We love watching the Kentucky Derby every May! Below are some of my favorite recipes for Derby weekend—break out the hats and pimento cheese and enjoy a little celebration.
With the race approaching, I’m excited to share a curated list of recipes perfect for Kentucky Derby weekend. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or keeping things low-key at home, these dishes make the day feel festive.
We love watching the Kentucky Derby, and if you’ve been following for a while you know Eddie is a huge fan—possibly his favorite day of the year. I enjoy that the celebration centers around a few great bites and drinks, with the race itself as the highlight.
If you have a copy of The Pretty Dish, you’ll find a full Derby Day menu there as well. I’ve also gathered many of my favorite recipes here on the blog to make it easy for you to plan your menu for race day.
30 Recipes for Kentucky Derby Weekend
Below are 30 tried-and-true recipes that capture the flavors and spirit of Derby weekend—pimento cheese in many forms, fresh salads, tempting sweets, and a variety of cocktails to toast the race.
Our Favorite Pimento Cheese
Deviled Crab Dip
Pimento Cheese Poppers with Jalapeño Ranch
Melon Mosaic Salad
Pimento Cheese Grilled Cheese with Spiralized Pickle Slaw
Pimento Cheeseburgers
5-Ingredient Strawberry Rose Tart
Triple Berry Crunch Salad
Pimento Cheese Chicken Salad Biscuits
BLT Pimento Cheese Flatbread
Crispy Chicken Tacos with Gouda Pimento Cheese
Pickled Shrimp Avocado Salad
Pimento Cheese Brunch Grits
Honey Mustard Cajun Shrimp and Grits
Lemon Hot Honey Flatbread
Pimento Cheese Chicken Quesadillas
Hot Honey Bacon Wrapped Dates
Chipotle BBQ Chicken with Creamed Corn
Shrimp Salad Rolls
Roasted Broccoli Pimento Cheddar Melts
Strawberry Mango Mint Julep Fruit Salad
Strawberry Shortcake Trifle with Vanilla Bean Pudding
Mango Avocado Shrimp Salsa
Banana Cake with Espresso Frosting
Gin and Tonic Cake
Pimento Cheese Quiche
Chocolate Poundcake with Bourbon Bacon Frosting
Fresh Watermelon Mint Juleps
Peach Vanilla Mint Juleps
Strawberry Gin Lemonades
Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs
These recipes cover savory starters, main bites, salads, desserts, and refreshing cocktails—everything you need to build a festive Derby menu. Pick a few favorites, serve them family-style, and enjoy the excitement of race day with delicious food and drinks.