7 Tasty Derby Day Recipes for the 150th Run for the Roses

Lavender-Lemonade Mint Julep

Kentucky’s Churchill Downs will be a sea of colorful fashions and lively fanfare this May as the racetrack hosts the 150th Run for the Roses! If you’re planning a fête to honor the occasion, try these Derby Day recipes that run the gamut from bite-size Bluegrass State favorites to nonalcoholic takes on the classic Mint Julep.


1. Benedictine Tea Sandwiches

Benedictine Tea Sandwiches on a round tray

Created in the early 1900s by Louisville, Kentucky, restaurateur Jennie Benedict, Cool and creamy Benedictine makes the perfect spread for simple tea sandwiches.

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2. Mini Southern Hot Browns

Derby Day miniature hot browns in cast-iron skillets
Recipe shared by Cooking with Paula Deen magazine.

These miniature hot browns are made with buttermilk biscuits, sliced turkey, crispy bacon, and melted cheese.

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3. Kentucky Derby Pie Bars

Derby Day Recipe for Derby Pie bars

Our decadent take on a classic Louisville, Kentucky, recipe includes chocolate chips and pecans baked to gooey perfection.

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4. Mint Julep Tea

Mint Julep Tea for Derby Day
Recipe shared by TeaTime magazine.

This inventive twist on the classic drink of the Kentucky Derby incorporates mint tea and fresh herbs for a refreshing Mint Julep Tea.

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5. Radish, Lima Bean, and Cucumber Salad

Radish, Lima Bean, and Cucumber Salad

Add this garden-fresh vegetable salad tossed in a simple yet flavorful vinaigrette to your party menu.

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6. Bourbon-Walnut Brown Sugar Cake with Mascarpone Buttercream

Derby Day Recipe for brown sugar cake with white icing and walnuts
Recipe shared by Bake from Scratch magazine.

Cloaked in a rich Mascarpone cheese buttercream, this brown sugar cake is sure to be a crowd-pleasing treat.

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7. Lavender-Lemonade Mint Julep

Lavender-Lemonade Mint Julep for Derby DayOur scratch-made Lavender Simple Syrup, fresh lemon juice, and fragrant herbs make this an ideal sipper for Derby Day.

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