Top 16 Kentucky Derby Party Recipes for Race Day Fun

The Kentucky Derby brings excitement, tradition, and incredible food together for one unforgettable day. These classic Southern recipes capture the spirit of the Bluegrass State perfectly.

From mint juleps to bourbon-spiked desserts, these dishes will make your Derby party a winning celebration everyone remembers.

01. Creamy Dill Potato Salad

This refreshing potato salad combines tender potatoes with fresh dill and creamy dressing. Perfect for making ahead, it’s one less thing to worry about on race day.

Ingredients: 3 pounds red potatoes, 1 cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sour cream, 3 tablespoons fresh dill, 2 tablespoons white vinegar, 1 medium onion, 3 hard-boiled eggs, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Creamy Dill Potato Salad

1. Wash potatoes and cut into 1-inch cubes, leaving skins on for extra texture and flavor. Boil in salted water for 12-15 minutes until fork-tender but not mushy, then drain completely and let cool to room temperature.

2. Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, and chopped fresh dill in a large bowl. Season generously with salt and pepper, tasting as you go to get the perfect balance of flavors.

3. Add cooled potatoes, diced onion, and chopped hard-boiled eggs to the dressing. Gently fold everything together until evenly coated, being careful not to mash the potatoes.

4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to let the flavors meld together beautifully. This salad actually tastes better the next day, making it perfect for Derby party prep.

02. Rich Kentucky Butter Cake

This incredibly moist butter cake practically melts in your mouth with every bite. The secret is the butter glaze that soaks into the warm cake, creating pure decadence.

Ingredients: 1 cup butter, 2 cups sugar, 4 large eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 cup buttermilk, ½ cup butter, ¾ cup sugar, ¼ cup water, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.

How To Make Rich Kentucky Butter Cake

1. Cream butter and 2 cups sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated before adding the next ingredient.

2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Mix just until combined.

3. Pour batter into a greased and floured bundt pan. Bake at 325°F for 60-70 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean and the cake springs back when lightly touched.

4. For the glaze, melt remaining butter with ¾ cup sugar, water, and vanilla in a saucepan until sugar dissolves. While cake is still warm in the pan, poke holes all over with a skewer and slowly pour glaze over top, letting it soak in completely.

03. Classic Kentucky Pecan Pie

This traditional pecan pie gets a Kentucky twist with a splash of bourbon. The filling is perfectly sweet and gooey, with pecans arranged beautifully on top.

Ingredients: 1 unbaked pie crust, 3 large eggs, 1 cup light corn syrup, ⅓ cup butter, ½ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons bourbon, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon salt, 1½ cups pecan halves.

How To Make Classic Kentucky Pecan Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the unbaked pie crust in a 9-inch pie pan. Crimp the edges decoratively and set aside while you prepare the rich, bourbon-spiked filling.

2. Beat eggs lightly in a large bowl, then whisk in corn syrup, melted butter, brown sugar, bourbon, vanilla, and salt until completely smooth. The mixture should be glossy and well combined.

3. Arrange pecan halves in an attractive pattern in the bottom of the pie crust, then carefully pour the filling over the nuts. The pecans will float to the top during baking, creating a beautiful presentation.

4. Bake for 50-60 minutes until the center is set but still slightly jiggly when gently shaken. The top should be golden brown and firm to the touch.

5. Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing, as the filling needs time to set properly. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for the ultimate Derby dessert experience.

04. Bourbon Glazed Wieners

These crowd-pleasing appetizers disappear faster than thoroughbreds at Churchill Downs. The bourbon glaze gives ordinary cocktail sausages an elegant Kentucky flair.

Ingredients: 2 pounds cocktail wieners, 1 cup brown sugar, ½ cup bourbon, ¼ cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon garlic powder.

How To Make Bourbon Glazed Wieners

1. Place cocktail wieners in a slow cooker or large skillet. I prefer using cocktail wieners instead of cutting up hot dogs because they’re perfectly sized and cook more evenly throughout.

2. Whisk together brown sugar, bourbon, ketchup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder in a bowl until the sugar dissolves completely. The sauce should be smooth and glossy.

3. Pour the bourbon mixture over the wieners and stir gently to coat each piece evenly. Cook on low in slow cooker for 2-3 hours or simmer on stovetop for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky, coating the wieners with a beautiful glaze. Serve hot with toothpicks for easy party eating.

