special.
Here’s to a race full of excitement and a spread full of flavor!
While you’re here, check out my other Kentucky Derby-themed posts and ideas! See below!
What time is the Kentucky Derby?
Hi I’m Erica! TV news anchor and mom to 4 littles. I’m obsessed with creating those “wow” moments in life through crafting at home, cool travel adventures and special celebrations with loved ones. Thanks for joining me on this adventure!
