1/30
From the Recipe Creator:
These Kentucky hot brown sliders are perfect for Derby parties, though I serve them at parties throughout the year. A traditional hot brown is an open-faced sandwich, which isn't great for gatherings, but this recipe turns them into finger food. I like to cover and refrigerate my assembled sandwiches so I can just pop them in the oven when company arrives. —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 slider: 327 calories, 21g fat (10g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 652mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 16g protein.
The Kentucky hot brown is a quintessential Kentucky recipe with turkey, bacon and bread smothered in a cheesy sauce. These sliders have all those same flavors in a smaller package. They are perfect for watch parties.
2/30
From the Recipe Creator:
Herbs lend amazing flavor to these deviled eggs, which truly are the best you can make! The recipe includes tasty variations that feature bacon, chipotle peppers and crab. —Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed egg half: 73 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 81mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
You can’t have a spring party without deviled eggs. This classic recipe is always a winner, but there are plenty of deviled egg variations if you want to switch things up. For the prettiest eggs, peel the hard-boiled eggs carefully by rolling them on the counter to crack the shell and then start peeling at the large end of each egg.
3/30
From the Recipe Creator:
Pimiento cheese has long been a favorite in our family, so these bite-sized appetizers are a treat! I add Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce to give them a little kick. Caramelized onions create another layer of flavor. You can make the cheese and onions three to five days in advance; they store well. If you need to save time, you can use premade jalapeno pimiento cheese. —Caitlyn Bunch, Trenton, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 87 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 174mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
These pimiento cheese crostini get a lot of flavor from caramelized onions, which need a long, slow cook to develop just the right color and flavor. You’ll need at least 30 minutes to reach that beautiful golden brown hue, so knock this step out a day or two before your party rather than rushing through it.
4/30
From the Recipe Creator:
I love nothing more than a cold beer and a shucked oyster, so when my partners and I opened Saw’s Juke Joint in Birmingham, Alabama, we wanted to add them to the menu. We love making them, we love serving them and our guests love eating them. —Taylor Hicks, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 oyster with 2 tablespoons sauce: 236 calories, 22g fat (13g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 229mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
This oyster recipe is easier than you think, even if you think oysters are finicky. They don’t have to be expensive either. If you’re looking for a deal, Whole Foods oysters are $1 each for Amazon Prime Members every Friday.
5/30
From the Recipe Creator:
You can slather this smoky bacon jam on pretty much anything. It lasts only a week in the fridge, so I freeze small amounts for a quick snack with crackers. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 112 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 118mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
This jam strikes the perfect balance between sweet, savory and salty. I like to serve it on a charcuterie board with cheese, crackers and some fresh fruit.
6/30
From the Recipe Creator:
This lovely appetizer is almost too pretty to eat! Sweet watermelon cubes hold a refreshing topping that showcases cucumber, red onion and fresh herbs. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 7 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
These watermelon cups are a bright, fresh addition to any appetizer spread. Try not to make this recipe until just before serving, so the watermelon stays firm and juicy.
7/30
From the Recipe Creator:
These finger sandwiches are filling enough to satisfy hearty appetites. I've served the fun little stacks at every event, including holiday gatherings, showers and tailgate parties. —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 121 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 412mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
To make these bites mess-free for those wearing fancy dresses, serve honey mustard on the side instead of spooning a sauce over the biscuits.
8/30
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe with what I had on hand one night, and now it’s one of my husband’s favorites! The bacon-wrapped shrimp, garlicky sauce and burst of cool cuke flavor make this a crowd pleaser. —Shannon Rose Trelease, East Hampton, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 30 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 64mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
These party canapes combine savory bacon-wrapped shrimp, creamy homemade tzatziki sauce and fresh sliced cucumbers into a bite-sized stack. To prevent the yogurt in the sauce from becoming runny, wait until the shrimp have cooled before assembling them.
9/30
From the Recipe Creator:
The crunchy exterior of these southern-style snacks is a nice contrast to the moist cornbread. Jalapeno peppers and hot sauce add a hint of heat. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 hush puppy: 56 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 94mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
You’re probably used to seeing hush puppies served as a side for seafood or barbecue dinners. That doesn’t mean they can’t shine on their own. For spicier hush puppies, seed just one of the jalapenos.
10/30
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom introduced me to this ham pickle pinwheels appetizer a number of years ago, and I've been making them for parties ever since. They are easy to make and are always well received by guests. —Gloria Jarrett, Loveland, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 34 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 105mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
Grilled, stewed, fried or fresh, okra is a southern favorite no matter how it’s prepared. This recipe wraps ham and a creamy spread around pickled okra for pinwheels that are bright and crunchy.
