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Delicious Kentucky Derby Party Menu Ideas
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items A derby watch party is a lively event. Tempt your guests with traditional Kentucky treats on grazing stations so they can nibble all day long between viewing the races. We've included recommendations for menus, recipes, and delicious traditional food...
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This list contains affiliate links. If you purchase something via one of our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Sections
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Nibbles and Dips
The Legendary Louisville Hot Brown
Mint Juleps, Wine, Brews, and Mocktails
Sweet Treats
Derby Party Recipe Collections
Nibbles and Dips
An assortment of little snacks for your guests to grab between each horse race.
If you've never had a cheese straw you'll be hooked! Cheesy goodness in a crispy crumbly form. Your guests will love this recipe.
Spicy Cheese Straws - A Southern Treat
Skip the baking and buy these addictive cheese sticks.
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Affiliate Link.
Cheddar Cheese Sticks | Cheese Sticks | Nuts.com
Cheese straws in wafer form from Callie's. Add these to your biscuit order. And you are going to want biscuits :).
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Cheese Wafers (2 Bags)
Vermont is known for their cheddar cheese so these buttery cheese straws are made with only the best. Affiliate Link.
Vermont Cheddar Cheese Straws, In 2 Sizes
Treat yourself to this Kentucky original. The cucumber-based spread is great on crackers or with crudité.
Benedictine Spread
More cheese, please! Callie's Pimento Cheese spread is superb. Enjoy it on crackers or biscuits. Affiliate Link.
Traditional Pimento Cheese (2-Pack)
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Beyond the bowl, check out these fun pimento cheese recipe idea. Deviled eggs? Yes, please!
Mouthwatering Recipes Using Callie's Hot Little Biscuit Pimento Cheese
Buttery and delicious, these Buttermilk biscuits from Callie's Hot Little Biscuit in Charleston are an incredible treat and so easy to prepare.
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Buttermilk Biscuits (24 Biscuits)
An assortment of Callie's biscuits, including Sausage biscuits to fuel your Derby morning prep. Affiliate Link.
Hot Little Combo Pack from Callie's
Biscuits, dips, crackers and preserves in one easy kit from Callie's. Derby party in a box!
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Callie's Snack Board Kit
Want to try baking buttermilk biscuits? Check out this recipe from the Pioneer Woman.
How to Make the Flakiest Buttermilk Biscuits
A perfect little cocktail nibble from Food and Wine that's so simple to prepare.
Spiced Pecans Recipe
These bourbon pecans combine two great southern tastes in one snack. A derby day winner.
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Bourbon Pecans | Pecans | Nuts.com
If you are a ham fan and have never tested Country Ham, you are in for a real treat. Kentucky-based Broadbent's is an award winner. Make biscuit sandwiches or enjoy the slices solo. American charcuterie.
BROADBENT COUNTRY HAM BISCUIT SLICES
The Legendary Louisville Hot Brown
We've got the original recipe from The Brown Hotel and some fun variations on this classic Lousiville sandwich that's a Derby Party Menu must.
The original Hot Brown recipe from The Brown Hotel in Louisville Kentucky. Meant to serve crowds, this open-face turkey sandwich is topped with bacon and covered in a Mornay sauce and then baked.
The Hot Brown Recipe | An Iconic Louisville Recipe
Legendary chef and horse owner, Bobby Flay shares his recipe for the Kentucky Hot Brown.
Bobby Flay's Kentucky Hot Browns
Two more noted chefs, David Chang and Sean Brock make their version of the Hot Brown.
The Hot Brown w David Chang and Sean Brock
This slider-style Hot Brown is an easy way to make the traditional dish for a crowd.
Hot Brown Party Rolls
Mini Hot Browns on toast rounds. No knife or fork needed!
Mini Hot Browns
Another great Hot Brown option for a gathering. This casserole features all the original ingredients.
Kentucky Hot Brown Casserole Recipe
Everyone loves mac and cheese. Hot Brown macaraoni and cheese? Yes, Please! Delight your guests with a delicious twist on tradition.