05. Louisville Benedictine Dip

This Louisville legend combines cream cheese, cucumber, and fresh dill into an irresistible spread. The pale green color and refreshing taste make it perfect for Derby entertaining.

Ingredients: 8 ounces cream cheese, 1 large cucumber, 1 small onion, 3 tablespoons fresh dill, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon white pepper, green food coloring.

How To Make Louisville Benedictine Dip

1. Soften cream cheese to room temperature for easy mixing. Peel cucumber and grate it using the large holes of a box grater, then squeeze out excess moisture using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.

2. Finely dice the onion and chop fresh dill until you have about 3 tablespoons. The key to great Benedictine is having all your ingredients chopped to the same fine consistency for the best texture.

3. Beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy, then fold in drained cucumber, diced onion, dill, mayonnaise, salt, and white pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly to combine all flavors.

4. Add just a drop or two of green food coloring to achieve the traditional pale green color that makes this dip so recognizable. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving with crackers or cucumber rounds.

06. Chocolate Chip Derby Pie

This gooey chocolate chip cookie pie is Derby tradition at its finest. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for a dessert that’ll have everyone cheering.

Ingredients: 1 unbaked pie crust, 2 large eggs, ½ cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup sugar, ½ cup brown sugar, ¾ cup butter, 1 cup chocolate chips, 1 cup chopped walnuts.

How To Make Chocolate Chip Derby Pie

1. Preheat oven to 325°F and place unbaked pie crust in a 9-inch pie pan. Beat eggs in a large bowl until light and frothy, creating the perfect base for this rich filling.

2. Gradually whisk in flour, both sugars, and melted butter until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The batter should be thick but pourable, similar to a brownie batter consistency.

3. Fold in chocolate chips and chopped walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. Pour the mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out to the edges for even baking.

4. Bake for 60 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly soft. A toothpick inserted in center should come out with just a few moist crumbs attached.

5. Cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before serving. This pie is absolutely divine served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream on top.

07. Southern Garlic Grits

These creamy, garlic-infused grits bring Southern comfort to your Derby spread. The subtle garlic flavor pairs perfectly with all your other race day favorites.

Ingredients: 1 cup stone-ground grits, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 cup whole milk, 4 cloves garlic, ½ cup butter, ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, salt and pepper to taste.

How To Make Southern Garlic Grits

1. Bring chicken broth and milk to a boil in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Slowly whisk in grits, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring frequently.

2. Meanwhile, mince garlic cloves very finely or press them through a garlic press. The key is getting the garlic small enough that it distributes evenly without creating overpowering bites.

3. When grits are tender and creamy, stir in butter, minced garlic, and grated cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and the mixture is smooth and creamy throughout.

4. Season with salt and pepper to taste, remembering that the chicken broth and cheese already add saltiness. Serve immediately while hot and creamy, as grits tend to thicken as they cool.

08. Kentucky Bourbon Balls

These no-bake bourbon treats are perfect for feeding Derby crowds. Roll them ahead of time and store in the refrigerator until your guests arrive.

Ingredients: 1 box vanilla wafers, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 cup chopped pecans, 3 tablespoons cocoa powder, ¼ cup bourbon, 3 tablespoons corn syrup, additional powdered sugar for rolling.

How To Make Kentucky Bourbon Balls

1. Crush vanilla wafers into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed bag and crushing with a rolling pin. You want fairly fine crumbs for the best texture.

2. Mix crushed wafers, powdered sugar, chopped pecans, and cocoa powder in a large bowl. Stir in bourbon and corn syrup until the mixture holds together when squeezed, adding more bourbon if needed.

3. Roll mixture into 1-inch balls using your hands, placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If the mixture is too sticky, chill it for 30 minutes before rolling to make handling easier.

4. Roll each ball in additional powdered sugar until completely coated. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before serving to let the flavors develop and meld together beautifully.

09. Fluffy Buttermilk Biscuits

No Southern gathering feels complete without fresh, flaky buttermilk biscuits. These tender beauties are surprisingly easy to make and always impress guests.

Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 6 tablespoons cold butter, ¾ cup cold buttermilk, 2 tablespoons melted butter.

