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And they're off!
Saturday, May 2 marks the 2026 Kentucky Derby. Celebrities, locals, and horse racing enthusiasts wait all year to watch the greatest two minutes in sports. If you're not braving the crowds at the track, making some show-stopping Kentucky Derby food is the way to go.
Everything bourbon is a must when it comes to the Kentucky Derby, including the races' official drink, the mint julep. Break out your favorite derby hat and get your kitchen ready, because these easy recipes will certainly make your Kentucky Derby meal one to remember.
Read on to discover the top Kentucky Derby recipes to make for the race!
The Real Food Dietitians
Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Pot roast is always a crowd-pleaser, plus this one really doesn't take much prep so you can focus on all the Derby fun. (via The Real Food Dietitians)
Crowded Kitchen
Air Fryer Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders
These tenders get covered in a savory, salty pretzel coating that makes each bite addictive and so crunchy. Serve them with some homemade ranch, and your get-together's set. (via Crowded Kitchen)
My Modern Cookery
Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin with Cherry Bourbon Sauce
Your Derby meal can be as casual or fancy as you want it to be. If you decide to go for classier fare, this pork loin would be perfect for a plated main course. (via My Modern Cookery)
Averie Cooks
Dill Pickle Cheese Ball
Cheese balls never disappoint, and the fact that this one comes with a dill pickle flavor is downright amazing. Grab some crackers, and voila! (via Averie Cooks)
Completely Delicious
Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
For something sweet, you can't go wrong with a classic Southern pie combo: strawberry and rhubarb. (via Completely Delicious)
The Seasoned Mom
Derby Day Bourbon Brownies
Boxed brownie mix and a ton of booze will make these Derby day brownies a total hit. There's bourbon not only in the brownies themselves, but in the frosting on top as well. Yes, please. (via The Seasoned Mom)
Flying on Jess Fuel
Horse Cupcakes
Obviously, Derby day isn't just about bourbon. It's about horses! These adorable horse cupcakes are quick and easy to put together, and you can even enlist the help of a few kiddos if you like. (via Flying on Jess Fuel)
Kathryn's Kitchen
Dutch Oven Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Our mouths are watering already. Make sure you stay stocked on pickles, BBQ sauce, and any other toppings your guests request. (via Kathryn's Kitchen)
A Fork's Tale
Easy BLT Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a spring party staple, which means they have a permanent seat at any Derby day meal. (via A Fork's Tale)
My Modern Cookery
Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders
Hot chicken may have originated in Nashville, but it's slowly become a Kentucky favorite. Kick your usual fried chicken up a notch by dousing it in this spicy and tangy sauce. Feel free to leave a slider or two bare if your kiddos want to try one. (via My Modern Cookery)
Half Baked Harvest
Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwiches
If you want to go the traditional route and serve the sandwiches themselves, go for it! This drool-worthy version uses jalapeño cornbread biscuits instead of toast, thick-cut honey bourbon bacon, and heirloom tomatoes. (via Half Baked Harvest)
Cupcakes & Kale Chips
Kentucky Hot Brown Dip
The Kentucky Hot Brown is a classic recipe that has been around for generations. Typically, it's a hot open-faced sandwich, layered with turkey, bacon, tomatoes and a Mornay sauce. Turning that into a gooey appetizer that everyone can dig into makes total sense. (via Cupcakes & Kale Chips)
Pink Owl Kitchen
Southern Buttermilk Biscuits
Bready and succulent, these buttermilk biscuits make a tasty base for sliders, but also taste immaculate on their own. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)
Alyssa Ponticello
Southern Sliders
Finger foods are always the first to go—especially when they're loaded with Southern ingredients like pimento cheese and green tomatoes. Serve on mini biscuit buns to drive the country theme home. (via Alyssa Ponticello)
Half Baked Harvest
Oven-Fried Southern Chicken with Sweet Honey Bourbon Sauce
Frying chicken on the stove in a vat of oil takes a lot of time and patience, not to mention it makes your house smell less than inviting. Save yourself some frustration and go with a crispy oven-baked chicken instead. Drizzle with a sweet bourbon sauce and let the sticky-finger licking commence. (via Half Baked Harvest)
Saveur
The Thousand-Dollar Mint Julep
Going through Derby day without a mint julep is like having a birthday party without cake. You just can't do it. Stay true to the classic cocktail with this simple recipe. You can even put out a few different bourbons if you want to sample and choose your fave. (via Saveur)
Nerds with Knives
Bourbon Honey Ribs
Grilling ribs doesn't have to be intimidating. These sweet and spicy ribs take just over an hour start to finish, with only 10 minutes of active grill time. (via Nerds with Knives)
Spicy Southern Kitchen
Sweet Tea Mint Juleps
Sweet tea and mint juleps are a match made in heaven. Make two batches with and without bourbon so the kids and non-drinkers can enjoy the minty sweet tea. (via Spicy Southern Kitchen)
Hungry Happenings
Ladies' Hat Piñata Cookies
Giant floppy hats and fascinators are not optional on Derby day. These charming hat cookies represent the most well-known part of Derby fashion and they have a sweet candy surprise in the middle. (via Hungry Happenings)
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This post has been updated.
