17 Delicious Down-Home Recipes for a Kentucky Derby Day Party (2024)

Updated on 07/3/20

Kentucky Mint Julep

• 01 of 17

  Classic Bourbon Mint Julep co*cktail

  

  It wouldn't be much of a Derby celebration without frosty, cold mint juleps with Kentucky bourbon and fresh mint leaves. Simple syrup adds a shot of sweetness to this traditional springtime refreshment.

• 02 of 17

  Benedictine Dip or Spread

  

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  Kentucky benedictine spread was made popular over a century ago at Louisville's Benedict's restaurant and is still pleasing crowds. This simple cucumber, cream cheese, and onion dip can be used for canapés, dipping raw veggies, or as a sandwich spread.

• 03 of 17

  Buttermilk Fried Chicken

  

  Crisp, tender fried chicken is the crown jewel of Southern cuisine. This essential, updated recipe uses a buttermilk marinade for moist and juicy chicken that cooks up evenly. The buttermilk imparts a tangy flavor that your family and friends will swoon over.

• 04 of 17

  The Hot Brown

  

  Delicious open-faced turkey melt sandwiches with crispy bacon and fresh tomato slices, smothered in a spicy, Creole-flavored cheddar cheese sauce are a time-honored Kentucky tradition. Serve with fries or wilted greens on the side.

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• 05 of 17

  Classic Southern Fried Green Tomatoes

  

  Southern fried green tomatoes are crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside, making them a favorite party appetizer. Bright-tasting green tomatoes are fried to perfection in a spicy cornmeal coating. Breadcrumbs can be used instead of cornmeal.

• 06 of 17

  Southern Buttermilk Biscuits

  

  Southern buttermilk biscuits are an excellent addition to your gathering. Make them in less than 25 minutes (or make ahead, freeze, and bake when needed) and serve with plenty of butter for spreading. They're a perfect side for saucy main dishes, too.

• 07 of 17

  Baked Ham With Sweet Bourbon-Mustard Glaze

  

  You couldn't call it a Southern spread without a baked ham. This sweet and savory recipe flavors fully cooked ham with a fantastic glaze your guests will rave about, made with Kentucky bourbon, honey, molasses, orange juice, and Dijon mustard.

• 08 of 17

  Crock Pot Beer Cheese Dip

  

  Kick off your Derby Day party with this warm, cheesy, slightly spicy beer dip. It makes a fantastic, traditional dipping sauce for french fries, breadsticks, tortilla chips, and even co*cktail shrimp. You must use processed cheese loaf, rather than real deal cheddar cheese, to get the flavor and texture right.

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• 09 of 17

  Baked Cheese Grits

  

  Cheese grits are a favorite side dish in Kentucky, as they are throughout the South. This classic recipe for baked cheese grits is as classic as they come. Top with lashings of Tabasco and a fat pad of butter.

• 10 of 17

  Southern Deviled Eggs

  

  Southern deviled eggs are a popular finger food at buffets everywhere. This yummy recipe sneaks sweet pickle relish into eggs, along with mayonnaise, mustard, and optional Tabasco, for tangy, zippy flavor. Dress them up for serving with a sprinkle of paprika or some chopped pimiento.

• 11 of 17

  Creamy Bourbon Chicken With Mushrooms

  

  Bourbon-basted chicken in a lush, creamy bourbon and mushroom sauce is about as down-home delicious as you can get. It tastes and looks impressive, and it's ready to enjoy in only 30 minutes. Serve it in bowls ladled over hot cooked rice, or with thick bread slices for sopping up the delicious sauce.

• 12 of 17

  Beaumont Inn Corn Pudding

  

  Serve this Kentucky classic side dish with your Derby Day ham. It's a sweet and creamy corn casserole made with fresh or frozen corn, milk, eggs, and a few other pantry ingredients. Use a shallow casserole dish for this recipe to prevent overcooking.

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• 13 of 17

  Kentucky Burgoo

  

  Burgoo is a traditional, long-simmered Kentucky stew with a variety of meats and vegetables. Beef and chicken mingle in the pot, along with potatoes, onions, cabbage, tomatoes, carrots, corn, okra, butter beans, and bell pepper.

• 14 of 17

  Kentucky Derby Chocolate Walnut Pie

  

  This insanely delicious recipe for bourbon chocolate walnut pie is closely inspired by the famous derby pie invented at the Melrose Inn in Prospect, Kentucky. It's been a grand tradition at the race for nearly 70 years.

• 15 of 17

  Kentucky Bread Pudding With Bourbon Sauce

  

  This wonderful vanilla- and cinnamon-scented bread pudding has a luscious, warm bourbon sauce on top and is a favorite dessert at Kentucky's historic Beaumont Inn. It makes a winning contribution to any potluck or buffet party.

• 16 of 17

  Kentucky Butter Bundt Cake

  

  This rich Kentuckybutter cakeis incredibly delicious. The butter soaks into the cake, forming an amazingly moist and buttery layer. It really doesn't need icing, but you can sift some powdered sugar over the top after you unmold it for a nice presentation.

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• 17 of 17

  The Woodford Reserve Belmont Jewel co*cktail

  

  Enjoy this smooth co*cktail that is an official beverage of the Belmont Stakes, the third leg of horse racing's Triple Crown. Spicy, full-bodied Woodford Reserve Bourbon Whiskey is blended with lemonade and pomegranate juice for a fruity, refreshing flavor.

• Exploring Southern Food
• Desserts
• co*cktail Party Recipes