How To Make Fluffy Buttermilk Biscuits

1. Preheat oven to 425°F and whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Cut cold butter into small cubes and work it into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs.

2. Make a well in the center and pour in cold buttermilk all at once. Using a fork, gently stir just until the dough comes together. Don’t overmix, as this will make the biscuits tough instead of tender.

3. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a ¾-inch thick rectangle. Fold the dough in half, then pat it down again to create layers that will make your biscuits extra flaky.

4. Cut straight down with a floured biscuit cutter or glass, avoiding twisting motions that can seal the edges and prevent proper rising. Place biscuits on a baking sheet with sides touching for soft edges.

5. Bake for 15-17 minutes until golden brown on top. Brush with melted butter immediately after removing from oven for that perfect finishing touch that makes these biscuits absolutely irresistible.

10. Traditional Banana Pudding

This old-fashioned banana pudding features layers of vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, and rich custard. It’s the perfect light dessert to balance heavier Derby dishes.

Ingredients: ¾ cup sugar, ⅓ cup all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon salt, 3 cups whole milk, 4 large egg yolks, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 3 tablespoons butter, 4 ripe bananas, 1 box vanilla wafers.

How To Make Traditional Banana Pudding

1. Whisk together sugar, flour, and salt in a heavy saucepan. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, until mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil.

2. Beat egg yolks in a small bowl. Slowly add about ½ cup of the hot milk mixture to the yolks, whisking constantly to temper them. Pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan, whisking vigorously.

3. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until custard coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and butter until smooth. Press plastic wrap directly onto surface to prevent skin from forming.

4. Slice bananas into ¼-inch rounds. Layer half the vanilla wafers in a serving dish, top with half the banana slices, then half the custard. Repeat layers, ending with custard on top.

5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. The wafers will soften slightly, creating the perfect texture contrast with the creamy custard and fresh bananas throughout.

11. Kentucky Home Fried Potatoes

These crispy fried potatoes get their authentic Kentucky flavor from bacon drippings and sweet Vidalia onions. They’re the perfect hearty side for your Derby feast.

Ingredients: 3 pounds russet potatoes, 6 strips bacon, 2 large Vidalia onions, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon paprika.

How To Make Kentucky Home Fried Potatoes

1. Wash and dice potatoes into ½-inch cubes, leaving skins on for extra flavor and texture. Soak in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch, then drain and pat completely dry with paper towels.

2. Cook bacon in a large cast-iron skillet until crispy, then remove and drain on paper towels. Reserve 3 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the skillet for cooking the potatoes and onions.

3. Add diced potatoes to the hot bacon drippings and cook without stirring for 5-6 minutes to develop a golden crust. Flip and continue cooking until all sides are crispy and golden brown, about 15 minutes total.

4. Add sliced onions and continue cooking until potatoes are tender inside and onions are caramelized and golden. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika, then crumble reserved bacon on top before serving hot.

12. Virgin Mint Julep

This alcohol-free version lets everyone enjoy the classic Derby drink. Fresh mint and simple syrup create the traditional julep experience without the bourbon.

Ingredients: 2 cups water, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup fresh mint leaves, 2 cups ginger ale, 1 cup lemon-lime soda, ¼ cup fresh lemon juice, crushed ice, fresh mint sprigs for garnish.

How To Make Virgin Mint Julep

1. Make mint simple syrup by bringing water and sugar to a boil in a small saucepan. Add fresh mint leaves and simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and let steep for 30 minutes.

2. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing the mint leaves to extract maximum flavor. Discard the mint leaves and refrigerate the syrup until completely chilled, about 2 hours.

3. Combine chilled mint syrup, ginger ale, lemon-lime soda, and fresh lemon juice in a large pitcher. Stir gently to mix all ingredients without losing too much carbonation from the sodas.

4. Fill julep cups or tall glasses with crushed ice and pour the mint mixture over top. Garnish each glass with fresh mint sprigs and serve immediately while cold and refreshing.

13. Bourbon Chocolate Derby Dessert

This decadent Derby pie combines rich chocolate, crunchy pecans, and smooth bourbon in one unforgettable dessert. It’s tradition and indulgence rolled into one perfect slice.

Ingredients: 1 unbaked pie crust, 3 large eggs, 1 cup sugar, ½ cup butter, ¼ cup bourbon, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 cup chocolate chips, 1 cup chopped pecans, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

How To Make Bourbon Chocolate Derby Dessert

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and place unbaked pie crust in a 9-inch pie pan. Beat eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.

