37 Best Kentucky Derby Food Ideas for 2025

Whether attending the festivities, tailgating with friends or hosting a Derby Day soirée at home, the best Kentucky Derby food focuses on tradition, fashionable attire, classic recipes and Southern hospitality. The Kentucky Derby is incredibly popular with horse and sporting enthusiasts, but it’s also the perfect opportunity for foodies and home chefs to show off their culinary skills.

So, how do you plan a fun and delicious menu that celebrates Southern cuisine and invites an atmosphere of connection, sportsmanship and friendly rivalry? By implementing local favorites and traditional specialties, your Derby Day party will create memories for all your attendees. They’ll probably also want to borrow a recipe or two.

It’s time to pick out your fanciest hat and break out the best Kentucky bourbon! Keep reading to discover 37 of the best Kentucky Derby foods to share with family and friends.

Jump to Section

• What Food is Eaten at the Kentucky Derby?
• The 37 Best Kentucky Derby Food Ideas
• Learn to Cook Kentucky Derby Party Food

What Food is Eaten at the Kentucky Derby?

The Kentucky Derby is the first race on the road to the Triple Crown. Known as “the most exciting two minutes in sports” and “the run for the roses,” it’s held on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Held annually since 1875, the prestigious Kentucky Derby horse race is the longest continually held sporting event in the United States, and according to the official website, is the most attended horse race in the nation. 

Southern culture and cuisine play a significant role in the festivities, as race-goers attend parties, banquets and receptions throughout the weeks and days leading up to the big event. Expect Bluegrass State specialties like mint juleps, Kentucky Derby pie, biscuits, bourbon, burgoo and other beloved Kentucky Derby food options.

The 37 Best Kentucky Derby Food Ideas

1. Mini Pecan Pies

A Southern staple and Thanksgiving standard, pecan pie is a must-serve Kentucky Derby food. These mini pecan pies – which are filled with the buttery goodness of brown sugar, vanilla and crunchy pecans – are the perfect blend of sweetness, tradition and bite-size convenience. Guests can easily eat a bite as they mingle and cheer for their favorite horse. This is a variation on the traditional Kentucky Derby pie, which features chocolate as an ingredient.

2. Kentucky Beer Cheese

Mixed with cheddar cheese, stout beer, spices, cream cheese and a kick of Worcestershire sauce, Kentucky beer cheese is a popular Derby Day dip for crackers, chips, vegetables and more. Created by a chef in the 1930s, this Kentucky Derby food is easy to prepare in a food processor and can be made in advance. Add cayenne pepper for a spicy touch to this Kentucky Derby food item.

3. Sweet Potato Biscuits

Fluffy sweet potato biscuits are excellent party food ideas for a Derby Day celebration. Mashed sweet potatoes, buttermilk, unsalted butter, baking powder and all-purpose flour are combined for this unique biscuit. After forming round rolls, brush with melted butter and bake until golden brown. Serve with butter or a spoonful of honey for an extra sweet touch. A thin slice of salty country ham makes a nice flavor combination with this Kentucky Derby food.

4. Mint Julep

Is it really Derby Day without a round of refreshing mint juleps? More than 120,000 glasses of the beverages are sold during the Derby weekend, so the answer is a resounding “no.” The official drink of the Kentucky Derby since 1939, this refreshing Southern beverage is made with bourbon, simple syrup and mint. Woodford Reserve is the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby, but Maker’s Mark, Four Roses Single Barrel and other rye varieties are excellent choices for a mint julep.

5. Sausage Stuffed Peppers

Add savory selections to your Kentucky Derby food party planning menu with garden-fresh ingredients and organic produce. Create a colorful platter of sausage stuffed peppers using red, orange or yellow bell peppers. This Kentucky Derby food idea is filled with a savory mixture of Italian sausage, basil, garlic and Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese.

6. Bourbon Balls

For Kentucky Derby party food options with a sweet side, bourbon balls are bound to win over your guests and disappear from the dessert table. These delicious rounds of bourbon-soaked pecans, butter and powdered sugar are enclosed in a dark chocolate coating and sprinkled with crunchy pecan bits. Choose a smooth Kentucky bourbon like Maker’s Mark or Woodford Reserve. Best of all? This is a no-bake Kentucky Derby food idea that can be made ahead of time.

7. Fried Chicken

Served at picnics, potlucks and social occasions around the country, fried chicken is a Southern staple that has become a tradition in many other regions. This crispy fried chicken recipe has a crispy golden exterior and a tender and juicy interior. That tenderness comes from marinating the chicken in a brine mixture. It may not be the Colonel’s Kentucky Fried Chicken, but there’s no doubt it will fly off the Kentucky Derby food buffet table before the horses leave the starting line.

