Kentucky Derby | RECIPES | Spring
ByStephanie Wilson
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If you love southern cooking, horses, and the Derby, you’ll adore these authentic Kentucky Derby recipes to celebrate with on the first Saturday in May.
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Kentucky Derby Food Traditions
Few American sporting events exist with the history and southern charm of the Kentucky Derby. Its rich traditions – sipping a mint julep, beautiful hats, roses, and the singing of “My Old Kentucky Home.”
All of which transcend the Kentucky Derby from a mere sporting event.
Kentucky Derby History
The Kentucky Derby’s history began in 1872, when Meriwether Lewis Clark, grandson of William Clark of Lewis and Clark fame, traveled to Europe. While there, he attended well-known horse racing events, like the Epsom Derby in England.
Inspired by his travels, Clark was determined to create a horse racing event in the United States, much like those he experienced in Europe. After receiving land from his uncles John and Henry Churchill, the beginnings of the Kentucky Derby was born.
“On May 17th, 1875, the racetrack opened its gates and the Louisville Jockey Club sponsored the very first Kentucky Derby. A total of fifteen three-year-old Thoroughbred horses raced one and a half miles in front of a cheering crowd of approximately 10,000 spectators. Aristides was the first winner of the Kentucky Derby.”
kentuckyderby.com
Kentucky Derby Food History
It’s well established that food is a central component of The Kentucky Derby. Every year, the concession stands at the Kentucky Derby sell about 142,000 hot dogs, 18,000 barbecue sandwiches, 32,400 jumbo shrimp, 13,800 pounds of beef, and 300,000 strawberries for traditional strawberries and cream.
A mint julep is made over 120,000 times during the event. And there is a competition event for the best Derby Pie.
Hot Browns and Burgoo are traditional Kentucky foods that are staples at Derby parties and pecans are everywhere.
Kentucky Derby Recipes
With the Derby right around the corner, here are some favorite Derby recipes. Dust off those mint julep cups, find that fancy hat, and let’s celebrate the Kentucky Derby!
Kentucky Derby Recipes with Southern Charm
1
Spinach Salad with Sweet Potato, Blue Cheese & Pecan Dressing
Photo Credit:www.kentuckyderby.com
Chosen as an appetizer for theOfficial Kentucky Derby Menu. “This year, Executive Chef David Danielson inventively combinedtraditional Southern flavors and local ingredients to make an authentically American culinary experience for our Derby guests in the premium dining areas.”
See the complete menu.
2
A Perfect Summer Derby Dish
Photo Credit:www.kentuckyderby.com
Butter bean season is coming to an end so there's no time to waste in making this perfect summer side dish. Churchill Downs Executive Chef David Danielson served this to our guestsas part of the official menu forthe 142nd Kentucky Derby! Enjoy!
3
Benedictine Spread
Photo Credit:www.countryliving.com
"Invented by Louisville caterer and tea room-owner Jennie Carter Benedict, this cream cheese-cucumber dip is a century-old Kentucky classic."
4
Deviled Eggs with Country Ham
Photo Credit:www.kentuckyderby.com
By Churchill Downs Executive Chef David Danielson
5
Vidalia Onion Mushroom Toast Recipe
Photo Credit:www.kentuckyderby.com
A delicious appetizer, ready in minutes, and perfect for the Derb!
6
Kentucky Derby Tradition: Burgoo
This recipe is a tradition of the Kentucky Derby and to which most have their own unique spin and variation. Having not grown up in the south, I take my cue from those who have.
7
Chicken Kabob with Mint Pistachio Pesto Recipe
Photo Credit:www.kentuckyderby.com
By Churchill Downs Executive Chef David Danielson
8
Pork Tenderloin Sliders Recipe
Photo Credit:www.myrecipes.com
“One carefree way to serve these cuties is to slice the tenderloins on a large cutting board, set out fresh rolls and homemade condiments, and let guests build their own sandwiches.”
9
Chicken Perloo: Southern Classic
Chicken Perloo is a South Carolina classic one pot chicken and rice dish that's smokey, a little sweet, hearty, and so delicious. It's Southern comfort food at its best. And -- easy to make, with simple ingredients and amazing flavor... even for weeknight dinners.
10
Radish-Poppyseed Tea Sandwiches
Photo Credit:www.teatimemagazine.com
"These Radish-Poppyseed Tea Sandwiches are a delectable treat. Pictured withEnglish Pea Salad in Phyllo Cups."
11
Kentucky Derby Party Recipes
Photo Credit:www.loveandlemons.com
Begin with these “colorful open-faced (crust off!) tea sandwiches. These are super easy to make if you make the spread ahead of time and assemble these just before your guests arrive. Instead of a cream cheese spread, I made an herbal creamy dill spread by blending sunflower seeds to create a creamy base. Slather it on some sourdough sandwich bread and then top with rows of paper-thin slices of cucumbers, radishes, and candy-striped beets. Use a sharp knife to cut the crusts off and you have the cutest little springtime snacks.”
