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Kentucky Derby Food: Recipes with Southern Charm

ByStephanie Wilson Updated on

If you love Southern cooking, horse racing traditions, and the first Saturday in May, these Kentucky Derby recipes are a delicious way to celebrate at home. From mint juleps and Hot Browns to chocolate pecan pie and Derby-inspired desserts, this menu is filled with party-ready favorites.

For something sweet, our reader-favorite Kentucky Derby Bars and Kentucky Butter Cake are always a festive finish to a Derby Day menu.

Side view of biscuit breakfast sandwich with steamed asparagus on a china plate for the Kentucky Derby.

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Kentucky Derby Food Traditions

Few American sporting events are as steeped in history and Southern charm as the Kentucky Derby. From mint juleps and beautiful hats to roses and the singing of "My Old Kentucky Home," the traditions make Derby Day feel like much more than a horse race.

Kentucky Derby History

The Kentucky Derby's history began in 1872, when Meriwether Lewis Clark, grandson of William Clark of Lewis and Clark fame, traveled to Europe. While there, he attended well-known horse racing events, like the Epsom Derby in England.

Inspired by his travels, Clark was determined to create a horse-racing event in the United States, much like those he had experienced in Europe. After receiving land from his uncles, John and Henry Churchill, the beginnings of the Kentucky Derby were born.

According to Kentucky Derby / Churchill Downs, the first Kentucky Derby was held on May 17, 1875, when Oliver Lewis rode Aristides 1.5 miles to victory in a field of fifteen horses before an estimated crowd of 10,000 spectators.
- Kentucky Derby / Churchill Downs

Kentucky Derby Food History

Food is a beloved part of Kentucky Derby weekend, whether you're celebrating at Churchill Downs or hosting a Derby party at home. Classic party foods often include Hot Browns, burgoo, Benedictine-style spreads, pecan desserts, such as Derby Pie or Derby Bars, strawberries and cream, and, of course, plenty of mint juleps.

Kentucky Derby Recipes

Here are some favorite Kentucky Derby recipes to serve for a festive Derby Day party. Dust off the mint julep cups, choose a fancy hat, and enjoy a menu filled with Southern-inspired appetizers, mains, drinks, and desserts.

