Life

13 Kentucky Derby-Themed Recipes That'll Win You A Prize

by Angela Johnson

Even if you aren't a lover of horse racing, you've at least heard of the Kentucky Derby. Held on the first Saturday in May, the most important horse racing event of the year keeps a lot of people on the edge of their seat and holding onto their oversized hats. And even though you may place a bet on any of the prized ponies vying for the title, you still may want to watch what has been billed as the most exciting two minutes in sports. It's also a perfect excuse to have a few friends over and try out some Kentucky Derby-themed recipes.

You're going to need to have something to eat while you're busy throwing back all of those mint juleps, and nothing is better with glass of bourbon than a bunch of delicious snacks inspired by some classic Southern faves — chicken and waffles, fried green tomatoes, and crab cakes just to name a few.

Try one (or all) of these yummy recipes for the guests at your Derby party this weekend. You and your friends will gladly gobble up all of the race day goodies. Just make sure you aren't so busy licking your fingers that you don't see who wins!

1Buffalo Ranch Deviled Eggs

A Spicy Perspective's buffalo ranch deviled eggs give a serious Southern kick to a party staple with the addition of cayenne pepper sauce and ranch dip mix.

2Classic Buttermilk Chicken And Waffles

These classic buttermilk chicken and waffles from A Cozy Kitchen are the perfect marriage of savory and sweet. If you're having a small crowd over from brunch, then it's the perfect main course.

3Crab Cakes

Always a party favorite, Big Girls Small Kitchen's crab cakes are just as easy to make as they are delicious to eat. Your guests will love dipping them in the herb mayo dip.

4Oven Ribs With Peach Bourbon BBQ Sauce

Bourbon is the official Derby drink, so you'll want to find a recipe that makes use of this classic drink. A Cozy Kitchen's oven ribs with peach bourbon BBQ sauce is the perfect way to make use of your extra liquor.

5Shrimp & Grits

It doesn't get more Southern than shrimp and grits. A Cozy Kitchen takes a fancier interpretation of this soul food staple by using goat cheese.

6Oven Roasted Tomatoes

Oven roasted tomatoes from A Spicy Perspective are a little lighter than fried green tomatoes, but just as yummy.

7Slow Cooker Sticky Chicken Wings

Damn Delicious's slow cooker sticky chicken wings are sure to be a messy, delicious crowd-pleaser. The best thing about this appetizer is that it cooks up in a slow cooker, leaving you more time to get glammed up before your guests arrive.

8Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Buiscuts

Buttermilk biscuits are a must on your derby party menu, but Damn Delicious's Red Lobster cheddar bay biscuits are a great alternative. One bite, and you'll immediately have fond memories of those awkward celebratory family dinners at the popular seafood chain.

9Collard Greens And Sweet Corn Buttermilk Cakes

Everything about Food and Style's collard greens and sweet corn buttermilk cakes sounds like a mouthful of deliciousness. It's practically every favorite Southern dish rolled into one bite-sized appetizer with a dollop of sumac sour cream on top.

10Puff Pastry Baked Brie Bites

Mel's Kitchen Cafe's puff pastry baked brie bites are just as easy to make as they are to eat.

11Smoked Gouda And Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms

When you stuff bacon and two kinds of cheese into a mushroom, you get a flavorful little treat. Natasha's Kitchen shares a recipe for smoked gouda and bacon stuffed mushrooms that are sure to be a guest favorite.

12Saucy Meatballs

Mel's Kitchen Cafe's saucy meatballs have a sweet tangy taste, due to being drenched in the cranberry sauce and brown sugar glaze.

13Soft Pumpkin Cookies With Maple Frosting

After eating all of those delicious apps and entrees, your guests will be jonesing for something sweet. These soft pumpkin cookies with maple frosting from Cook Nourish Bliss are the perfect after party treat.