12
Spring Salad!
Photo Credit:www.recipetineats.com
"As the name suggests, Spring Salad is a seasonal salad filled with spring’s bounty of vegetables: Asparagus, snow peas, peas and cos lettuce (romaine), dotted with goats cheese for some creamy tang and a fresh lemon dressing. Elegant, pretty and refreshing!"
13
Crème Fraiche Pasta with Peas and Bacon
Crème Fraiche Pasta with Peas and Bacon is an easy dish for a Kentucky Derby party. Simple to make in 30 minutes or less, simple spring flavors to love!
14
Black and Blue Salad with Black and Blue Vinaigrette
Photo Credit:www.kentuckyderby.com
By Churchill Downs Executive Chef, this simple salad is beautiful with fresh spring ingredients; perfect for serving at the Derby.
15
Oregon Blue Cheese and Caramelized Onion Tart
Photo Credit:www.kentuckyderby.com
An Oregon Blue Cheese tart perfect for the Kentucky Derby.
16
Slow Cooker Short Ribs with Henry Bain Sauce
Photo Credit:www.kentuckyderby.com
A Stay at Home Kentucky Derby party idea, this slow cooker short rib is served over cheesy grits.
17
Louisiana Seafood Barbecue Shrimp Recipe
Photo Credit:www.kentuckyderby.com
A simple dish ready in minutes from the official Kentucky Derby site.
18
Meatball, Cucumber & Mint Skewers
Photo Credit:www.kentuckyderby.com
"Lamb, mint, and English Cucumbers make up this delicious and easy Kentucky Derby recipe."
19
Fluffy Cream Cheese Biscuits Recipe
Photo Credit:www.myrecipes.com
“Fluffy Cream Cheese Biscuits with Figgy Port Chutney, Blue Cheese Butter, and Ginger Ale-Brown Sugar Smoked Ham make up this delectable Derby sandwich.”
20
Spring Pea Soup
This French Pea Soup recipe, otherwise known as Potage Saint Germain, is an easy, classic dish, filled with the flavors of fresh peas and mint.
21
Derby Truffles Recipe
Photo Credit:www.myrecipes.com
“These make-ahead gems are easy enough for casual get-togethers and fancy enough for special occasions.”
22
Kentucky Derby Bars
Celebrating the Derby with these simple and delicious Kentucky Derby Bars. Much likeDerby Pie, these bars are packed with traditional elements like butter, eggs, pecans, and of course, chocolate.
23
Hummingbird Cake: An Easy Bundt Cake Recipe
Topped with cream cheese icing, this iconic cake will get everyone in a party mood... and it's incredibly easy to make!
24
Kentucky Derby Chocolate Pecan Pie
This Kentucky Derby pie recipe, chockful of pecans and chocolate, is a long-standing tradition among Kentucky Derby fans. While decadently delicious, it’s an easy pie to make all year long.
25
Best Caramel-Chocolate-Walnut Thumbprint Cookies
Photo Credit:www.countryliving.com
"Featuring bourbon, homemade caramel,melted chocolate, and toasted walnuts, these butter cookies take inspiration from the famed pie."
26
Summer Berry Vanilla Pudding Pie
If you love easy, simple but pretty, and festive desserts, this Summer Berry Vanilla Pudding Pie is for you!
27
Sweet Tea Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Cake
Sweet Tea Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Cake is a festival of summer flavors in every bite of this soft, creamy, and buttery bundt cake. Lightly flavored with lemon, tender with Greek Yogurt, and sweet with blueberries. Traces of mint and sweet tea bring hints of delightfully unexpected flavor.
28
Chocolate Mint Cookies
While Mint Juleps might be the beverage of choice at the Derby, these Mint Chocolate Chip cookies aren't far behind. Delicious, decadent, and certainly Kentucky Derby-worthy!
29
Recipe: Brown Sugar + Brown Butter Derby Pecans
Photo Credit:www.savorypantryblog.com
"Long after the Kentucky Derby is over, you can make these nuts and package them in mason jars for edible gifts!"
30
A Non-Alcoholic Mint Julep Everyone Can Enjoy at the Kentucky Derby
No celebration of the Kentucky Derby seems quite right without a Mint Julep. That cool, refreshing drink of summer. While most contain alcohol, we were looking for something different. Here is our non-alcoholic mint julep everyone can enjoy at the Kentucky Derby.
31
Lemon Herb Water: Refreshingly Simple Summer Drink
Herb Lemon Water is a refreshing and simple summer drink made with citrus, cucumber, and fresh herbs. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or sipping on the porch.
More Recipes You May Also Love
- Kentucky Derby Bars
- Celebrating a Kentucky Derby Party
- Kentucky Derby Menu Ideas
- Easiest Ever Strawberry Chocolate Heart Cookies
- Kentucky Derby Chocolate Pecan Pie
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