1
Mint Julep in a Julep glass garnished with ice and mint on a wooden table.
Non-Alcoholic Mint Julep
No celebration of the Kentucky Derby seems quite right without a Mint Julep. That cool, refreshing drink of summer. While most contain alcohol, we were looking for something different. Here is our non-alcoholic mint julep everyone can enjoy at the Kentucky Derby.
Mint Julep
2
Closeup view of Strawberry Chicken Salad Tea Sandwiches tied with chive ribbon
Strawberry Chicken Salad Tea Sandwiches
Strawberry Chicken Salad Tea Sandwiches with Creamy Lemon Dressing are a deliciously fresh and slightly sweet take on traditional chicken salad finger sandwiches.
Strawberry Chicken Tea Sandwiches
3
Two neatly stacked cucumber tea sandwiches on a white plate, each secured with a wooden stick. The sandwiches are garnished with thin slices of cucumber on top and small purple flowers for decoration.
Cucumber Tea Sandwiches Recipe
Cucumber Tea Sandwiches are a traditional finger sandwich for afternoon tea, brunches, showers, or gatherings of many kinds. These cucumber sandwiches are easy to make and delightful for your next tea party.
Cucumber Finger Sandwiches
4
A plate with a biscuit sandwich filled with ham, cheese, and jam, served with steamed asparagus and green beans.
Kentucky Derby Cream Cheese Biscuits with Ham
Brunching on Kentucky Derby Day is a delicious affair. But when you add these Fluffy Cream Cheese Biscuits with Ginger Ale-Brown Sugar Smoked Ham with Figgy Port Chutney and Blue Cheese Butter, it's most definitely a triple crown kind of day!
Kentucky Derby Biscuits with Ham
5
Cucumber slices topped with a delightful blend of ingredients, perhaps a savory combo like chicken or ham salad, garnished with sprigs of dill. These tasty bites are neatly arranged on a pristine white platter.
Simple Ham Salad Appetizer
A simple ham salad recipe elevated to incredible with the addition of a few unique ingredients. And is utterly delicious. Ready in 10 minutes, it's a salad you'll make all season!
Ham Salad Appetizers
6
Close-up of a gourmet dish inspired by Kentucky Derby recipes, featuring layered slices of roasted sweet potatoes topped with blue cheese, greens, and pecans, drizzled with a creamy sauce. A second dish with colorful ingredients is blurred in the background.
www.kentuckyderby.com
Spinach Salad with Sweet Potato, Blue Cheese & Pecan Dressing
Chosen as an appetizer for the Official Kentucky Derby Menu. "This year, Executive Chef David Danielson inventively combined traditional Southern flavors and local ingredients to make an authentically American culinary experience for our Derby guests in the premium dining areas."
See the complete menu.
View Recipe
7
Top view of tea sandwiches on a rectangular tea platter.
Radish and Cucumber Tea Sandwiches
Elevate your tea party with delicious Radish and Cucumber Tea Sandwiches. Crisp radish flavors and curried butter create a unique twist on this classic finger sandwich.
Radish and Cucumber Tea Sandwiches
8
Side view of single Salmon Salad Tea Sandwich on a white and white plate with tea
Salmon Salad Tea Sandwiches
Salmon Salad Tea Sandwiches are a delightful combination of delicate flavors and satisfying textures. A beautiful finger sandwich that can elevate any gathering from the Kentucky Derby to a tea party, brunch, or light dinner.
Salmon Salad Tea Sandwiches
9
Close-up of a plate with deviled eggs, each topped with creamy yellow filling. This delightful deviled eggs recipe is garnished with small green herbs, neatly arranged on a light-colored plate, creating an appetizing presentation.
Easy Deviled Eggs Recipe
This best Deviled Eggs recipe is an elevated twist on a classic with a few simple ingredients like hard boiled eggs, pickle juice, and mustard.
Elevated Deviled Eggs
10
Benedictine Spread
www.countryliving.com
Benedictine Spread
"Invented by Louisville caterer and tea room-owner Jennie Carter Benedict, this cream cheese-cucumber dip is a century-old Kentucky classic."
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11
A white plate with skewers of salami, mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and basil, arranged in a circle around a bowl of green pesto dip. The plate sits on a wooden board.
Easy Salami Caprese Skewers Recipe
These Salami Caprese Skewers are a simple and delicious no-cook appetizer made with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and savory Genoa salami. Perfect for summer entertaining, potlucks, or easy snacking.
Salami Caprese Skewers
12
Top side view of 4 strawberry bruschetta on a white scalloped plate
Strawberry Bruschetta Recipe
It's the easiest appetizer and perfect for watching the Derby!
Strawberry Bruschetta
13
www.kentuckyderby.com
Oregon Blue Cheese and Caramelized Onion Tart
An Oregon Blue Cheese tart perfect for the Kentucky Derby.
