Break Out the Pewter and Stir Up Some Juleps: The Derby Is Here! (2024)

Don't be fooled by the fancy glass—the signature drink of the Kentucky Derby is very good, but it's definitely not difficult to make.

Get the recipe for Classic Mint Juleps.

Invented by Louisville caterer and tea room-owner Jennie Carter Benedict, this cream cheese-cucumber dip is a century-old Kentucky classic.

Get the recipe for Benedictine Spread.

Pimento cheese? That's expected at a Derby party. But a Pimento cheese bar? Well, that's guaranteed to impress!

A variety of fixin's and some crackers or bread to spread it on, and you've got a party staple!

Get the recipe for Pimento Cheese Bar.

Barbecue is the star of any Southern party, and the Derby is no exception! To make it extra easy, let your slow cooker turn that pork shoulder into meltingly tender sandwich filling, then sauce it accordingly.

Get the recipe for Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork.

The Derby is a good time for all things pecan. This brownie pie is over-the-top delicious!

Get the recipe for Pecan-Brownie Pie.

Don't forget the biscuits! These are so light they could float, and they taste absolutely heaven-sent!

Get the recipe for Skillet Angel Biscuits.

You can't go wrong with banana pudding, made with Nilla wafers. We like to toss in a heap of salty peanuts to make the whole thing even tastier.

Get the recipe for Salty Peanut Banana Pudding.

This classic Southern treat is a must-have snack at the Derby! Serve it with the mint Juleps.

Get the recipe for Orange-Glazed Pecans.

Classic biscuits are the all-purpose tool of any Southern party. They're great by themselves, but also pair with just about anything. Serve 'em warm and they're sure to go quickly.

Get the recipe for Buttermilk Biscuits.

A prime party food that's always welcome, oysters Rockefeller are surprisingly easy to make at home! Serve them on the salt bed they were cooked in, for an elegant, but unfussy hors d'oeuvre.

Get the recipe for Oysters Rockefeller.

This cookie-sized take on a Kentucky pie features homemade caramel, melted chocolate, and toasted walnuts.

Get the recipe for Thumbprint Cookies.

This classic "caviar of the South" party food is welcome at any party!

Get the recipe for Pimento-Cheese Tea Sandwiches.

This take on the famous Derby pie swaps out walnuts for the sweeter pecans.

Get the recipe for Bourbon-Pecan Pie.

Looking to spice things up? Chef Edward Lee of Louisville has just the thing: a jalapeño-spiked simple syrup that takes the julep to a whole different level!

Get the recipe for Jalapeño-Spiked Bourbon Julep.

Of course, you won't last long on nothing but juleps and pie. This classic buttermilk fried chicken is ideal party food, whether you're eating it piping hot, or cold, picnic-style.

Get the recipe for Buttermilk Fried Chicken.

Want to make all your co*cktails at once? Get a punch bowl and stir up this Derby co*cktail. Guests can help themselves, and you can spend less time with a shaker and more time mingling.

Get the recipe for Bourbon Derby Punch.

The classic "caviar of the South" makes a perfect filling for deviled eggs.

Get the recipe for Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs.

Classic country ham biscuits are Southern food with a long history at the Derby.

Get the recipe for Ham Biscuit Sandwiches with Apricot Mustard.

Who can say no to BBQ? Slather these pulled pork sliders in your favorite sauce.

Get the recipe for BBQ Pulled Pork and Biscuits.

Inspired by Nashville's famous hot chicken sandwiches, this spicy version is never out of place at a party.

Get the recipe for Biscuit Sandwiches with Sweet Heat Hot Chicken.