Kentucky Derby Recipes: A Taste of the South for Race Day

Get ready to celebrate the Kentucky Derby in true Southern style—with a mint julep in hand and plenty of good food on the table. Whether you’re watching the races from home or hosting a party, these recipes have you covered, from savory snacks to hearty mains to a few indulgent desserts. Just grab your fanciest hat and enjoy the day!

Mint Julep

This classic Southern cocktail is made for slow sipping and sunny days.
Pimento Cheese

Pimento cheese is a tangy and creamy cheese spread that’s often referred to as the pâté of the South. It’s wonderful on crackers, crudités, sandwiches, or even burgers.
Deviled Eggs

Devilishly delicious and endlessly customizable, deviled eggs are the perfect starter for any gathering. Learn my special technique for creating the best version that will have everyone asking for your recipe!
Banana Pudding

Bring the magic of New York’s iconic Magnolia Bakery right into your own kitchen! Easily whip up their world-famous banana pudding, a heavenly mix of creamy vanilla pudding, ripe bananas, and good ol’ Nilla wafers.
Shrimp and Grits

This easy shrimp and grits recipe incorporates bacon, which gives the dish a nice smoky undertone — and there’s plenty of silky gravy for spooning over the grits.
Kentucky Butter Cake

This old-fashioned vanilla butter cake drenched in syrup is the 1963 winner of the Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest.
Classic Coleslaw

Whip up the ultimate tangy, creamy, and crunch-packed coleslaw in just 10 minutes — the perfect sidekick for all your summer cookouts!
Easy Oven-Cooked Pulled Pork

Learn to make pit-worthy pulled pork without a smoker—this easy recipe guides you to succulent, slow-roasted pork with a flavorful bark and tangy-sweet sauce that rivals your favorite barbecue spot.
Hush Puppies

Hush puppies aren’t just a side dish—they’re the star of the meal! These heavenly bites boast a perfectly crunchy exterior, a soft and fluffy interior, and are bursting with rich, corn flavor. Bet you can’t eat just one!
Classic Gumbo with Andouille Sausage & Shrimp

Bring the flavor of the bayou home with this comforting gumbo, brimming with spicy andouille sausage and succulent shrimp.
Flaky Buttermilk Biscuits

Bring a touch of Southern warmth to your table with a basket of rich and flaky buttermilk biscuits—these feature a secret ingredient that makes them next-level tender.
Coconut Cream Pie

Filled with coconut custard, whipped cream and heaps of toasted coconut, this coconut cream pie is downright dreamy.
Ham and Cheese Sliders

Make your next gathering a hit with these simple yet delicious ham and cheese sliders: soft buns filled with ham and melted Swiss cheese, all smothered in a tangy butter sauce.
Succotash

A beloved American side dish that celebrates summer’s bounty, succotash pairs exceptionally well with grilled chicken or fish.
Shrimp Burgers

Bring the flavor of the coastal South to your kitchen with juicy, panko-crusted shrimp burgers – ready in just 30 minutes!
Spoon Bread

Spoon bread is a creamier version of cornbread that you eat with a spoon.
Chess Pie

This classic Southern chess pie, with its tart-sweet custard filling and buttery crust, is as simple as it is delicious—perfect for when you need an easy dessert that everyone will love!
Best Homemade Cornbread

Golden, buttery, and just the right amount of sweet—this cornbread recipe belongs in your recipe box!

May 2, 2024