Every May, thousands of fans travel to Louisville’s Churchill Downs to watch the Run for the Roses. Even if you’re not one of the participants, you can still take a taste of the Kentucky Derby home with you. Below are some of our favorite Kentucky-inspired recipes. All are perfect for parties. Fancy hats are optional (but recommended).
branch
beer cheese buttermilk biscuits
Biscuit dough mixed with Kentucky-style beer cheese makes a great pairing with comfort foods. Get the recipe.
hot brown quiche
Derby season snacks at Louisville’s Brown Hotel. Get the recipe.
dips and spreads
freight house beer cheese
The classic Kentucky Beer Cheese Dip only requires two ingredients and a few seasonings. Get the recipe.
beer cheese with bourbon
The classic cheese spread gets the boilermaker treatment. Get the recipe.
benedict spread
Pimento cheese’s Kentucky cousin. Get the recipe.
dill pickle benedict spread
Benedictine, a classic Kentucky recipe, has been updated with dill pickles. Get the recipe.
kentucky hot browns
No matter how you slice it, this classic piece will captivate and delight many. Get the recipe.
spread deviled egg salad
Bluegrass State University chefs offer a modern take on classic Kentucky Derby recipes. Get the recipe.
Main power supply
bourbon trail chili
Ouita Michel’s go-to chili recipe tastes like Kentucky in a bowl. Get the recipe.
burgoo, kentucky
How do you burgeau? Get the recipe.
chicken wings with bourbon sauce
An American game made in heaven. Get the recipe.
sweets
traditional kentucky bourbon balls
What’s not to like about bourbon, chocolate, and pecans? Get the recipe.
Kentucky Bourbon Ball, 3 Ways
Try some variations of these bite-sized, boozy Southern sweets. Get the recipe.
marigold banana pudding
House of Marigold also shares in the joy of Derby Day. Get the recipe.
racetrack pie
Start your Derby weekend with a pistachio chess pie mixed with bitter chocolate. Get the recipe.
Strawberry basil pie with black pepper whipped cream
A Kentucky chef’s childhood favorite dessert is complemented by sweet spring strawberries. Get the recipe.
Pineapple butter cake with bourbon ginger mint glaze
A twist on a Kentucky favorite, combining fresh fruit and drinks. Get the recipe.
julep
mint julep
A classic item for Derby Day. Get the recipe.
mint julep slush
This batch cocktail proves that bourbon and ice go together. Get the recipe.
The Concord Grape Julep
A smooth recipe for getting in top condition for the Derby. Get the recipe.
Alba Huerta’s Sparkling Julep
A bourbon-free alternative to the Derby Classic. Get the recipe.
french julep
Cognac and fig jam add a delicious twist to a classic derby season cocktail. Get the recipe.
Other drinks
Traditional
Old-fashioned bourbon. Get the recipe.
bourbon negroni
A Kentucky cocktail with Italian roots. Get the recipe.
debutante cocktail
Introducing Julep’s hilarious cousin. Get the recipe.
British people went to Kentucky
A mint twist on the classic G&T. Get the recipe.
The Zelbach
Louisville’s pre-Prohibition cocktails. Get the recipe.
federal
A sweet and spicy drink featuring Kentucky’s Ale Eight-One. Get the recipe.
