And They’re Off! Our Kentucky Derby Party Menu – Farm to Fit

And They’re Off! Our Kentucky Derby Party Menu

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Anyone who knows us knows that the Kentucky Derby is more than just a two-minute horse race around here—it’s a whole day of Southern charm, great food, and a little friendly competition. Our co-founder G hails from the Bluegrass State, so Derby Day is practically a holiday (Fun fact: it’s also where G and Dré got engaged!).

Whether you're donning a big hat or just showing up for the snacks, we've got the perfect party menu for celebrating the Run for the Roses. Here are some classic, crowd-pleasing recipes—and of course, a Mint Julep to keep things official.

Pimento Cheese Dip

A creamy, cheesy Southern staple that belongs on every Derby table. No party in the South is complete without pimento cheese. This rich, tangy dip is bold enough for veggies and utterly perfect piled onto buttery Ritz crackers (the classic move, if you ask us).

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise

  • 1 (4 oz) jar diced pimentos, drained

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, but recommended)

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix together cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth.

  2. Stir in cheddar, pimentos, garlic powder, and cayenne.

  3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  4. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving—if you can wait that long.

Bourbon Meatballs

Sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of Southern kick

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb frozen meatballs (or homemade)

  • 1/2 cup ketchup

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar

  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

  • 1/4 cup bourbon

  • Optional: a dash of hot sauce

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, mix ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire, and bourbon. Stir until smooth and bubbly.

  2. Add meatballs and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until glazed and heated through.

  3. Serve with toothpicks or over mashed potatoes if you’re feeling extra.

Benedictine Tea Sandwiches

Cool, creamy cucumber spread that's Southern to the core.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cucumber, peeled and grated

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened

  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • White sandwich bread, crusts removed

Instructions:

  1. Place grated cucumber in a clean towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.

  2. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, mayo, dill, and cucumber. Season with salt and pepper.

  3. Spread mixture on bread, top with another slice, and cut into quarters or tea-sized triangles.

  4. Optional: Add thin slices of radish or watercress for a fresh crunch.

Want to skip the bread? Serve the Benedictine as a dip with crudité—it's just as refreshing and perfect for grazing.

    Kentucky Chocolate Walnut Pie

    We all know it as Derby Pie, but since that name is trademarked by the folks at Kern’s Kitchen in Louisville, we’re calling ours Kentucky Chocolate Walnut Pie—same delicious flavors, just with a different name.

    Ingredients:

    • 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust

    • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

    • 3/4 cup granulated sugar

    • 1/2 cup brown sugar

    • 3 large eggs

    • 1 tablespoon bourbon (optional but recommended)

    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

    • 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips

    • 3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

    • Pinch of salt

    Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

    2. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugars, and eggs until smooth.

    3. Stir in bourbon, vanilla, flour, and salt.

    4. Fold in chocolate chips and nuts.

    5. Pour mixture into the unbaked pie crust and smooth the top.

    6. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and center is just set.

    7. Cool at least 20 minutes before slicing.

    Pro tip: It’s even better the next day—if it lasts that long.

    Classic Mint Julep

    No Derby party is complete without a classic Mint Julep—it’s practically tradition in a glass.

    Ingredients:

    • 2 oz Kentucky bourbon

    • 1/2 oz simple syrup

    • 8–10 fresh mint leaves, plus sprig for garnish

    • Crushed ice

    Instructions:

    1. Muddle mint leaves and simple syrup in the bottom of a julep cup (or any glass).

    2. Fill the cup with crushed ice. Pour in bourbon.

    3. Stir until the outside of the glass is frosty. Top with more ice and garnish with mint.

     

    Looking for more to add to your menu?  Try Buttermilk Biscuits with Country Ham, a Classic Hot Brown, Pimento Deviled Eggs, or Traditional Southern Grits. Whether you're betting on the favorite or just showing up for the food, we're wishing you a Happy Derby!