10 Winning Kentucky Derby Party Food Ideas & Champion Recipes

Throwing a Kentucky Derby party? Look no further! This collection of 10 winning food ideas and champion recipes will have your guests racing to the table. Our supper club ladies have outdone themselves with this collection of Kentucky Derby food ideas. You will love these easy and delicious Kentucky Derby recipes and party menu.

Did you see our tablescape ideas on Thursday? We have all the ideas to make your party a success. From custom invitations and DIY decorations to creative table ideas, we’ve got you covered. Now, we are sharing our best Kentucky Derby Party Menu ideas, so we’ve taken all the guesswork out of planning a memorable party.

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Kentucky Derby Party Menu

Today’s Kentucky Derby Party menu consists of main dishes, side dishes, appetizers, desserts, and cocktails that are easy to prepare, taking the stress out of all the party preparations.

Best Kentucky Derby Cocktail Recipes

Let’s take a look at the cocktail recipes to get this party started.

Traditional Mint Julep Recipe with a Lemonade Twist

By: Michele at Vintage Home Design

No Kentucky Derby Party Menu would be complete without a Mint Julep recipe. Michele’s recipe offers a refreshing lemonade twist. Yum. Whether you’re just watching the race or hosting a Kentucky Derby party, this refreshing cocktail is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and one of your favorite cocktails.

Smoked Old Fashioned Bourbon Cocktail

Bourbon cocktails are another signature drink of Derby Day festivities. This smoked Old Fashioned Cocktail is sure to please the bourbon lovers at your party. Adding the smokey favorite is optional.

Party Menu Appetizers

Party appetizers are a great way to keep your guests mingling. If you choose, your entire party can consist of delicious appetizers. Here are a few that will be perfect for Kentucky Derby food.

Simple Savory Crockpot Bourbon Meatballs

By: Jen at Midwest Life and Style

Kentucky is known for its bourbon, and who doesn’t love meatballs? This combination works well for a party menu. Check out Jen’s easy and delicious recipe for crockpot bourbon meatballs.

Cured Smoked Salmon

Although you need to plan ahead for this recipe, it’s a crowd-pleasing addition to any party. You will need to begin curing your salmon at least five days before your event. However, you can do so much earlier and freeze the salmon until your party.

Kentucky Derby Food Main and Side Dishes

Although many parties consist of heavy hore de overs, you want some hearty food as well. Here are a few Kentucky Derby Food Ideas for main and side dishes that are sure to please.

The Best Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwich Stack with a Twist

By: Anne and AnnMarie at Simply 2 Moms

The Hot Brown is an iconic open-faced sandwich with a rich history tied to the Kentucky Derby. Anne’s twist on a derby favorite will have your guests coming back for more.

Parmesan Crusted Oyster Casserole: Easy Crowd-Pleasing Recipe

Oyster dishes are another popular Kentucky Derby food idea.

This Oyster Corn Casserole dish is packed with flavor and is sure to be a hit at any dinner party. Rich but tangy and topped with a satisfying parmesan crust, this baked oyster casserole is surprisingly simple to prepare.

Oven Oyster Roast

Another Kentucky Derby food idea is this oyster recipe. Your guests will race to try this Oven Oyster Roast.

For this recipe, we used Stainless Steel Oyster Trays to bake the oysters. We don’t have access to fresh oysters this time of the year, and due to our location, they are hard to find. If you are buying oysters in season, you can easily use the real oyster shell for this recipe.

The Best Authentic Southern Shrimp and Grits Recipe For A Hearty Meal

Are you a fan of Shrimp and Grits? Another Kentucky Derby Recipe favorite is this Southern shrimp and grits recipe. It’s a classic Southern dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is hearty, flavorful, and easy to make. This recipe is the best of the best, with cheesy grits, grilled shrimp, and country ham with a secret sauce of red-eye gravy for a flavorful blend of southern perfection.

Dessert Recipes for Party Menu

Finally, you don’t want to forget the Kentucky Derby Dessert food ideas. Here are a couple of dessert recipes that are sure to finish the evening perfectly.

Best Blondie Brownies Recipe (Easy & Chewy!)

By: Stacy at Bricks N Blooms

These blondie brownies are a tasty spinoff of a brownie and a blonde sugar cookie! They have the same rich, chewy texture as brownies, but with a sweet vanilla flavor that everyone will love. This recipe is incredibly easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight or party treat.

Old Fashioned Bourbon Bread Pudding

Are you a fan of bread pudding? What about Bourbon Bread Pudding? A Kentucky Derby Food Favorite!

It’s reminiscent of the Old Fashioned cocktail with yummy bourbon and cherries and is my new favorite dessert.

I know your guests will be racing to thank you for all the wonderful Kentucky Derby Food. Let me know if you try any of these easy recipes and what your guests have to say.

I hope you have a wonderful party.