Kentucky Hot Brown Macaroni and Cheese
Adapt any of these Hot Brown recipes for vegetarian guests with Tofurky. Affiliate Link.
Make Hot Browns with Tofurky for your Vegetarian Guests
We really enjoy this plant-based bacon. An essential ingredient for vegetarian Hot Browns. Affiliate Link.
Vegetarian Bacon for Hot Browns
Gluten free guests? This gluten free bread will be perfect for your Hot Browns. Affiliate Link.
Gluten Free Bread Products Near you
Mint Juleps, Wine, Brews, and Mocktails
From bourbon to brews to buttery chardonnay, we've got great ideas for your derby party bar, including non-alcohol options.
Fresh spearmint and simple syrup made from raw Demerara sugar bottled for ease. This rich and minty syrup from the $1000 Woodford Reserve Mint Julep will wow your guests. Affiliate Link.
Woodford Reserve Mint Julep Syrup - 2 Pack by Woodford Reserve | Goldbelly
For a twist on the classic Mint Julep, try El Guapo's recipe. We love their bitters and mixers. Affiliate Link.
El Guapo Bitters Mojito Mixer
A fun touch for your beer lover guests. Serve some local Kentucky brews. Lexington's West Sixth Brewing ships to 11 states.
Craft Brews from Kentucky's West Sixth Brewing
Named for wild horses in Washington State, this 14 Hands Chardonnay will appeal to Chardonnay fans and look charming in an iced serving bucket. Affiliate Link.
14 Hands Buttery Chardonnay - 750 ML
Did you know that Jess Jackson, founder of this popular wine brand was also a race horse owner? Stonestreet Stables. Their hall-of-fame winners include Curlin and Rachel Alexandra.
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Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 - 750 ML
Low and no alcohol drinks are increasingly popular, but what to sub for Bourbon? Tandem has a combination of savory and smoky flavors that offer complexity in in a mocktail or over ice.
Complex Non-Alcoholic Cocktail - Tandem - 1 pack - Tilden Cocktails
Sweet Treats
Derby Pie and Bourbon Balls are traditional Louisville Derby favorites.
Lousiville's Kern's Kitchen has been making Derby pie since 1954. Chocolate and crunchy walnuts combine for willing flavor. Affiliate Link.
Derby Pie + Bourbon Ball Combo by Kern's Kitchen | Goldbelly
Bourbon Balls from Woodford Reserve. The official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby. These would make a great hostess gift. Affiliate Link.
Woodford Reserve Bourbon Balls - Small Gift Box by Woodford Reserve | Goldbelly
Your guests will run for this stunning red rose cake. The perfect accent for a derby party. Affiliate Link.
Red Rose Chocolate Cake by We Take the Cake | Goldbelly
A bar recipe with pecans and chocolate chips from the Pioneer Woman. Easy to make and serve for a crowd.
These Pecan Bars Are So Much Easier Than Baking a Whole Pie
Derby Party Recipe Collections
Looking for more ideas for your Derby Party spread? We've gathered recipe collections from top sources.
A few recipe ideas from the official Louisville Tourism site.
Kentucky Derby Party Recipes : GoToLouisville.com Official Travel Source
Plan a menu using this guide from Southern Living.
38 Crowd-Favorite Kentucky Derby Party Recipes
Tasty Recipes to get you across the Derby Party finish line from Southern Living.
10 Derby Recipes That Are Quicker Than A Kentucky Racehorse
Dozens of recipes to inspire your Derby Party menu from the Pioneer Woman.
Make Race Day Delicious With These Classic Kentucky Derby Recipes
Country Living has some unique takes for your Derby Party Menu.
Break Out the Pewter and Stir Up Some Juleps: The Derby Is Here!
A quick list from Martha Stewart but you can always rely o her recipes.
Martha Stewart's at-home Kentucky Derby party hosting menu
From nuts to dessert, Food and Wine's Derby Party recipe collection has unique ideas from chefs. If you make the pimento cheese oysters, please send us an invite.
23 Recipes for Your Kentucky Derby Party