Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • Tips on Organizing Your Home

      Tips on Organizing Your Home

      From the kitchen and bathroom to the bedroom and laundry room, here are 40 ways to simplify, streamline, and banish clutter throughout the house. Read More
    • These Are the Paint Colors You'll See Everywhere in 2022

      These Are the Paint Colors You'll See Everywhere in 2022

      Upgrade your spaces with new—and old—classics. Read More
    • 39 Make-Ahead Holiday Dishes That Are Perfect for Festive Family Gatherings

      39 Make-Ahead Holiday Dishes That Are Perfect for Festive Family Gatherings

      These classic recipes will help you get a head start on the festivities. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    All of Our Best Valentine's Day Crafts to Make from the Heart

    All of Our Best Valentine's Day Crafts to Make from the Heart

    Express your love with handmade Valentine's crafts like paper cards, gift ideas, and decorations.
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    Will We Entertain Differently in 2022? These Are the New Trends Hostesses Should Bookmark

    Will We Entertain Differently in 2022? These Are the New Trends Hostesses Should Bookmark

    Secure your role as the host with the absolute most.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Baby Shower Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • You're Invited
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    How to Hang and Arrange Pictures

    How to Hang and Arrange Pictures

    Amp up your home décor with perfectly placed frames.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    Six Houseplant Mistakes to Avoid This Winter

    Six Houseplant Mistakes to Avoid This Winter

    Don't let your varieties fall victim to the perils of poor cold-weather maintenance.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Deep Clean Your Oven with Baking Soda

    How to Deep Clean Your Oven with Baking Soda

    Our easy tips will make this cleaning task a lot less daunting.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Your Ultimate Wedding-Planning Timeline

    Your Ultimate Wedding-Planning Timeline

    Ready, set, go! Our no-nonsense guide will help you learn how to plan your wedding like a pro.
    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    How to Knit: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide

    How to Knit: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide

    Learn how to knit your own mittens, hats, scarves, and more. We'll take you through the step-by-step instructions and teach you how to cast on, knit, purl, and cast off.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
    • Rescue & Revamp
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    Your Complete Guide to Restoring Moisture Back Into Your Skin

    Your Complete Guide to Restoring Moisture Back Into Your Skin

    Take a multi-pronged approach if you're experiencing excess dryness.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
    • Net Worth
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Food & Cooking
  3. Recipes
  4. Holidays & Events
  5. Game Day Recipes
  6. Our Best Kentucky Derby-Inspired Recipes to Enjoy on the Day of the Big Race

Our Best Kentucky Derby-Inspired Recipes to Enjoy on the Day of the Big Race

By Emily Goldman Updated March 25, 2020
Skip gallery slides
Pin
gin julep cocktail
Credit: Sidney Bensimon
Celebrate Kentucky's great tradition with classic Southern snacks, delectable Derby pies, and plenty of mint juleps.
Start Slideshow

1 of 15

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
gin julep cocktail
Credit: Sidney Bensimon

A true celebration of Southern culture, the Kentucky Derby is fondly dubbed the best two minutes in sports history. Whether you're hosting your own Kentucky Derby-themed party or plan to attend the actual event but want to celebrate before the big race, we have a number of recipes guaranteed to get you in the Southern spirit.

Of course, no Kentucky Derby party is complete without a variation of a Mint Julep. Adding a hint of lemon to our Lemon-Mint Julep updates the classic beverage into something a bit more refreshing. If you're a fan of the drink but not of bourbon, not to worry. Our Gin Julep, pictured here, is a lip-smacking bourbon-free alternative. Gin was an equally popular base back in the 19th century and is still just as delicious in this iconic cocktail, especially if you choose a barrel-aged version. Have everything, and everyone, coming up roses when you add Rose-Petal Gin Fizz to the cocktail menu.

After you get your drink fix, it's time to focus on some finger food. Guests will cheer for bowls of our crispy Fried Black-Eyed Peas and a bread basket filled with crunchy and savory Puff-Pastry Cheese Straws. For the meat lovers, our Pimiento-Cheese Burgers are a must-make. They're dripping in mayo, cheddar, and pimientos and are an undeniably decadent addition to your party menu. We couldn't forget the Southern staple that is biscuits. Our Mustard-Herb Buttermilk Biscuits with Ham include parsley, thyme, and chives, but we also like to add a touch of Dijon mustard for a welcome kick. The real showstopper, however, is our Apple Rose Tart. You'll need to use a mandolin to create thin apple slices used to form a circle of roses, but the payoff is well worth the effort. Some grated ginger mixed with apricot jam give this sweet treat a burst of flavor.

Ready to start planning? Choose one or all of these delicious creations to add to your Kentucky Derby menu for a flawless party.

1 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 15

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lemon-and-Mint Julep

fresh mint julep in metal cup
Credit: Bryan Gardner
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A lemon twist, plus fresh juice, sets this invigorating mint julep apart. Pair it with simple canapes, such as our Speedy Smoked-Salmon Crackers.

