Our Best Kentucky Derby-Inspired Recipes

Farro Salad

Farro is a delicate grain that adds protein and flavor to this delicious picnic-style salad. Shallots, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese add color and flavor to this dish for a satisfying meat-free meal.

Apple Cranberry Crisp

Apple crisp with the brightness of cranberries is a sweet and slightly spicy dish that will add to the excitement of watching the derby. The pecan brown sugar topping makes this treat especially decadent. If you’re serving a large crowd, present the crisp in individual cast iron skillets so everyone can enjoy their own personal dessert.

Bacon Bourbon Caramel Popcorn

Snack on this sweet, salty, and smoky treat while you take in the action of the Kentucky Derby. The bacon and caramel are a perfect match, and bourbon flavors give this snack the Kentucky touch.

Garlic Grits

Grits prepared casserole-style are a tasty addition to your Kentucky Derby brunch. Add a hint of garlic for more flavor, and top the grits with fresh herbs before enjoying them with fluffy scrambled eggs or grilled fish.

Avocado and Cucumber Sandwich

These elegant and delicious sandwiches are a perfect treat to enjoy with tea or a cocktail while you watch the races. The flavors of cucumber and avocado are accented with herbed cream cheese to make the sandwich complete.

Kentucky Banana Pudding

This light and flavorful dessert is bursting with banana flavor, which makes it perfect for your Kentucky Derby party. Vanilla wafers are the perfect match for creamy banana custard, and you can top the pudding with fresh bananas to bring out the sweet flavors of the pudding.

Mint Juleps

These cocktails were made popular by the Kentucky Derby, so it’s only fitting to enjoy this refreshing drink while you’re watching the races. Fresh mint and authentic Kentucky bourbon make this chilled cocktail a delicious addition to your Derby menu.

Kentucky Hot Brown

This delicious sandwich is a Kentucky staple and goes great with watching the races. Hearty toast topped with roast turkey and bacon makes these open-faced sandwiches a satisfying meal while you enjoy the beautiful weather and horse races with friends.

Kentucky Derby Pie

This decadent pie tastes like a giant chocolate chip with pecans. If you want to enjoy this pie while you take in the excitement of the Kentucky Derby, top the pie with vanilla ice cream and fresh mint leaves for a classic treat that will impress your friends and family.

Kentucky Benedictine Dip

Kentucky Benedictine dip is flavored with cucumber and dill for a light and refreshing taste that goes well with fresh vegetables. You can also enjoy it with toast squares or potato chips for an unforgettable Kentucky Derby snack.

Bourbon Weiners

Chop up cocktail weiners and cook them in an Instant Pot with a rich bourbon gravy to make this tasty Kentucky Derby appetizer. You can serve the sausage with crackers or fresh veggies for a satisfying derby snack.