8. Lemon Chess Pie

Creamy lemon chess pie offers a smooth and zesty flavor profile to your sweet and savory Kentucky Derby food menu. It’s prepared by combining eggs, cornmeal, lemon juice and all-purpose flour and adding a dusting of confectioner’s sugar to the finished pie. Use a refrigerated pie crust for a convenient prep time experience with this Kentucky Derby food.

9. Southern Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are a classic addition to any picnic, backyard barbecue or Kentucky Derby food menu. They’re portable, easy to eat and make great appetizers. This creamy and tangy Southern deviled eggs recipe is made with fresh eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, sweet pickle relish and a garnish of paprika and dill. You could also add pimento cheese to the mix for a kick of spice. Use a piping tube to create smooth swirls of yolk mixture in each egg half.

10. Hot Brown Sandwich

Created in 1926 by Fred K. Schmidt at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, the hot brown sandwich has become a Derby Day tradition. This variation on Welsh rarebit features an open-face sandwich design with a combination of turkey, bacon, tomatoes and cheese topped with a rich Mornay sauce and served on Texas toast. This is one sandwich where a knife and fork are needed.

11. Macaroni Salad

If you’re searching for Kentucky Derby food that’s easy to prepare and transport, macaroni salad is one of your best options. This traditional potluck and picnic dish features elbow macaroni, creamy mayo, vinegar and diced onions, celery and bell peppers. Serve it as a side with grilled chicken, stews and hearty sandwiches.

12. Burgoo

 A Kentucky-born favorite, burgoo is similar to Mulligan stew. This hearty and filling stew addition to the Kentucky Derby food menu can be made ahead in bulk to serve a large group of people. It’s filled with herbs, vegetables and several types of meat — such as chicken, chuck roast and pork shoulder — and then simmered for several hours. Serve it with cornbread, muffins, biscuits or crunchy French bread.

13. Kentucky Mule

A Kentucky mule is the marriage of a Moscow mule and Kentucky bourbon (instead of vodka). Combine ginger beer, lime juice and smooth wheat or rye-based bourbon, such as Bulleit or Woodford Reserve. Serve ice cold in a copper mug garnished with a sprig of fresh green mint. You can add blackberries for a fruity twist. If you happen to enjoy Irish whiskey, your Kentucky mule now becomes an Irish mule.

14. Kentucky Hot Brown Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is always a fan favorite at parties, get-togethers and potluck dinners. This Kentucky hot brown macaroni and cheese recipe is bumped up with the addition of ingredients used in a hot brown sandwich. It consists of pasta, diced tomatoes and a collection of fresh herbs, all covered in a rich and creamy Mornay sauce. After baking this Kentucky Derby food, add crunchy bacon and bread to the top.

15. Pigs in a Blanket

What fun finger food ideas can be served at a Kentucky Derby event? Pigs in a blanket are a hit with party-goers of all ages. Use flaky puff pastry or premade crescent rolls to wrap cut-up hot dogs or mini sausages. Experiment by brushing with flavors like honey, butter or mustard before baking. This Kentucky Derby food can be made ahead for an easily transportable addition to your celebration.

16. Buttermilk Biscuits

Vegetable shortening and grated butter give a load of flavor and tenderness to buttermilk biscuits. Made of laminating dough, these biscuits bake to flaky perfection. Serve classic Southern biscuits with jams, jellies, pimento cheese or eggs and bacon for a Derby Day brunch menu. This Kentucky Derby food can be made ahead. Simply freeze the raw biscuits in a freezer bag and then bake when you’re ready.

17. Pasta Salad

Channel the smart bow ties worn by dapper Derby-goers with this bow tie pasta salad. Add this picnic and potluck staple to your Kentucky Derby party menu for a delicious side to pair with meat dishes, casseroles and more. Combine vegetables, red onions and parsley and toss with Italian dressing. Pasta salad is delicious when served cold, making it convenient to prepare ahead of time and easy to transport.

18. Banana Pudding

A big bowl of banana pudding is a Kentucky Derby food menu item that will please everyone at the Derby Day party. This classic comfort food dessert is simple to make, inexpensive and an excellent choice for large gatherings such as picnics, family reunions, church socials and horse-racing celebrations. A variation of the layered English trifle dish, ingredients like sliced bananas, vanilla pudding mix, vanilla wafers and fluffy whipped topping make up this refreshing Kentucky Derby food item.