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14
www.kentuckyderby.com
Black and Blue Salad with Black and Blue Vinaigrette
By Churchill Downs Executive Chef, this simple salad is beautiful with fresh spring ingredients; perfect for serving at the Derby.
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15
A vibrant salad with mixed greens, asparagus, sliced radishes, hard-boiled egg slices, and edible flowers. A small jar of yellow dressing with a spoon sits in the background on a white table with a striped cloth.
Spring Salad Recipe with Beets and Asparagus
Spring Salad perfection! Beets, asparagus, radish, eggs, & fresh herbs combine for a stunning & tasty dish.
Derby Spring Salad
16
Side view of 3 mini quiche with a teacup and teapot
Easy Mini Quiche Recipe
Homemade Mini Quiche is so incredibly easy to make, you'll find yourself skipping the freezer section of your market. Delicious party food, teatime snack (or coffee break too), this recipe shows you how simple it is to make 3 different mini quiche varieties in one mini muffin tin.
Mini Quiche
17
Two bowls of French Pea Soup on a white background
Spring Pea Soup
This French Pea Soup recipe, otherwise known as Potage Saint Germain, is an easy, classic dish, filled with the flavors of fresh peas and mint.
French Pea Soup
18
A cheesy Black Eyed Peas Dip topped with chopped green and red onions, surrounded by tortilla chips, with extra dips in small bowls in the background.
Black Eyed Peas Dip
An easy to make side dish that's oozing with melting cheese and delicious flavors!
Black Eyed Peas Dip
19
www.kentuckyderby.com
Meatball, Cucumber & Mint Skewers
"Lamb, mint, and English Cucumbers make up this delicious and easy Kentucky Derby recipe."
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20
Easy Fruit Salad
This Fruit Salad with mint dressing is refreshing and delicious for summer dining, garden parties, or when you need to bring a dish!
Easy Fruit Salad
21
Blue cheese-stuffed dates wrapped in bacon, secured with toothpicks, make a savory appetizer, artfully arranged on a white platter with lemon slices in the background.
Blue Cheese Stuffed Dates
Sweet, salty, and savory, these Blue Cheese Stuffed Dates are wrapped in pancetta, broiled until warm and crisp, and finished with an optional drizzle of honey or hot honey. A quick 10-minute appetizer perfect for parties, holidays, and Kentucky Derby gatherings.
Blue Cheese Stuffed Dates
22
www.kentuckyderby.com
Pimento Cheese | Kentucky Derby
"Savor the Southern charm with our irresistible Pimento Cheese recipe! This creamy blend of cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and zesty spices creates a flavor sensation that's perfect for spreading on toast points or serving in cucumber cups."
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23
www.kentuckyderby.com
A Perfect Summer Derby Dish
Butter bean season is coming to an end so there's no time to waste in making this perfect summer side dish. Churchill Downs Executive Chef David Danielson served this to our guests as part of the official menu for the 142nd Kentucky Derby! Enjoy!
View Recipe
24
A pot of hearty burgoo stew with carrots, potatoes, okra, zucchini, and fresh herbs simmering in a tomato-based broth on a white surface.
Kentucky Derby Tradition: Burgoo
This recipe is a tradition of the Kentucky Derby and to which most have their own unique spin and variation. Having not grown up in the south, I take my cue from those who have.
View Recipe
25
www.kentuckyderby.com
Chicken Kabob with Mint Pistachio Pesto Recipe
By Churchill Downs Executive Chef David Danielson
View Recipe
26
Vertical view of a Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwich with Crispy Bacon
Authentic Kentucky Hot Brown
Kentucky Hot Browns are as synonymous with the Kentucky Derby as Mint Juleps themselves. But this year … only the authentic Hot Brown recipe would do.
Kentucky Hot Brown
27
A platter with nine gourmet sandwiches, each filled with grilled meat and various toppings reminiscent of Kentucky Derby recipes. Surrounding dishes contain additional sauces, and a small green and white cloth holds a glass with garnishes. Plates are stacked nearby on a blue tablecloth.
www.myrecipes.com
Pork Tenderloin Sliders Recipe
"One carefree way to serve these cuties is to slice the tenderloins on a large cutting board, set out fresh rolls and homemade condiments, and let guests build their own sandwiches."
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28
A bowl of Chicken Perloo with cooked chicken pieces, cherry tomatoes, herbs, and bacon sits on a wooden board next to a white dish lid and fresh parsley.
Chicken Perloo: Southern Classic
