22 Classic Kentucky Derby Day Food, Drink & Dessert Recipes

Brianne Izzo
·4 min read
2

The Kentucky Derby usually takes place on the first Saturday in May each year and thankfully America's longest continually held sporting event is back! Derby Day 2023 is Saturday, May 6, when 20 thoroughbred horses get the chance to compete in The Road to the Kentucky Derby.

Let's face it though: it's the Derby Day food and drinks that make the Run for the Roses even more fun. We know the spotlight is supposed to be on the horses and the jockeys, but for many, it's the parties, wagers, Derby appetizers and Mint Juleps that get everyone the most excited.

For others, it's all about the outfits and fancy hats, but for foodies, the focus is on the Bluegrass State's classic dishes, traditional Southern pies and of course, Bourbon-laced everything. After all, no Derby Day party would be complete without these Kentucky Derby food recipes, desserts and drinks!

Related: 7 Best Bourbons for Your Kentucky Derby Party

What is Derby Day?

The actual running of the Kentucky Derby may only last a couple of minutes, but the race is really the culmination of a two-week event filled not only with horse racing but also a parade, a marathon, concerts, wine tastings and more. Derby Day is truly a sight to behold in and of itself, with everyone from celebrities and politicians right down to your average "Joe" filling the grandstands of Churchill Downs. Gorgeous gowns, snappy suits and high-fashion hats are de rigueur.

Best Kentucky Derby Food Recipes, Desserts and Drinks

Any event of this magnitude also needs it's signature food and drinks. So celebrate "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports" with both classic Kentucky Derby recipes and creative takes on everything from hot browns and pimento cheese to chess pie and Red Velvet Buttercream Rose Cake in this collection of easy Kentucky recipes.

<p>Parrish Ritchie</p><p>This twist on <a href="/1189613/parade/deviled-eggs/" data-ylk="slk:deviled eggs;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">deviled eggs</a> smartly trims prep time with an assist from prepared pimento cheese spread. <a href="/1214989/parade/easy-pimento-cheese-deviled-eggs/" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe HERE!;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe HERE!</a></p>
<p>iStock</p><p>The famous Derby cocktail is made with bourbon, simple syrup and mint, then served over crushed ice. <a href="/283135/parade/celebrate-the-kentucky-derby-with-the-ultimate-mint-julep/" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe HERE!;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe HERE!</a></p>

iStock

The famous Derby cocktail is made with bourbon, simple syrup and mint, then served over crushed ice. Get the recipe HERE!

<p>Shea Goldstein</p><p>Serve this recipe for Buffalo Blue Pimento Cheese with crackers or sliced veggies on the side. <a href="/961967/sheagoldstein/best-buffalo-blue-pimento-cheese-recipe/" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe HERE!;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe HERE!</a></p><p><strong>Related: </strong><a href="https://parade.com/845273/communitytable/host-a-kentucky-derby-party-with-these-3-easy-recipes/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Host a Kentucky Derby Party with These 3 Easy Recipes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link "><strong>Host a Kentucky Derby Party with These 3 Easy Recipes</strong></a></p>
<p>Parrish Ritchie</p><p>Who needs the bread when you can have all the gooey cheese and the bacon? <a href="http://cupcakesandkalechips.com/kentucky-hot-brown-dip/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe HERE!;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe HERE!</a></p>

Parrish Ritchie

Who needs the bread when you can have all the gooey cheese and the bacon? Get the recipe HERE!

<p>Lemons for Lulu</p><p>Whether you like the cocktail or not, you'll love this simple chocolate candy. <a href="http://www.lemonsforlulu.com/mint-julep-fudge/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe HERE!;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe HERE!</a></p>

Lemons for Lulu

Whether you like the cocktail or not, you'll love this simple chocolate candy. Get the recipe HERE!

<p>A Family Feast</p><p>There's more than one kind of chicken that's finger-lickin' good. Plus this one has bourbon. <a href="http://www.afamilyfeast.com/bourbon-spice-barbecue-chicken-wings/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe HERE!;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe HERE!</a></p>
<p>Creative Culinary</p><p>Infuse the usual mint julep with peaches, the fruit of the South. <a href="http://www.creative-culinary.com/honey-peach-mint-julep/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe HERE!;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe HERE!</a></p>

Creative Culinary

Infuse the usual mint julep with peaches, the fruit of the South. Get the recipe HERE!

<p>Jen's Favorite Cookies</p><p>A Derby Day classic that's like a giant chocolate chip cookie baked into a pie crust. <a href="http://cupcakesandkalechips.com/kentucky-derby-pie/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe HERE!;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe HERE!</a></p>

Jen's Favorite Cookies

A Derby Day classic that's like a giant chocolate chip cookie baked into a pie crust. Get the recipe HERE!