2 of 15

3 of 15

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Bourbon Mint Tea

mini-corn-cakes-0508-med103746.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Iced black tea is spiked with bourbon and brightened with fresh mint in this classic Southern cocktail. It's the perfect partner for finger food like our Mini Corn Cakes with Scallions.

3 of 15

Advertisement

4 of 15

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Rose-Petal Gin Fizz

cocktails-0604-mla100373.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Keep your Kentucky Derby fare light and springy with a rose-petal gin fizz. Beware, its sweetness covers its potency—this drink is made with gin, rose-petal syrup, sparkling water, and rose petals.

4 of 15

5 of 15

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Amaretto-Bourbon Punch

mld106339_1210_punch028_punch.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This quick, easy, and festive-looking bourbon drink is mellowed with sweet amaretto and a splash of sparkling apple juice. Don't forget the maraschino cherries, and pair the punch with an hors d'oeuvre like our Smoked Trout and Garlic Cream on Rye Toasts.

5 of 15

6 of 15

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Horseradish-Pimiento Cheese

pimento-cheese-with-crackers-086-d112769_l.jpg
Credit: Bryan Gardner
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This robust Southern standby is a hands-down favorite. Our latest and greatest version adds horseradish to the usual mixture of mayonnaise, shredded cheddar, and chopped pimiento for an extra kick.

6 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 15

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Fried Black-Eyed Peas

md106062_1010_msl_sw_halloween_0318_black_eye_2.jpg
Credit: SIMON WATSON
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A Southern spread wouldn't be complete without black-eyed peas. Here, they're fried until golden and crisp and flavored with a sweet-and-savory blend of brown sugar and smoked paprika.

7 of 15

8 of 15

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Puff-Pastry Cheese Straws

appetizers-book-133-stew-9780307954626-art-r1.jpg
Credit: David Malosh
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

It's no wonder that these crispy, savory treats are a Southern party favorite. Whip up our go-to Parmesan and cayenne combo or try one of our delectable variations: sesame and poppy seeds, tomato paste and fresh rosemary, or pecorino Romano and black pepper. Just be sure to make plenty—they're bound to disappear quickly from the table.

8 of 15

9 of 15

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mustard-Herb Buttermilk Biscuits with Ham

mustard and herb biscuit
Credit: Armando Rafael
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Three types of fresh herbs—parsley, thyme, and chives—and a touch of Dijon perk up our test kitchens tried-and-true buttermilk biscuits. Serve with more mustard and sliced ham for a satisfying Derby bite.

9 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 15

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pimiento-Cheese Burgers

pimiento-cheeseburger-4-med108678.jpg
Credit: JOHNNY MILER
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Fire up the grill for your Kentucky Derby party and gild your burgers with the Southern trifecta of mayo, cheddar, and pimientos.

10 of 15

11 of 15

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chocolate Pecan Pie

med104169_1108_ch_pecan.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Whole pecans are nestled in a dark-chocolate filling and surrounded by a buttery crust in this next-level take on the beloved Southern dessert.

11 of 15

12 of 15

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Apple Rose Tart

apple rose tart dessert
Credit: Christopher Testani
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A true culinary work of art, this apple rose tart features mandolin-sliced Granny Smith and Pink Lady apples atop grated ginger mixed with apricot jam for a spicy-sweet Kentucky Derby delight.

12 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 15

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Run for the Roses Pie

3170_042508_derbypie.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

"Run for the Roses" is a nickname for the Kentucky Derby and refers to the blanket of roses draped over the winning horse. It's also the name of this unique take on traditional Derby pie, which combines a buttery crust with a boozy (from bourbon!) pecan-and-chocolate filling.

13 of 15

14 of 15

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Bourbon-and-Brown-Sugar Cake with Berries

bourbon and brown-sugar cake with berries
Credit: Kate Mathis
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A classic Kentucky drink, bourbon makes for a delicious accompaniment in this sweet treat. It's paired with brown sugar and berry cake sprinkled with coarse sugar for a surprising crunchy top.

14 of 15

15 of 15

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Rose Water Cream Sandwiches

rose water cream sandwiches
Credit: Johnny Miller
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Rose water adds a delicate floral bouquet to meltaway sandwich cookies, each topped with a candied violet or rose petal. This recipe makes about two and a half dozen—perfect for Kentucky Derby celebrations.

15 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Emily Goldman

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 15
    2 of 15 Lemon-and-Mint Julep
    3 of 15 Bourbon Mint Tea
    4 of 15 Rose-Petal Gin Fizz
    5 of 15 Amaretto-Bourbon Punch
    6 of 15 Horseradish-Pimiento Cheese
    7 of 15 Fried Black-Eyed Peas
    8 of 15 Puff-Pastry Cheese Straws
    9 of 15 Mustard-Herb Buttermilk Biscuits with Ham
    10 of 15 Pimiento-Cheese Burgers
    11 of 15 Chocolate Pecan Pie
    12 of 15 Apple Rose Tart
    13 of 15 Run for the Roses Pie
    14 of 15 Bourbon-and-Brown-Sugar Cake with Berries
    15 of 15 Rose Water Cream Sandwiches

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    Our Best Kentucky Derby-Inspired Recipes to Enjoy on the Day of the Big Race
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.