Chicken Perloo is a South Carolina classic one pot chicken and rice dish that's smokey, a little sweet, hearty, and so delicious. It's Southern comfort food at its best. And -- easy to make, with simple ingredients and amazing flavor... even for weeknight dinners.
Chicken Perloo
29
A white bowl of orecchiette pasta with green peas, chopped scallions, and bits of bacon or pancetta-an easy weeknight pasta recipe-sits on a white surface next to a grey napkin and a wooden board with seasonings.
Crème Fraiche Pasta with Peas and Bacon
Crème Fraiche Pasta with Peas and Bacon is an easy dish for a Kentucky Derby party. Simple to make in 30 minutes or less, simple spring flavors to love!
View Recipe
30
White baking dish of Kentucky spoon bread pictured from above.
Sweet Kentucky Spoonbread Corn Pudding
Sweet Kentucky Spoonbread Corn Pudding, a Southern classic that's incredibly easy to make, creamy, buttery, eat-with-a-spoon comfort food.
Kentucky Spoonbread Corn Pudding
31
www.kentuckyderby.com
Slow Cooker Short Ribs with Henry Bain Sauce
A Stay at Home Kentucky Derby party idea, this slow cooker short rib is served over cheesy grits.
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32
www.kentuckyderby.com
Louisiana Seafood Barbecue Shrimp Recipe
A simple dish ready in minutes from the official Kentucky Derby site.
View Recipe
33
A stack of Kentucky Derby Bars with a cookie crust is arranged on a white pedestal cake stand. Pink flowers are placed nearby.
Kentucky Derby Bars
Celebrating the Derby with these simple and delicious Kentucky Derby Bars. Much like Derby Pie, these bars are packed with traditional elements like butter, eggs, pecans, and of course, chocolate.
View Recipe
34
A golden brown Kentucky Butter Cake dusted with powdered sugar sits on a white plate atop a marble surface.
Kentucky Butter Cake
Kentucky Butter Cake is a classic vanilla Bundt cake made with buttermilk and everyday pantry ingredients, then soaked with a warm butter-vanilla syrup for its signature moist crumb and lightly sugary crust.
Kentucky Butter Cake
35
Southern Tradition: Kentucky Derby Chocolate Pecan Pie | 31Daily.com
Kentucky Derby Chocolate Pecan Pie
This Kentucky Derby pie recipe, chockful of pecans and chocolate, is a long-standing tradition among Kentucky Derby fans. While decadently delicious, it's an easy pie to make all year long.
Derby Pie
36
Side view of unsliced Hummingbird Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and pecan sprinkles
Hummingbird Cake: An Easy Bundt Cake Recipe
Topped with cream cheese icing, this iconic cake will get everyone in a party mood... and it's incredibly easy to make!
Hummingbird Cake
37
www.countryliving.com
Best Caramel-Chocolate-Walnut Thumbprint Cookies
"Featuring bourbon, homemade caramel, melted chocolate, and toasted walnuts, these butter cookies take inspiration from the famed pie."
View Recipe
38
Sweet Tea Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Cake on a Teal Cake Stand
Sweet Tea Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Cake
Sweet Tea Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Cake is a festival of summer flavors in every bite of this soft, creamy, and buttery bundt cake. Lightly flavored with lemon, tender with Greek Yogurt, and sweet with blueberries. Traces of mint and sweet tea bring hints of delightfully unexpected flavor.
Sweet Tea Lemon Blueberry Cake
39
Side view of Vanilla Pudding Pie with fresh strawberries and blueberries on a white background
Summer Berry Vanilla Pudding Pie
If you love easy, simple but pretty, and festive desserts, this Summer Berry Vanilla Pudding Pie is for you!
Berry Vanilla Pudding Pie
40
A stack of chocolate mint cookies with chocolate chunks sits on a green plate, while more cookies and a glass of milk are in the background.
Chocolate Mint Cookies
While Mint Juleps might be the beverage of choice at the Derby, these Mint Chocolate Chip cookies aren't far behind. Delicious, decadent, and certainly Kentucky Derby-worthy!
Chocolate Mint Cookies
41
Herb Lemon Water in glass mason jars with yellow straws
Lemon Herb Water
Herb Lemon Water is a refreshing and simple summer drink made with citrus, cucumber, and fresh herbs. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or sipping on the porch.
Lemon Herb Water

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Stephanie Wilson

Cookbook Author, Food Writer, and Chef

Stephanie Wilson is the founder of 31Daily.com, where she shares seasonal recipes, weekly meal plans, and teatime favorites to help readers gather around the table with joy. A certified private chef, cookbook author, and longtime event planner, she brings over 20 years of experience in catering, food writing, and media production—including network television work as a producer, director, and writer. Her work has been featured by Today.com, The Kitchn, Parade, and more.

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