2. Melt butter and let it cool slightly, then beat it into the egg mixture along with bourbon, flour, and vanilla extract. Mix until completely smooth and well combined throughout.

3. Fold in chocolate chips and chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the filling. Pour the mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out to the edges for even baking.

4. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the center is set but still slightly jiggly when gently shaken. The top should be golden brown and firm to the touch when done.

5. Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing, as the filling needs time to set properly. This pie is absolutely divine served with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

14. Louisville Hot Brown Sandwich

This open-faced sandwich is Louisville’s gift to the culinary world. Layers of turkey, tomato, and bacon get smothered in rich cheese sauce and broiled to perfection.

Ingredients: 8 slices bread, 1 pound sliced turkey, 2 large tomatoes, 8 strips bacon, 4 tablespoons butter, 4 tablespoons flour, 2 cups milk, 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper.

How To Make Louisville Hot Brown Sandwich

1. Toast bread slices until golden brown and arrange them on a large baking sheet. Cook bacon until crispy and drain on paper towels. Slice tomatoes into ¼-inch thick rounds and set aside.

2. Make the cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste, creating a smooth roux base.

3. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Cook until thickened, about 5-7 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in both cheeses until melted and smooth.

4. Top each toast slice with sliced turkey, then tomato rounds. Ladle the warm cheese sauce generously over each sandwich, making sure to cover all the ingredients completely.

5. Top each sandwich with crispy bacon pieces and broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese sauce is golden brown and bubbly. Serve immediately while hot and the cheese is still melted and creamy.

15. Classic Mint Juleps

No Derby party is complete without authentic mint juleps served in frosty glasses. This traditional recipe captures the essence of Kentucky in every refreshing sip.

Ingredients: 2 cups water, 1 cup sugar, ½ cup fresh mint leaves, 2 cups Kentucky bourbon, crushed ice, fresh mint sprigs for garnish, powdered sugar for dusting.

How To Make Classic Mint Juleps

1. Create mint simple syrup by boiling water and sugar until sugar dissolves completely. Add fresh mint leaves and simmer for 5 minutes, then steep off heat for 30 minutes to extract maximum mint flavor.

2. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing mint leaves to extract all the flavor. Discard leaves and refrigerate syrup until completely chilled, at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.

3. Chill julep cups or tall glasses in the freezer for at least 30 minutes before serving. This creates that beautiful frost that makes juleps so visually appealing and keeps drinks colder longer.

4. For each julep, add 2 tablespoons mint syrup and ¼ cup bourbon to a chilled glass. Fill with crushed ice and stir gently until the outside of the glass becomes frosty.

5. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs and dust lightly with powdered sugar. Serve immediately with short straws, encouraging guests to smell the mint while sipping this iconic Derby cocktail.

16. Horseradish Deviled Eggs

These zesty deviled eggs get their Derby name from the horseradish kick that makes them unforgettable. They’re always the first appetizer to disappear at any gathering.

Ingredients: 12 large hard-boiled eggs, ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish, 1 teaspoon yellow mustard, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, paprika for garnish, fresh chives for garnish.

How To Make Horseradish Deviled Eggs

1. Peel hard-boiled eggs and cut them in half lengthwise. Carefully remove yolks and place them in a mixing bowl, arranging the egg white halves on a serving platter in a single layer.

2. Mash egg yolks with a fork until they’re completely smooth with no lumps remaining. For ultra-smooth filling, you can press the yolks through a fine-mesh sieve for the silkiest texture possible.

3. Mix in mayonnaise, horseradish, mustard, salt, and pepper until the filling is creamy and well combined. Taste and adjust horseradish to your preference, keeping in mind the flavor will develop as it sits.

4. Spoon or pipe the filling back into the egg white halves, mounding it slightly for an attractive presentation. Sprinkle with paprika and garnish with chopped fresh chives for color and extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Derby recipes bring authentic Kentucky flavors to your race day celebration. From bourbon-spiked desserts to Southern comfort sides, each dish honors racing tradition beautifully.

Your guests will feel like they’re dining at Churchill Downs with these crowd-pleasing recipes that capture Derby magic perfectly.