<p>Foxes Love Lemons</p><p>Using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise means you'll still fit into your Derby Day dress or suit. <a href="http://foxeslovelemons.com/lightened-pimento-cheese-dip/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe HERE!;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe HERE!</a></p>
<p>Call Me PMc</p><p>Turn the traditional open-face sandwich into a hand-held treat perfect for a party. <a href="http://www.callmepmc.com/kentucky-hot-brown-sliders-recipe/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe HERE!;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe HERE!</a></p>

Call Me PMc

Turn the traditional open-face sandwich into a hand-held treat perfect for a party. Get the recipe HERE!

<p>She Wears Many Hats</p><p>An old-fashioned Southern pie that stands the test of time. <a href="http://shewearsmanyhats.com/chess-pie/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe HERE!;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe HERE!</a></p>

She Wears Many Hats

An old-fashioned Southern pie that stands the test of time. Get the recipe HERE!

<p>Miss in the Kitchen</p><p>Blow your mind by adding fresh blackberries to the classic cocktail. <a href="http://www.missinthekitchen.com/blackberry-mint-julep/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe HERE!;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe HERE!</a></p>

Miss in the Kitchen

Blow your mind by adding fresh blackberries to the classic cocktail. Get the recipe HERE!

<p>Moore or Less Cooking</p><p>If you're out in the warm sun at Churchill Downs, you may want your Mint Julep a little frosty. <a href="http://mooreorlesscooking.com/2012/05/06/mint-julep-granita-for-the-kentucky-derby/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe HERE!;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe HERE!</a></p>
<p>I Am Baker</p><p>It's called the Run for the Roses, but I'd prefer this cake over a bunch of flowers. <a href="http://iambaker.net/red-velvet-buttercream-rose-cake/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe HERE!;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe HERE!</a></p>

I Am Baker

It's called the Run for the Roses, but I'd prefer this cake over a bunch of flowers. Get the recipe HERE!

<p>The View From Great Island</p><p>You'll find bourbon in more than just the cocktails. It's also in the cocktail snacks. <a href="http://theviewfromgreatisland.com/2012/09/its-five-oclock-somewhere-friday-bourbon-meatballs.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe HERE!;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe HERE!</a></p>
<p>Magnolia Days</p><p>This Southern spread makes a fun appetizer when you stuff it into mini bell peppers. <a href="http://magnoliadays.com/2014/pimento-cheese-stuffed-peppers/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe HERE!;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe HERE!</a></p>

Magnolia Days

This Southern spread makes a fun appetizer when you stuff it into mini bell peppers. Get the recipe HERE!

<p>Girl in the Little Red Kitchen</p><p>The traditional Derby cocktail turned into a decadent dessert. <a href="http://girlinthelittleredkitchen.com/2014/03/mint-julep-bars-sundaysupper/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe HERE!;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe HERE!</a></p>

Girl in the Little Red Kitchen

The traditional Derby cocktail turned into a decadent dessert. Get the recipe HERE!

<p>Cupcakes & Kale Chips</p><p>A total comfort food mashup of two traditional sandwiches. <a href="http://cupcakesandkalechips.com/kentucky-hot-brown-grilled-cheese-sandwich/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe HERE!;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe HERE!</a></p>

Cupcakes & Kale Chips

A total comfort food mashup of two traditional sandwiches. Get the recipe HERE!

<p>Crazy for Crust</p><p>A sweet and tart Kentucky classic in a miniature form that's perfect for parties. <a href="http://www.crazyforcrust.com/2014/06/mini-lemon-chess-pies/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe HERE!;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe HERE!</a></p>

Crazy for Crust

A sweet and tart Kentucky classic in a miniature form that's perfect for parties. Get the recipe HERE!

<p>Amee's Savory Dish</p><p>Add some kick to the favorite Southern cheese spread. <a href="http://ameessavorydish.com/southern-style-jalapeno-pimento-cheese/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe HERE!;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe HERE!</a></p>

Amee's Savory Dish

Add some kick to the favorite Southern cheese spread. Get the recipe HERE!

<p>The Kitchen is My Playground</p><p>Because a little bubbly makes everything better. <a href="http://www.thekitchenismyplayground.com/2014/04/sparkling-mint-juleps-lamarcasparkle.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe HERE!;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe HERE!</a></p>

The Kitchen is My Playground

Because a little bubbly makes everything better. Get the recipe HERE!

<p>Cupcakes & Kale Chips</p><p>A fun crunchy snack with a little kick and a lot of chocolate. <a href="http://cupcakesandkalechips.com/bourbon-pecan-chocolate-popcorn/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Get the recipe HERE!;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Get the recipe HERE!</a></p><p><strong>Next up: <a href="https://parade.com/842213/fredminnick/kentucky-derby-party-make-the-prescription-julep/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Kentucky Derby Party: Make The Prescription Julep;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Kentucky Derby Party: Make The Prescription Julep</a></strong></p>

Up next: Celebrate the Kentucky Derby With the Ultimate Mint Julep Recipe