Gather friends and family and get ready to watch the run for the roses. It’s Kentucky Derby time, and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate than hosting a gathering filled with Southern comfort dishes. We’ve put together a Derby Day menu featuring classics like a Mint Julep, chocolate bourbon pie, butter cake, and hot brown sandwiches. But also spotlights Southern favorites like pimento cheese, buttermilk biscuits, deviled eggs, and many bourbon options. Grab your favorite wide-brimmed hat or seersucker suit, it’s time to enjoy the most exciting two minutes in sports with the ultimate Kentucky Derby feast.
Kentucky Butter Cake
“Oh so good! If you prefer your cake with more sauce, just make a double batch. It is heavenly.” – Laura
Kentucky Hot Brown Bake
“This is a great recipe for get-togethers with family and friends. It can be served at a party or just an easy family dinner. Other cold meats can be added or substituted. But the best part of it is the bacon!!” – Kimi
Southern Buttermilk Biscuits
“My grandmother taught me how to make these Southern buttermilk biscuits way before I was even a teenager. This is the only recipe I have ever used, and they are always a hit.” – Janet
Mint Julep
“I love to watch horse races and, of course, the Kentucky Derby is my favorite. One year, I decided to drink a Mint Julep while enjoying the festivities of race day. It took me many, many attempts until I finally decided on this recipe. This is the one I like.” – Janice
Chocolate Bourbon Pie
“This pie is a special family holiday tradition. Hope you will make it one of yours.” – Judy
Smoked Gouda Pimento Cheese
“This Smoked Gouda Pimento Cheese is bringing pimento and cheese to a whole new level of goodness. Rich and smooth it is perfect for any occasion.” – Debbie
Memphis Style BBQ Sliders
“These Southern-inspired sliders will be a hit with your crowd!” – Samantha
Bourbon Cheesecake Pecan Pie
“It doesn’t look like its the best, but it is the best tasting you’ve ever eaten!” – francine
So Easy Homemade Beer Cheese
“This recipe came from one of my mother’s cookbooks from the ’70s. Not as detailed as today’s cookbooks, but wow, this recipe was so great and simple. I use 2 kinds of cheese, and people go crazy for it.” – Genny
Southern Deviled Eggs
“My grandma taught my mom how to make these when she was just a girl. I never cease getting raves about these deviled eggs, no matter where I take them. Nothing new wave about this recipe, nothing fancy. Just full of flavor and so good!” – Barbara
Southern-Style Hush Puppies
“Living on the coast of North Carolina, we love Calabash-style seafood and hush puppies. I serve these hush puppies hot with homemade honey butter and fresh local fish fried up crispy and golden, MMMM! – Elaine
Southern Sweet Tea
“I love iced tea. I think I cut my teeth on iced tea. I drink it morning, noon, and night.” – Debby
Fried Green Tomatoes
“I’ve lived in a Southern state for over 6 years now and I’ve finally made these beautiful fried tangy delicious bites! The tomatoes in my garden may not all make it to red anymore.” – Heather
Mom’s Chess Pie
“My mom passed this recipe on to me years ago. Everyone loves her chess pies!” – Erin
Vanilla Bourbon Caramel Sauce Recipe
“A creamy vanilla caramel sauce with a hint of bourbon.” – Kevin
Grandma Boone’s Corn Casserole
“My grandma used to make this corn casserole (she called it spoonbread) on Sundays after church. One of my best memories! She’d serve it with her fried chicken and green beans with potatoes.” – SheilaJo
Bourbon Slush
“A great mild bourbon-flavored beverage to sip on summer evenings–or any other time! Easy, easy, easy.” – Patti
Southern Fried Chicken Recipe
“Naturally, fried chicken is considered Southern cuisine. Folks young and old enjoy good fried chicken… especially home-cooked. My husband says I’m the champion fried chicken cooker.” – Virginia (Ginger)
Picnic Lemonade
“Hot, humid summers in the heartland call for a refreshing beverage.” – Robin
Kentucky Chess Bars
“This recipe will make you slap the dog and spit on the fire. When I make these, they don’t last an hour in my house. Family and friends eat them right up and don’t even leave a crumb. I am always having people request these naughty, sweet, just too good not to share bars.” – Kim
Four Cheese Mac and Cheese
“I make this when I’m feeding a crowd – holidays, large family dinners, or sports dinners. Everyone loves it! This recipe doubles well and you can use different cheeses or keep it all the same. It all works.” – Susan