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If you are throwing a Kentucky Derby party, you’ll need more than just fancy hats! You need a party menu as unforgettable as the race itself. From a perfect Kentucky Derby pie to irresistible appetizers, these classic Kentucky Derby party recipes will help you celebrate in true Southern style.
Delicious Kentucky Derby Foods to Add to Your Menu
You don’t need to be at Churchill Downs to enjoy the Kentucky Derby! This iconic race is the perfect excuse to throw a festive party at home. From classic comfort dishes to a perfect Kentucky Derby pie recipe and bourbon cocktails, I’ve got plenty of Kentucky Derby menu ideas to bring some Southern charm to your get-together.
From mini bites to fresh spring desserts, these crowd-pleasing recipes will make your guests feel like the real winners!
1. Derby Pie
You can’t have a Kentucky Derby party without a derby pie! This chocolatey, nutty pie is a true classic that’s also easy to make—and even easier if you start with store-bought pie crust.
2. Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a must-have for any Southern party! This classic version is topped with crispy breadcrumbs and baked until golden brown. Who can resist?!
3. Hummingbird Cake
Hummingbird cake is a true Southern classic perfect for your derby party menu. You can make this cake ahead of time, then slice and serve on race day!
4. Pimento Cheese Dip
My pimento cheese dip is super easy to make and will have everyone in a Southern mood. Serve it with crackers, chips and sliced veggies for a perfect appetizer. (Pro-Tip: Slather leftovers on bread with shredded cheddar for the most epic grilled cheese!)
5. Southern Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a fantastic appetizer to serve on Derby day. They are easy to pass around and eat while you watch the fastest sporting event in history!
6. Skillet Cornbread
I love cornbread and this homemade skillet cornbread is absolutely divine. It is perfectly sweet and oh-so-easy to make. Serve it straight from the skillet for some rustic charm.
7. The Best Potato Salad
Make this potato salad ahead of time and have it ready in the fridge for your party! You might want to make double—it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
8. Crockpot BBQ Chicken
Toss everything into the crockpot in the morning and you will have perfectly cooked BBQ chicken by Derby time! I love serving these sliders at my parties with southern coleslaw on top.
9. KFC Coleslaw Copycat
I love KFC coleslaw and you can easily make it at home with this copycat recipe. It’s quick to put together and perfect for making in advance.
10. Chocolate Pecan Pie
If you love pecan pie, you will fall even more in love with this chocolate pecan pie. The warm, gooey chocolate is delicious with the nutty pecans. This recipe is also pretty easy to make and, of course, very Derby-friendly!
11. Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
Pop these coconut shrimp into your air fryer and you will have a perfect, hot appetizer ready in minutes! They’re not exactly Southern, but they ARE a fast snack guaranteed to please.
12. Mint Julep
A mint Julep is a must at any Derby party! It is the traditional drink of the day and one that is quite refreshing. You can also skip the bourbon to make a mocktail version of this classic Kentucky Derby drink.
13. 3 Ingredient Bisquick Biscuits
Making Southern-style homemade biscuits doesn’t get any easier than with this three-ingredient recipe. They’re perfectly buttery, flaky, and irresistible.
14. Pecan Pie Bars
I love serving these pecan pie bars all year long, but they are especially great for passing around and eating as everyone mingles and bets which horse will win this year’s Derby.
15. Southern Cornbread Salad
Looking for the perfect Kentucky Derby lunch food? Southern cornbread salad is it! It’s the perfect combination of savory veggies and sweet cornbread, with bacon and ranch for extra deliciousness.
16. Chessman Banana Pudding
Banana pudding is a Southern classic that belongs on any Kentucky Derby menu. The sweet pudding and ripe bananas are always a big hit and the chessman cookies make this dessert look picture perfect.
17. Buttermilk Pie
Now here is another Southern dessert that you absolutely need to try: buttermilk pie! The sweet and tangy flavor is seriously delicious and perfect for Derby day.
18. Fried Chicken
My fried chicken recipe is easy to make and perfect for serving a crowd. This crispy, golden-brown chicken will be the hit of the party!
19. Pecan Sandies
I love serving cookies for parties because they can be made in advance and everyone can serve themselves. These pecan sandies are a great choice, with nutty pecans baked into tender, crumbly shortbread, and an irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture.
20. Shrimp and Grits
Elevate your menu with this recipe for shrimp and grits! The lemon garlic shrimp are delicious with the creamy, savory grits. Serve this dish in ramekins for small individual portions.
21. Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
Deviled egg pasta salad is a new twist on two classic foods. The creamy deviled eggs are delicious with the tender elbow noodles and crisp bacon.
22. Corn Pudding
Oh man, is this corn pudding delicious! It’s light and airy, savory and sweet—everything you want in a side dish! If you’re making it for a Kentucky Derby party, pair it with fried chicken and biscuits.
23. Southern Style Chess Pie
Chess pie is silky, smooth, and oh-so sweet. It is a classic Southern dessert that will fit right in at your Kentucky Derby party. It is also pretty easy to make, so you can whip up this traditional dessert with no fuss or stress!
