Life

18 Kentucky Derby Recipes That Will Put You Deliciously Ahead Of The Pack

I've never really been a fan of horse racing, but there's just something about the Kentucky Derby that pulls me in every year. The fashion, the hats, the mint juleps — at the very least, it's an excuse to have a Kentucky Derby party complete with Kentucky Derby snacks... and I will never say no to snacks. Kentucky is known for its deep-fried, savory, and sweet cuisine, and these recipes will keep your guests happy and fed until the race is run and the bourbon is gone.

Image: I Am a Food Blog

by Emily Kelley

Apple Pecan Cinnamon Rolls

The Derby’s events begin in the morning (mint juleps are served as early as 8 a.m.), and a delicious cinnamon roll is the perfect thing to serve at your own festivities.

Image and recipe: Cooking for Keeps

Bite-Sized Chicken Fried Steak

These bite-sized snacks are the perfect comfort food to enjoy during the races.

Image and recipe: I Am a Food Blog

Fried Green Tomatoes With Jalapeno Cheese Grits

Of course, no Derby party would be complete without fried green tomatoes.

Image and recipe: A Cozy Kitchen

Chocolate Pecan Tarts

Sweet, salty, and easy to eat — what more could you ask for in a snack?

Image and recipe: A Pretty Life in the Suburbs

Baked Brown Sugar Chicken Wings

Better have plenty of napkins handy if you’re serving these — wouldn’t want to get any on your fancy Derby dress!

Image and recipe: Domestic Fits

Bourbon Blueberry Cobbler

As if cobbler wasn’t delicious enough — this one is made with good ol’ Kentucky bourbon.

Image and recipe: A Better Happier St. Sebastian

Okra Fritters With Grilled Corn And Goat Cheese

Okra isn’t the sexiest of greens, but Southern cooking has proven that a little deep-frying will make anything taste delicious.

Image and recipe: Confections of a Foodie Bride

Honey Cinnamon Cornbread Muffins

I love cornbread, and these muffins are mouth-watering.

Image and recipe: A Spicy Perspective

Banana Bread

Banana bread is sweet, hearty, and will help you handle all those bourbons.

Image and recipe: I Am A Food Blog

Oven-Fried Chicken With Homemade Coleslaw

These are a bit lighter and healthier than deep-fried chicken, and you can size them down if you want, too.

Image and recipe: Damn Delicious

Fried Pickles

Fried pickles are always a popular appetizer, and they would make a great addition to your Derby Day feast.

Image and recipe: A Farmgirl’s Dabbles

Sriracha Deviled Eggs With Garlic Toast Crumb Topping

The Sriracha mix adds a little heat to a classic appetizer recipe.

Image and recipe: A Farmgirl’s Dabbles

Strawberry Shortcake

I love the use of shortcake biscuits to make little strawberry shortcake sandwiches.

Image and recipe: A Pretty Life in the Suburbs

Grilled Okra

Like oven-fried chicken, grilled okra is a lighter option for serving these southern greens.

Image and recipe: Confections of a Foodie Bride

Cheddar Biscuits With Black Pepper Honey Glaze

Balance out the sweetness of mint juleps with some savory, flakey biscuits.

Image and recipe: Blogging Over Thyme

Peach Cornbread Cake

A classy event needs a classy comfort food, right? Plus, the peaches just scream southern summer.

Image and recipe: A Better Happier St. Sebastian

Sriracha Garlic Toasts With Shrimp

OK, so Kentucky isn’t exactly known for its shrimp, but this garlic toast dish will delight taste buds nonetheless.

Image and recipe: A Farmgirl’s Dabbles

Texas Pecan Pie Bars

Another yummy snack that utilizes another of Kentucky’s treasures — bourbon.

Image and recipe: Confections of a Foodie Bride

118