Every year, the thunder of hooves and the iconic call of “And, they’re off!” marks the Kentucky Derby, one of the most exciting sporting events in America. But beyond the thrilling race itself, Derby Day is steeped in tradition, from the elaborate hats to the refreshing mint juleps. For many families, like mine, Derby Day holds a special place. My Kentucky-born mother instilled in us a love for the Bluegrass State’s traditions. And, we still celebrate with fanfare, festivities, and of course, delicious food!
The History and Significance of the Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby, also known as “The Run for the Roses,” is a prestigious horse racing event held on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The Derby has a rich history dating back to 1875, making it one of the oldest sporting events in the United States. But, the Derby is not just about horse racing; it is a cultural phenomenon that embodies the spirit of Southern hospitality and tradition. From the show-stopping hats to the playing of “My Old Kentucky Home” before the race, every aspect of the event is steeped in history and significance.
Celebrate Derby Day with a Kentucky Feast
Kentuckians, and honorary Kentuckians during Derby season, traditionally throw festive parties featuring all the hallmarks of the Derby: fancy hats, refreshing mint juleps, and of course, a scrumptious spread. Dishes like Benedictine Cheese and the decadent Derby Pie (a.k.a. Chocolate Pecan Pie) are Derby Day staples. Whether you’re planning a casual get-together or an elegant soirée, we have a menu of authentic Kentucky fare for both settings.
Menu 1: Clayton Family Traditional Kentucky Derby Dinner
Here’s the authentic Kentucky Derby Dinner Menu that my mom served every year. This menu features classic Southern dishes perfect for an elegant soirée:
Kentucky Derby Mint Julep
My family’s version of this classic cocktail has the perfect balance of bourbon, sweetness and minty freshness – making it a favorite among both experienced cocktail enthusiasts and those new to the world of mixology. With our tried-and-true recipe, you’ll be able to easily whip up a crowd-pleasing batch of delicious Mint Juleps.
Layered Cheddar Cheese Appetizer (Cheese Torte)
This stunning Layered Cheddar Cheese Appetizer is a Kentucky Derby Day classic, featuring savory layers of sharp cheddar, crunchy pecans, vibrant spinach, rich cream cheese, and smoky bacon. Best of all, it’s made ahead, freeing you to relax and enjoy your guests.
Grilled Ribeye Steak
Fire up your grill and get ready to make our time-tested Grilled Ribeye Steak Recipe! Over the years, my home gourmet mom perfected the “art of the grill” and identified the optimal mix of seasonings and cooking method to deliver tender, juicy, super flavorful grilled steaks.
Easy Corn Pudding Recipe
Moist, fluffy and soufflé-like, Southern Corn Pudding is perfection in every bite. Easy to prepare, too, with fresh, available ingredients – no canned corn or boxed cornbread mix. Plus, our Corn Pudding recipe dates back generations, so it’s definitely tried and true!
Lemon Green Beans with Dijon Mustard
Indulge your taste buds with these oven-roasted green beans coated with a luscious blend of tangy olive oil, zesty lemon juice, and bold Dijon mustard. Crispy caramelized shallots sprinkled on top, infusing each bite with a deeply rich sweetness and a bit of crunch.
Quick Homemade Drop Biscuits
Craving a warm, buttery biscuit straight from the oven? Our Easy Drop Biscuit Recipe is all you need! Crafted with pantry essentials and ready in less than 25 minutes, you’ll be well on your way to biscuit perfection.
Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
Indulge your taste buds with the irresistible combination of rich chocolate and crunchy pecans in this homemade pie that rivals the famous Cracker Barrel restaurant version. With its flaky crust, luscious, gooey filling, and perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors, my family’s recipe for Chocolate Pecan Pie is a dessert lover’s dream.
Menu 2: Casual Derby Gathering
Here’s another menu I created that’s ideal for a more relaxed get-together with friends and family, also featuring traditional Derby Day Fare:
Kentucky Derby Mint Julep
My family’s version of this classic cocktail has the perfect balance of bourbon, sweetness and minty freshness – making it a favorite among both experienced cocktail enthusiasts and those new to the world of mixology. With our tried-and-true recipe, you’ll be able to easily whip up a crowd-pleasing batch of delicious Mint Juleps.
Benedictine Cheese Canapés
A 2-bite version of a traditional family recipe, these Benedictine Cheese Canapés are quick and easy to prepare, and vibrant on the plate, too!
Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwich
Kentucky Hot Browns are pure comfort food – an open-faced turkey sandwich topped with sliced tomatoes, bubbly cheese sauce and crispy bacon. Mom added unique touches to the original hot brown recipe – yellow Cheddar cheese and sliced ham – making our family’s version unique, and we think even more tasty.
Easy Spinach Salad Recipe with Lemon Pine Nut Dressing
This Spinach Salad with Pine Nut Dressing is an excellent side dish to have in your recipe files. Why? Well, because sometimes you need an uncomplicated dish to pair with a more complex main dish – one that will add color and flavor to the plate, but not compete with the star. This spinach salad does all that, plus it’s quick and easy to prepare.
Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars (no corn syrup)
Imagine all the flavors of a traditional pecan pie, elevated with a touch of chocolate and optional bourbon, condensed into irresistible two-bite treats. Capturing all the flavors of the classic Derby Pie, these bars are perfect for a casual Derby Day gathering.
Possible Appetizer Additions to Either Menu
If you want to have a bigger spread than one dish for the appetizer portion of the meal, here are a few ideas:
- Pimento Cheese Spread,
- deviled eggs,
- crudité with Arugula Dressing dip, and
- a charcuterie board that includes Kentucky country ham.
Planning Your Kentucky Derby Dinner
Here are my tips for creating a festive Derby atmosphere, recommendations on managing timing and guest list, and suggestions for a few fun, Derby-related activities:
Round Up Your Thoroughbred Crew: The Guest List
- Think about space. Make sure you have enough TV viewing space for the number of people you invite. Factor in seating, standing room, and areas for food and drinks.
- Embrace tradition. Encourage guests to wear their Derby best, including fabulous hats and bow ties.
Whip Up a Southern Spread: Menu Planning and Timing Tips
- Focus on make-ahead. You don’t want to be in the kitchen cooking and miss all the pre-festivities or the big race! The recipes in our menus can all be prepared ahead, with last minute reheating and finishing touches.
- Plan your serving schedule around the race. Factor in the Kentucky Derby race time (typically around 6:30 pm Eastern Standard Time) when planning your food service. Guests will likely arrive earlier, so plan to have appetizers and drinks ready beforehand. You can then serve dinner after the race when everyone has had a chance to unwind and chat.
Setting the Scene: Decorations
- Emphasize the red. Red roses are the symbol of the Derby – they are presented to the winning horse. Decorate your table with a white (or black) tablecloth, red napkins, and rose centerpieces.
- Horseshoe power. Hang a horseshoe-shaped wreath, create a horseshoe-shaped centerpiece for the table, and look for horseshoe-themed cocktail napkins.
Gallop into Fun: Activities
- Best hat competition. Encourage guests to wear their most elaborate or creative hats. Hold a contest for the “Best Hat” with prizes for the most outrageous, most elegant, or funniest hat.
- Betting on the race. No Derby party is complete without a little friendly wagering. Create unique betting slips – or print out ones from the web with the horses’ names and jockeys. Guests can place small bets for special prizes.
