And they're off! The first Saturday in May is the kick-off to the Triple Crown of horse racing, the Kentucky Derby. Celebrities, locals and horse racing enthusiasts wait all year to watch the greatest two minutes in sports. If you don't feel comfortable braving the crowds at the track just yet, some show-stopping Kentucky Derby food is the way to go. Everything bourbon is a *must*, including the official drink of the Derby, the Mint Julep. Which obviously means that you need your own DIY engraved julep cup kit to customize your drink. Break out your favorite derby hats and get your kitchen essentials ready, because these easy recipes will make your Kentucky Derby meal one to remember.
Delicious Kentucky Derby Food And Drink Ideas
Pink Lily co*cktail
The day before the Kentucky Derby is the Oaks, which is a race specifically for fillies. The signature co*cktail for that event is the Lily, based on the garland of lilies bestowed upon the winning horse. It's made up of cranberry juice, lemon juice, blackberries and vodka, and is a necessity for all non-bourbon drinkers. (via Pip and Ebby)
Crock Pot Apple Cider Pulled Pork
Crock pot dishes are definitely a Derby essential. You can throw everything in your slow cooker and move on to your other tasks at hand. This pulled pork cooks for 10 hours on low, so you can easily do it overnight if you wish. (via Foods of Our Lives)
Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin With Cherry Bourbon Sauce
Your Derby meal can be as casual or fancy as you want it to be. If you decide to go for more of a classy dinner soiree, this pork loin would be perfect for a plated main course. (via My Modern Cookery)
Kentucky Derby Pie Milkshake
Chocolate ice cream mixed with butter pecan ice cream, plus — you guessed it — bourbon equals an indulgent milkshake you won't want to share. (via Camille Styles)
Derby Day Bourbon Brownies
Boxed brownie mix and a ton of booze will make these Derby day brownies a hit. There's bourbon not only in the brownies themselves, but in the frosting on top as well. Yes, please. (via The Seasoned Mom)
Everyone Will Love This Kentucky Derby Food
Horse Cupcakes
Obviously, Derby day isn't *just* about bourbon. It's about horses! These adorable horse cupcakes are quick and easy to put together, and you can even enlist the help of a few kiddos if you like. (via Flying on Jess Fuel)
Easy BLT Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a spring party staple, which means they have a permanent seat at any Derby day meal. (via A Fork's Tale)
Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders
Hot chicken may have originated in Nashville, but it's slowly become a Kentucky favorite. Kick your usual fried chicken up a notch by dousing it in this spicy and tangy sauce. Feel free to leave a slider or two bare if your kiddos want to try one. (via My Modern Cookery)
Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwiches
If you want to go the traditional route and serve the sandwiches themselves, go for it! This drool-worthy version uses jalapeño cornbread biscuits instead of toast, thick-cut honey bourbon bacon and heirloom tomatoes. (via Half Baked Harvest)
Kentucky Hot Brown Dip
The Kentucky Hot Brown is a classic recipe that has been around for generations. Typically, it's a hot open-faced sandwich, layered with turkey, bacon, tomatoes and a Mornay sauce. Turning that into a gooey appetizer that everyone can dig into makes total sense. (via Cupcakes & Kale Chips)
Southern Sliders
Finger foods are always the first to go — especially when they're loaded with Southern ingredients like pimento cheese and green tomatoes. Serve on mini biscuit buns to drive the country theme home. (via Alyssa Ponticello)
This Kentucky Derby Food Will Make Any Party Better
Oven-Fried Southern Chicken With Sweet Honey Bourbon Sauce
Frying chicken on the stove in a vat of oil takes a lot of time and patience, not to mention it makes your house smell less than inviting. Save yourself some frustration and go with a crispy oven-baked chicken instead. Drizzle with a sweet bourbon sauce and let the sticky-finger licking commence. (via Half Baked Harvest)
The Thousand-Dollar Mint Julep
Going through Derby day without a Mint Julep is like having a birthday party without cake — you just can't do it. Stay true to the classic co*cktail with this simple recipe. You can even put out a few different bourbons if you want to sample and choose your fave. (via Saveur)
Bourbon Honey Ribs
Grilling ribs doesn't have to be intimidating. These sweet and spicy ribs take just over an hour start to finish, with only 10 minutes of active grill time. (via Nerds with Knives)
Sweet Tea Mint Juleps
Sweet tea and Mint Juleps are a match made in heaven. Make two batches, with and without bourbon, so the kids and non-drinkers can enjoy the minty sweet tea. (via Spicy Southern Kitchen)
Ladies' Hat Piñata Cookies
Giant floppy hats and fascinators are not optional on Derby day. These charming hat cookies represent the most well-known part of Derby fashion, and they have a sweet candy surprise in the middle. (via Hungry Happenings)
Follow us on Pinterest and subscribe to our email newsletter for more easy + delicious Kentucky Derby food and recipe ideas.
This post has been updated.
From Your Site Articles
- Cinco de Derby: Southern Classics Get Loco - Brit + Co ›
- How to Pick Your Kentucky Derby Hat, Plus More Style Secrets - Brit ... ›
- 10 Ideas to Inspire a Kentucky Derby-Themed Wedding - Brit + Co ›
- Come in First Place With This DIY Kentucky Derby Fascinator - Brit + ... ›
- 10 Ways to DIY a Kicking Kentucky Derby Party - Brit + Co ›
- The Official 2018 Kentucky Derby co*cktail Recipes Are Here - Brit + ... ›
- 11 Recipes For Kentucky Derby co*cktails - Brit + Co ›
Related Articles Around the Web
Paige Johnson
Paige is a blogger, food writer and culinary master from Louisville, Ky. She's a newlywed who's obsessed with dogs and renovating her 117 year old home. When she's not working on her blog — My Modern Cookery — you can find her binge watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S with a triple shot latte in-hand.
