My 10 Favorite Kentucky Derby Party Foods

Pimento cheese and mint juleps, can only mean one thing, a Derby Party. Here are My 10 Favorite Kentucky Derby Party Foods.

Good morning! The Kentucky Derby  is just a few weeks away and people all over the country will be tuning in to watch Steve Buttleman the official bugler of Churchill Downs call the horses to their posts. I love the Derby, the hats, the juleps in silver cups and of course the horses. This year America’s longest continuously held sporting event turns 151 years old!

Yes, the Derby is about the horses but the parties are fun too! Some years we have Derby Parties, other years we attend them, this year we will be staying at home and having a party of two(5 if you count the pups). But that doesn’t mean that we will not be making a few of our favorites to celebrate.

 10 of my favorite recipes to celebrate the Kentucky Derby

Kentucky Derby Drinks

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Mint Julep Lemonade from Hot Beauty Health for a refreshing start to the party. This is an alcohol free version of the famous mint julep. It is easy to make and will quickly become a favorite to sip all summer long.

The Blush Lily, is the second most famous cocktail at the Derby and actually is my personal favorite. It is sweet, tart and refreshing with cranberry juice, lime juice and a splash of soda.

The Mint Julep, this recipe is the official drink and recipe of Churchill Downs. Believe it or not this Southern cocktails origins are medicinal and originate in Persia. According to the Kentucky Derby website between the Kentucky Oaks(the race the day before) and the Derby over 120,000 mint juleps are enjoyed at the races.

Derby Day Appetizers

A derby day appetizer can be as simple as a bowl of spiced nuts or as elaborate as a baked ham with homemade biscuits.

Pimento Cheese

Pimento Cheese

Pimento Cheese is a must at any Derby party, it is perfect on crackers, sandwiches and if you should have some left over it makes the most delicious macaroni and cheese or grilled cheese sandwiches. There are lots of recipes for pimento cheese, perhaps you have a family recipe that you love or one from your favorite chef.

Spicy Pecans

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Brown Sugar & Brown Butter Pecans are an easy appetizer on Derby day or any day! They also make great party favors for guests to take home or to add to your holiday baskets.

Kentucky Derby Party Food

Grits

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Cheese Grits from The Vintage Mixer in individual ramekins for your guests to add to their plates. Grits are a Southern staple for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For your Derby party you could serve them with shrimp as well.

Hot Brown Sandwiches

Kentucky Hot Browns from The Seasoned Mom are a great option for your buffet, you could also serve country ham and biscuits.

Desserts

Bread Pudding

Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding with Bourbon Pecan Sauce. Glazed Krispy Kreme donuts are a perennial favorites, use them in place of bread in this “bread pudding” and you have the ultimate sweet, treat for your guests.

Double Chocolate Bourbon Brownies

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Double Chocolate Bourbon Brownies, fudgy, moist and delicious with just a hint of bourbon. Your guests will love these brownies.

Bourbon Balls

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And last but not least Bourbon Balls from A Spicy Southern Kitchen, an iconic Southern treat for any occasion.

Kentucky Derby FAQ

When is the Kentucky Derby?

The Kentucky Derby is always the first Saturday in May.

What time in the Kentucky Derby 2025?

The coverage for the 151st Run for the Roses will begin on race day at 2:30 p.m. ET. The actual Kentucky Derby race won’t start until after 6:30.

What is a traditional Kentucky Derby meal?

Deviled eggs, small sandwiches, pimento cheese, ham and cheese biscuits and other southern favorites, including bourbon balls, and mint juleps.

UNTIL NEXT TIME

I hope that you enjoyed my 10 Favorite Kentucky Derby Party Foods.

Do you have a favorite Derby food? I am partial to the desserts, but I also like the pimento cheese. If you are having a party or attending one and have a recipe to share please let us know, either share it here or put your recipe link in the comment section.

Have a wonderful day friends, thank you for spending a part of it with me.

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