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If you love southern cooking, horses, and the Derby, you'll adore these authentic Kentucky Derby recipes to celebrate with on the first Saturday in May.
For a sweet treat, the iconic Derby Pie is delicious, and these Derby Bars are a favorite of our readers.
Kentucky Derby Food Traditions
Few American sporting events exist with the history and southern charm of the Kentucky Derby. Its rich traditions - sipping a mint julep, beautiful hats, roses, and the singing of "My Old Kentucky Home."
All of which transcend the Kentucky Derby from a mere sporting event.
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 experienced in Europe. After receiving land from his uncles, John and Henry Churchill, the beginnings of the Kentucky Derby were born.
"On May 17th, 1875, the racetrack opened its gates and the Louisville Jockey Club sponsored the very first Kentucky Derby. A total of fifteen three-year-old Thoroughbred horses raced one and a half miles in front of a cheering crowd of approximately 10,000 spectators. Aristides was the first winner of the Kentucky Derby."
Kentucky Derby Food History
It's well established that food is a central component of the Kentucky Derby. Every year, the concession stands at the Kentucky Derby sell about 142,000 hot dogs, 18,000 barbecue sandwiches, 32,400 jumbo shrimp, 13,800 pounds of beef, and 300,000 strawberries for traditional strawberries and cream.
A mint julep is made over 120,000 times during the event. And there is a competition event for the best Derby Pie.
Hot Browns and Burgoo are traditional Kentucky foods that are staples at Derby parties, and you will find pecans in many recipes.
Kentucky Derby Recipes
Here are some classic Derby recipes. Dust off those mint julep cups, find that fancy hat, and let's celebrate the Kentucky Derby!
1
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.
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.
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!
"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."
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!
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.
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.
"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."
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.
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.
Begin with these "colorful open-faced (crust off!) tea sandwiches. These are super easy to make if you make the spread ahead of time and assemble these just before your guests arrive. Instead of a cream cheese spread, I made an herbal creamy dill spread by blending sunflower seeds to create a creamy base. Slather it on some sourdough sandwich bread and then top with rows of paper-thin slices of cucumbers, radishes, and candy-striped beets. Use a sharp knife to cut the crusts off and you have the cutest little springtime snacks."
"As the name suggests, Spring Salad is a seasonal salad filled with spring's bounty of vegetables: Asparagus, snow peas, peas and cos lettuce (romaine), dotted with goats cheese for some creamy tang and a fresh lemon dressing. Elegant, pretty and refreshing!"
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
A Non-Alcoholic Mint Julep Everyone Can Enjoy at the Kentucky Derby
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.
Lemon Herb Water: Refreshingly Simple Summer Drink
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.
If you try this recipe, I'd love to hear your comments and consider giving it a 5-star rating. Explore the recipe index for more easy, delicious ideas, and stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter and following us on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube!
Join the Sunday Morning Tradition
If you enjoyed this post, you'll love The Sunday Edit No. 12: The Spring Pantry. It’s my weekly "magazine-style" digest designed to help you reset, refine, and find beauty in the everyday. From intentional kitchen resets to curated seasonal menus.
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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