The Kentucky Derby Recipe Roundup 2023
Being born and raised in Kentucky, the derby is considered a holiday around here! I love the tradition of big hats, mint juleps, and horse betting, but I also LOVE creating traditional KY recipes to share with family and friends as we wait for the big race!
Whether you plan to watch the fastest two minutes in sports at Churchill Downs or in your living room — I’ve collected all of my favorite Kentucky Derby-themed recipes and linked them all below! We still have a few weeks before the race for the roses, so be sure to come back and see what recipes I decide to add this year!
Not sure what to wear yet? No worries - I’ve created a collection of perfect Derby dresses and hats that you can find by clicking here! And don’t forget to accessorize! You can find all your jewelry needs in my shop by clicking here!
xoxo
Emily
Appetizers + Cheeseboards
This bright, fresh, and flavorful fruit salsa is the perfect addition to your Kentucky Derby party spread! I have to admit I’ve always scoffed at the idea of fruit salsa, but this recipe definitely changed my mind! The addition of the bourbon and mint gives this such a great depth of flavor, and I was literally eating it with a spoon! Serve with some sweeter crackers or chips (cinnamon pita or tortilla chips are ideal), or eat all alone! This one is SO quick and easy to throw together- find all the ingredients and instructions by clicking here!
Hot Browns are a staple for any derby party or dinner, but they are so difficult to make and keep fresh when you have a lot of guests! This hot brown dip is the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of this classic Kentucky staple without all the work! You can serve this cold or baked (which I highly recommend), and it’s delicious with any toasted bread, pretzels, crackers, veggies, or chips! Find all the ingredients and instructions by clicking here!
I always love putting together derby party recipes every year, and this beef tenderloin crostini just so happens to be the perfect appetizer for any southern soiree! This recipe combines a few of my favorite foods + ingredients. Check out the full details by clicking here!
There is nowhere better to live and eat than Kentucky, and if you don’t believe that, try this board! This board has everything from hot brown dip to mint julep salsa, bourbon balls to country ham biscuits, benedictine to mini derby pies, and more! I also included many different veggies, crackers, and bread options for different dipping and snacking combinations! As always, you can totally customize this board, and any of my boards, to fit your guest list and budget, and all suggested ingredients can be edited and swapped out easily! You can find all the ingredients, shopping lists, and instructions for putting this one together by clicking here!
Desserts
I have lived in Kentucky my entire life and had never heard of "Kentucky Butter Cake." When I came across the recipe, I knew I had to try it. Kentucky AND butter? It just doesn't get much better than that! Thankfully it tastes just as good as it sounds. Think of a super moist pound cake with a rich, buttery taste. The sugary bourbon glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness and creates a slightly crisp layer around the edges of the cake. As I've said in the past, I don't have much patience when it comes to baking, but this recipe is super quick and easy! Find the full recipe by clicking here!
It's Derby time in Kentucky! The Kentucky Derby is the biggest weekend of the year in the bluegrass, epitomizing all things Southern. I am always looking for recipes that look perfect for derby parties and festivities, and I recently came across these Derby Pie Milkshakes via the Camille Styles blog. I was so excited to try these because they gave me the perfect excuse to use my newly acquired collection of vintage derby glasses! This milkshake is the perfect decadent dessert for your derby day festivities and makes for a beautiful presentation. Find the full details of ingredients and instructions by clicking here!
Cocktails
The signature drink of the Kentucky Derby will always be the mint julep, but for those who might want to switch it up for something a little brighter + more refreshing, this gin cocktail is the perfect choice! It still has the mint but with the addition of some cucumber, rose water, + club soda making it perfectly fizzy with a slight floral twist. It's also super easy + quick to make for your entire derby crowd and will keep everyone cool + refreshed all day! Grab all the ingredients + step-by-step instructions for mixing them up by clicking here!
I can’t take credit for this one - my husband Alex shared this on the blog a few years ago!
Now, my favorite part of hosting a party is the cocktail. Being a good Kentuckian (I grew up on a horse farm right down the road from the Woodford Reserve Distillery), I love to try and mix a good bourbon cocktail that we can all enjoy. One of my favorites is a Pineapple Ginger Sparkling Bourbon (I call it the “Masters” at my house because that's my favorite time to drink it), but it also fits perfectly into a Derby Day cocktail menu!
You can find the full details by clicking here!