19. Red Velvet Cupcakes

Celebrate the “Run for the Roses” with a platter of rose-hued red velvet cupcakes. Widely popular in the South, this decadent dessert is served at family gatherings, church picnics and special occasions around the region. Cocoa powder, eggs and buttermilk create a moist layer of sweetness that’s easy to hold while cheering for your favorite horses. Red velvet cake is traditionally topped with cream cheese frosting. Sprinkle with crushed pecans to bring a Kentucky Derby Day vibe to this Southern classic.

20. Cucumber Tea Sandwiches

Are you searching for a bite-size Kentucky Derby party menu item that’s easy to hold and doesn’t make a mess? Delicate cucumber tea sandwiches are the perfect stylish item to have on hand for guests who may not want a heavy meal. Combined with parsley, chives and lemon zest, this Kentucky Derby food is prepared with thinly sliced Persian cucumbers, radishes and fresh frisée served on buttered brioche bread slices.

21. Charcuterie Tray

A charcuterie tray is a winner on any occasion from bridal showers and holiday gatherings to picnics, birthdays and other special events. These “grazeable” snack trays are an excellent way for guests to sample a variety of items. Pile with sliced meats such as prosciutto, salami, ham, turkey and soppressata. Include hard, soft and unique cheese varieties and small crunchy bites like olives, pickles, nuts and crackers. Sauces and spreads like jams, tapenade, hummus, pâté and mustard are excellent for dipping.

22. Spoon Bread

A popular Southern comfort food recipe, spoon bread is prepared with cornmeal, milk and eggs. It’s baked to a soft and fluffy consistency that’s typically easier to eat with a spoon than a fork, which is where the difference between spoon bread and cornbread comes into play. Serve spoon bread with fried chicken, ham, hearty stew, spiced shrimp and other Kentucky Derby foods.

23. Barbecue Sandwiches

Whether it’s pulled pork or pulled chicken sandwiches, Southerners love barbecue in any form. Concession stands at the Derby sell upwards of 18,000 barbecue sandwiches throughout the weekend. This savory recipe is easy to prepare ahead of time and keep warm in a slow cooker. Guests can pile it on rolls or slather with sweet and tangy sauces on its own. Serve cole slaw as a side or topping to this Southern-centric Kentucky Derby food.

24. Shrimp Cocktail

A platter of fresh shrimp is convenient, simple to prepare and makes any occasion a party. Steam and serve either hot or cold as an appetizer or a side. Paired with cocktail sauce, remoulade or a classic Marie Rose sauce, an English recipe prepared with ketchup, mayonnaise, salt and options like Worcestershire Sauce, Tabasco or lemon juice. Toss in a bit, or a bunch, of Old Bay for a Baltimore, Maryland, Preakness spin on Kentucky Derby foods.

25. Corn Grits

Are you searching for a tried-and-true Southern recipe for your Kentucky Derby food menu? This corn grits is a must-make Kentucky Derby food choice. Revered around the South, grits are a given for any party, get-together or casual celebration. Corn, cheese, fresh herbs and stone-ground, whole-grain cornmeal are combined to make this Southern staple. Pair with a topping of tender shrimp for a tasty treat all your Derby Day guests will love.

26. Benedictine Dip

The Benedictine dip is a refreshing spread made with cucumbers or juice, onion juice, cream cheese and green food coloring. It’s often used as a dip for vegetables, pretzels and crackers but can also be used on sandwiches like BLTs, cucumber tea and other finger sandwiches. A Louisville native, caterer Jennie Carter Benedict, created this Kentucky Derby food in the early 20th century. It became popular at the Kentucky Derby and other stylish high-society events.

27. Oysters Rockefeller

Are you looking for Kentucky Derby food appetizers and dinner party ideas? Oysters Rockefeller are fresh oysters served on the half-shell. A mixture of spinach, butter, lemon juice and herbs is cooked and placed atop the oyster on each shell. Next, it’s sprinkled with breadcrumbs and baked. Garnish with a sunny lemon wedge. Oysters are also popular at Maryland’s Preakness Stakes, so you can save this recipe to keep the party going when that time comes around.

28. Ham Biscuits

Perfect for any party — ponies or otherwise — ham biscuits are an excellent alternative if the classic hot brown sandwich is too messy for your taste. This Kentucky Derby recipe makes an excellent hand-held snack to enjoy while cheering for your favorite horse. Salt-cured and smoked country hams are a traditional choice for ham biscuits. Use a barbecue or maple-bourbon glazed ham for that classic Southern spin. Top with Swiss, cheddar or Gruyère cheese for a perfect combination of salty and gooey goodness.

