Last Minute Kentucky Derby Party

Seven years ago, I watched my first Kentucky Derby with my Dad. We had it on as background noise while working on a home improvement project. The race lasted less than 10 minutes, but the coverage leading up to the big race was unforgettable!

I’m not from the South, and I’m not really into horse racing. But gather up people in elaborate hats snarfing down delicious food, and I am on board. Ever since then I’ve wanted to host a Kentucky Derby party, but can never seem to get myself together. Luckily, my teammates here at Chef’s Corner Store often indulge my culinary eccentricities. So I experimented with a Kentucky Derby spread for the team featuring a few easy-to-prepare recipes that captured the spirit of a full-blown Derby party, hats optional.

Kentucky Derby Party Food: Deviled Eggs

I think it might be illegal in the Southern states to have a get-together without deviled eggs. Luckily these party favorites are easy to make.

We recommend preparing your hard-boiled eggs in your multi-cooker so they’re easy to peel. If you don’t own a multi-cooker, follow these steps to steam them on your stovetop for the same results. While classic deviled eggs are always a hit, we recommend trying some of these tasty variations.

Kentucky Derby Party Food: Pimento Cheese

If you have not tried pimento cheese, you are missing out. Pimento cheese is a delicious combination of sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and pimento peppers. Look for these mild, sweet peppers in cans or jars, rather than in the produce section of the grocery store.

Spread pimento cheese on crackers, crudités, and bread or rolls. Kentuckyderby.com suggests serving it out of cucumber cups. I recommend using any leftovers (assuming you have some) to make a grilled cheese sandwich.

Kentucky Derby Party Food: Benedictine Dip

I kept seeing Benedictine Dip pop up on recommendations for Derby parties. It sounded so delicious that I had to make it. Seed and grate a large cucumber, and dry it as much as possible by rolling it in a kitchen towel or paper towel.

Combine the grated and dried cucumber with cream cheese, grated onion, salt, pepper and mayonnaise and mix until smooth. I added a bit of fresh dill too. The Benedictine Dip went well with the same crackers and crudités I put together for the Pimento cheese spread.

Kentucky Derby Party Food: Kentucky Derby Pie Milkshake

While watching my first Kentucky Derby, I saw spectators walking around the grounds of Churchill Downs with a piece of pie on a stick. I believe it was Kentucky Derby Chocolate Walnut Pie. While I would have loved to recreate these portable desserts, I chose a simpler option: this recipe from Camille Styles for Kentucky Derby Pie Milkshakes.

Kentucky Derby Party Food: Mint Julep

We kept our party non-alcoholic since it was during working hours, but we hope you’ll include this classic Derby cocktail at your own Kentucky Derby party.

In a glass, muddle fresh mint leaves with simple syrup. Fill the glass with crushed ice, and add Kentucky bourbon and a splash of water. Mint juleps aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, so to speak, but they are a quintessential part of the Kentucky Derby.

Are you a Kentucky Derby party host or hostess with the mostest? Did I forget an iconic dish? Please share!