Held on the first Saturday of May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, the Kentucky Derby is one of the most iconic sporting events in America. Known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” this legendary horse race has been a tradition since 1875. But let’s be honest—Derby Day is as much about the food as it is about the horses, so you don’t have to be a horse race aficionado to enjoy the festivities.
We’ve pulled together a collection of derby-inspired recipes you can make at home. From the classic Mint Julep and Kentucky Derby Pie to Southern staples like Pimento Cheese and Kentucky Hot Brown, these recipes will transport you straight to Churchill Downs, fancy hat optional but highly encouraged.
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Credit: Simply Recipes / Lori Rice
Get Recipe: Pimento Cheese
“In the American South, pimento cheese is personal. More than just a spreadable dip, this Southern snack food holds within it memories of summers at Grandmother’s house, baby showers in a neighbor’s home, and snacks on the beach, handcrafted by beloved family members.” —Stephanie Burt, Recipe Developer
02 of 10
Credit: Simply Recipes / Photo by Robby Lozano / Food Styling by Julian Hensarling / Prop Styling by Claire Spollen
Get Recipe: Kentucky Derby Pie
“Whether you call it Kentucky Derby Pie or chocolate-nut pie, and whether you make it with pecans or walnuts, this treat is decadent and satisfying. It marries the gooeyness of pecan pie with the top crust of a chocolate chess pie, all with the brown sugar and chocolate flavor of classic Toll House pie. The pie is sweet and fudgy but firm enough to slice neatly.” —Afton Cyrus, Senior Editor
03 of 10
Credit: Sam Schick
Get Recipe: Mint Julep
“So much more than the Kentucky Derby mainstay for which it’s known, a great mint julep is a marriage of mint, sugar, bourbon, and the kind of cold that can only come by being poured over a mound of crushed ice. That’s it.” —Sam Schick, Recipe Developer
04 of 10
Credit: Elise Bauer
Get Recipe: Kentucky Burgoo
“If you are unfamiliar with the concept of burgoo, it’s Kentucky’s most famous stew, usually made for big gatherings (such as Derby Day) in huge kettles. Burgoo dates to before the Civil War, and as legend has it, was invented by a French chef. They typically have at least three different meats, and plenty of vegetables such as corn, okra, and lima beans.” —Elise Bauer, Founder
05 of 10
Credit: Vivian Jao
Get Recipe: Kentucky Hot Brown
“A Kentucky Hot Brown is indulgence personified. It’s a party of textures – the bacon provides crispness, the cheese sauce adds creaminess, you get tang from the lightly broiled tomato, and the toast is there to sop up all that extra sauce. If you need a side to pair with it, a simple salad will help balance out all the richness.” —Vivian Jao, Recipe Developer
06 of 10
Credit: Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
Get Recipe: Million Dollar Deviled Eggs
“For a more substantial appetizer, add a little protein on top, like a piece of crispy bacon or even a lump of crab. If you want to really go ‘million dollar,’ splurge with a little spoonful of caviar.” —Irvin Lin, Recipe Developer
07 of 10
Credit: Simply Recipes / Ross Yoder
Get Recipe: Hot Ham and Cheese Sliders
“Nothing says comfort like a ham and cheese slider. Up the ante with a seriously mouthwatering compound butter, soft and fluffy slider buns, and plenty of ooey gooey cheese, and you’ve got a meal that your entire family will want over and over again. Plus, they can be made in less than 30 minutes—just 15 minutes if you prep them in advance—is the cherry on top.” —Ross Yoder, Recipe Developer
08 of 10
Credit: Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
Get Recipe: Kentucky Butter Cake
“For good looks and a rich taste, a buttery bundt cake delivers. Bundt cakes are all about the pan itself, which is often fluted or otherwise molded into intricate designs. Not only does this make a beautiful cake without the added steps of layering and icing, it shows off the skill of the baker.” —Stephanie Burt, Recipe Developer
09 of 10
Credit: Sally Vargas
Get Recipe: Cheesy Grits Soufflé Casserole
“If making a soufflé intimidates you, this is the perfect place to start, because it’s not meant to be an impressively fluffy tower. It’s simply a homey casserole, given a little lift with egg whites to make it more interesting. The result gives you a symphony of textures: light, dense, gooey, lacy, crisp, cheesy.” —Sara Bir, Recipe Developer
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Credit: Simply Recipes / Irvin Lin
Get Recipe: Sweet Tea Fried Chicken
“The sugar in the sweet tea brings out the sweetness of the chicken meat, while the tannins in the black tea help tenderize the chicken, similar to the action of the tannins in wine. Don’t be too concerned about the brine turning the chicken into meat candy, though! It adds a subtle sweetness that works well with the salty skin.” —Irvin Lin, Recipe Developer
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Dining and Cooking