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Delicious food served during the Kentucky Derby celebration

Kentucky Derby Food

Delight in the flavors of Southern cuisine with these classic Kentucky Derby dishes, perfect for any gathering.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer, Dessert, Drink
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Mini Hot Brown Sandwiches
  • 1 lb Sliced turkey Use cooked turkey slices
  • 1 cup Mornay sauce A cheese sauce made with butter, flour, milk, and cheese
  • 8 slices Small pieces of bread Use rustic bread for best results
Bourbon Balls
  • 1 cup Crushed cookies (such as vanilla wafers) Can substitute with chocolate wafers
  • 1/2 cup Finely chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) Choose according to preference
  • 1/4 cup Bourbon Use your favorite bourbon for authentic flavor
  • 1 cup Powdered sugar for coating Adjust quantity to taste
Pimento Cheese
  • 8 oz Cream cheese Let it sit at room temperature for easier mixing
  • 1/2 cup Pimento peppers Chopped or diced, as preferred
  • 1 cup Sharp cheddar cheese Shredded for easy blending
  • 1 pkg Crackers for serving Choose an assortment of crackers
Deviled Eggs
  • 6 large Eggs Hard-boiled and cooled
  • 1/4 cup Mayonnaise Adjust to taste
  • 2 tbsp Mustard Choose between yellow or Dijon
Mint Juleps
  • 1 bunch Fresh mint leaves Use for muddling and garnish
  • 2 tbsp Sugar Can adjust based on sweetness preference
  • 2 oz Bourbon Use your favorite bourbon for authentic flavor
  • 1 cup Ice Crushed or whole ice

Method
 

Mini Hot Brown Sandwiches
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Layer slices of turkey on small pieces of bread.
  3. Pour Mornay sauce generously over each sandwich.
  4. Bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Bourbon Balls
  1. In a bowl, mix crushed cookies, finely chopped nuts, and a few tablespoons of bourbon.
  2. Shape the mixture into small balls.
  3. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until well coated.
Pimento Cheese
  1. In a mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, pimento peppers, and shredded sharp cheddar until smooth.
  2. Serve this delightful spread with your favorite crackers.
Deviled Eggs
  1. Boil eggs until hard, around 10-12 minutes, then cool in ice water.
  2. Slice boiled eggs in half, removing yolks.
  3. Mash yolks and mix with mayonnaise and mustard to your liking.
  4. Spoon the mixture back into egg whites.
Mint Juleps
  1. In a glass, muddle fresh mint leaves with sugar until fragrant.
  2. Fill the glass with ice and add bourbon.
  3. Garnish with extra mint for an aromatic touch.

Notes

Consider customizing recipes to fit your taste preferences. Add herbs or spices to enhance flavors.