29. Fried Green Tomatoes

A Kentucky Derby party food with a long-standing history in the Southern cuisine category, fried green tomatoes are a popular appetizer or side dish. Fresh tomato slices are dredged in a flour, egg and breadcrumb mixture and then fried to a golden tan. Fried chicken, shrimp and grits, potato salad and coleslaw all go great with fried green tomatoes. Pair with ranch dressing, remoulade, pimento cheese or honey mustard for dipping.

30. Kentucky Oaks Blush Lily Cocktail

Incredibly popular on Kentucky Oaks race day – which is run on the day before the big event of the Kentucky Derby – the Kentucky Oaks blush lily cocktail is a blend of cranberry juice, lime juice and triple sec. The pink tint is fun, flirty and an homage to the three-year-old fillies who run this race. A “Lillies for the Fillies” garland of stargazer lilies is draped across the winning horse (like the garland of roses for the Kentucky Derby winner).

31. Kentucky Derby Pie

For Kentucky Derby menu ideas with a bourbon twist, look no further than a traditional Kentucky Derby pie. Also known as Kentucky bourbon pie, this classic dessert is made with chocolate, pecans and Kentucky bourbon. The sweet and iconic recipe was created by the Kerns family at the Melrose Inn near Louisville in 1954. When they couldn’t agree on a name, suggestions were put into a hat, and “Derby pie” was the winning name.

32. Black-Eyed Susan Cocktail

Are you taking your Derby Day celebrations to the next race at Pimlico? The official beverage of Maryland’s Preakness Stakes, the black-eyed Susan cocktail gets its name from the Maryland state flower. Created in 1973 by Harry Stevens, one of Pimlico’s caterers, it’s a delicious concoction of pineapple juice, orange juice, vodka, rum and orange liqueur. It’s a terrific race-themed accompaniment to the mint juleps and Kentucky mules you’ll be serving with Kentucky Derby foods.

33. Belmont Jewel Cocktail

Why not include all the Triple Crown racetrack traditions in your Kentucky Derby foods list? Named for the Belmont Stakes, the Belmont Jewel blends bourbon, lemonade and pomegranate juice. The bourbon gives a nod to the landscape and culinary history of the Bluegrass State. Slip a lemon slice on the rim for a summery salute to your Kentucky Derby food spread.

34. Spinach Ricotta Crostini

For Kentucky Derby food ideas with a creamy crunch, try spinach ricotta crostini. A mixture of spinach, chives, parsley, garlic and ricotta cheese is spread on crispy baguette slices. Serve these delicious Kentucky Derby food appetizers as is or top with thin slices of prosciutto for a slightly salty flavor profile.

35. Pimento Cheese Dip

Pimento cheese dip is an excellent Kentucky Derby food to share with family and friends. Sometimes called the “pâté” of the South, it’s prepared for both casual and stylish occasions. It’s made with a blend of diced pimentos (also known as cherry peppers), cheddar cheese and mayonnaise. This Kentucky Derby food is easy to customize by adding spices and different types of cheeses to make it your own. Serve it with crispy pita chips, crackers, vegetables or even as a spread on sandwiches.

36. Crudités Platter

A crudités platter brings color, flavor and crunch to the Kentucky Derby food table. It’s a tasty and convenient accompaniment to charcuterie trays with its array of cucumbers, celery, carrots, red peppers and tomatoes. Add dips and sauces like creamy French onion dip, zesty hummus, salty tapenade or even fruity spreads like honey, apricot jam or cranberry chutney.

37. Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Cheesecake

Are you looking for Kentucky Derby menu ideas to take you through the whole Triple Crown season? Prepare a decadent chocolate bourbon pecan cheesecake on Derby Day or save it to use on Belmont Stakes Day to give a Kentucky bourbon vibe to the classic New York cheesecake. Made with rich chocolate, crunchy pecans and caramel-infused bourbon, it’s a sweet accompaniment to salty and savory Kentucky Derby foods.

Learn to Cook Kentucky Derby Party Food

Are you looking for a way to boost your culinary skills and create a dazzling buffet of Kentucky Derby recipes? Joining a cooking class led by a gourmet chef is an excellent way to achieve your goals. Check out online cooking classes or cooking classes near you to discover all the best tips and techniques for planning, preparing and serving a fun and tasty Derby Day spread.   

Have you found the perfect Kentucky Derby food recipes for your Derby Day gathering? From the Derby to the Preakness and the Belmont, this collection of Kentucky Derby food ideas is designed to put you on the home stretch to a delicious and memorable celebration.

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