Skip to main content. Recipes. Photograph by Isa Zapata, food styling by Thu Buser, prop styling by Marina Bevilacqua. These Kentucky Derby party recipes bring the spirit of Churchill Downs to your house. While anything Southern goes on race day, we like to opt for party foods and appetizers that guests can pick up with their fingers—think buttery roasted pecans, deviled eggs, and shrimp salad on toast. (pimento cheese and buttermilk biscuits are high on the list too.). Jump ahead. Mint Julep. Snacks and appetizers. Entrées and sandwiches. Sides and salads. Derby Day desserts. Derby Day drinks. It wouldn’t be Derby Day without something to toast with as you watch the most exciting two minutes in sports. Mint juleps, punch, and other bourbon cocktails are all classic choices. As for the ornate headwear, seersucker suits, and profusion of pastels that usually accompany this horse race, well, that’s your call.. Photo by Travis Rainey, Food Styling by Maggie Ruggiero, Prop Styling by Christine Keely1/31. Mint Julep. Start with the classic Kentucky Derby party cocktail, then explore more drinks at the end of this collection. Stainless steel julep cups are fun, but you can use a rocks or footed old-fashioned glass if you’d like.. Photograph by Isa Zapata, food styling by Thu Buser, prop styling by Marina Bevilacqua2/31. Pimento Cheese Ball. There’s something delightfully retro about a classic cheese ball. This one twists the formula with the flavors of the storied Southern spread. Too much pimento cheese on your roster? Try a port-and-blue-cheese version.. Peden + Munk3/31. Salt-and-Butter-Roasted Pecans. Buttery, nutty, and lightly spiced, these pecans have a lot going for them. Plus, they can be made up to three days in advance.. Photograph by Elliott Jerome Brown Jr., Food Styling by Micah Morton, Prop Styling by Christina Allen4/31. Extra-Creamy Deviled Eggs. This simple recipe delivers deviled eggs with just the right balance of mayonnaise, mustard, and a touch of hot sauce. If you’re really going for it, top with crispy bacon for extra flavor.. Photograph by Isa Zapata, Food Styling by Ines Anguiano5/31. Cornbread Cheddar Biscuits. Flaky, tender, buttery biscuits meet sweet, cheesy cornbread in this all-star recipe. If you’re looking for a classic buttermilk biscuit recipe, we can point you there too.. Alex Lau6/31. Bread-and-Butter Pickles. No matter whether you’re serving fried chicken, Kentucky hot browns, or something from your slow cooker, it’s always smart to have pickles on hand—especially when they’re homemade.. Photo by Laura Murray, Food styling by Yekaterina Boystova7/31. Pretzel Focaccia. The Derby’s official 2026 menu includes a pretzel board. Make your own with this pretzel focaccia (don’t worry, it’s easy to make), thinly sliced country ham, cheddar, and pepper jelly. Oh, and that pimento cheese from the last slide.. Photo by Laura Murray8/31. Pimento Cheese. Known as the caviar of the South, this sprea