11/30
From the Recipe Creator:
This version of a traditional Benedictine spread can be served as an appetizer dip or as a sandwich filling. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 65 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 98mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
Benedictine spread is a traditional Kentucky recipe that was developed around 1900 by Jennie Carter Benedict. The restaurateur’s original recipe includes green food coloring, but you can skip it if you’d like.
12/30
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this appetizer for my son, who's big on delicious but healthy food. The lighter beans-and-dip combo has won over even finicky eaters. —Dinah Halterman, Harmony, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 99 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 274mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
Okay, I know pickled green beans might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of party appetizers. Trust me when I say these things are addictive. The crisp beans are tart and refreshing, and they’re especially good when dipped in a cream cheese and yogurt dip.
13/30
From the Recipe Creator:
When we moved from the Midwest to Kentucky, we were invited to a neighborhood gathering where this appetizer was served. Hanky panky—as it’s often called around here—is traditionally served at Derby Day parties, but at our home it’s become a year-round favorite. —Melanie Schlaf, Edgewood, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 88 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 231mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
These cheesy bites are called hanky panky in Kentucky and are fixtures of local Derby parties. If you can’t find snack-sized bread, you can trim regular slices of rye bread into smaller pieces.
14/30
From the Recipe Creator:
I almost didn’t make these appetizers for last year’s Christmas party because I was running out of time, but I knew they’d be a tasty hit. Simple to make, the cups have few ingredients and look beautiful on the plate—very gourmet! This turned out to be one of the night’s favorites, and they just flew off the plate. —Terri Edmunds, Naperville, Illinois
These little bites are so tasty that you might want to double the recipe. Since the shrimp filling needs some time to rest in the fridge, this is a good option for those looking for a make-ahead cold appetizer.
15/30
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe makes art in a bowl! All the colors of summer are captured in this salsa with a fresh, light flavor perfect for snacking between swims or to kick off a backyard barbecue. This can be served with chips or alone as a side dish. —Catherine Goza, Charlotte, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup (calculated without chips): 49 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 56mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
Strawberry season kicks off in the spring, and this recipe is a great way to serve strawberries at your Kentucky Derby party. Before you start chopping, make sure you know how to hull a strawberry properly to make prep easy.
16/30
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m an Iowa gardener and I like to feature sweet corn in my recipes. These cute, easy-to-eat bites are a fun change from the usual appetizers. —Margaret Blair, Lorimor, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 67 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 100mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
Don’t worry, these mini muffins aren’t that spicy! They’re balanced by sweeter cream-style corn and cornmeal. If you’re particularly sensitive, though, you can nix the hot sauce in the filling.
17/30
From the Recipe Creator:
When you say “holiday tradition” around our house, this appetizer comes to mind immediately. Every winter, I make lots of cheese logs and freeze them for when I’m expecting company or need to take food to someone’s home. The blend of smoked oysters, chili powder, nuts and cream cheese tastes good—even people who don’t like oysters may enjoy this interesting appetizer. —William Tracy, Jerseyville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 117 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 62mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
This cheese log is creamy, crunchy and deliciously rich. You can serve it with crackers or fresh veggies, depending on what you’re in the mood for.
18/30
From the Recipe Creator:
My tangy, smoky dip won the top prize in our office party recipe contest. Other beers can work for this, but be sure to steer clear of dark varieties. —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 213 calories, 19g fat (10g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 378mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
Slow-cooker dips like this come in clutch for busy parties. The dip can be prepared, cooked and served in the slow cooker, and it will stay warm and gooey throughout the festivities.
19/30
From the Recipe Creator:
These zesty, briny okra pods just might become your new favorite pickle! Use them as a sandwich topping, a Bloody Mary garnish, or alongside cheese and sausage on a charcuterie board. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 okra pickles: 15 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 26mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
Yes, these pickled okra are tasty on their own, but I especially love them as a garnish for a Bloody Mary. Just thread each okra on a toothpick with an olive and a cheese cube to create a Bloody Mary drink that doubles as a snack.
20/30
From the Recipe Creator:
These yummy deviled eggs went over so well at our summer cookouts, I started making them for holiday dinners too. Everyone likes the flavorful addition of crumbled bacon. —Barbara Reid, Mounds, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed egg half: 67 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 80mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
Save some space on your stovetop by baking the bacon for this recipe. Using the oven means your hands are free to do other things during the 20-minute bake time. Plus, it won’t leave your cooktop covered in bacon grease.
21/30
From the Recipe Creator:
My crowd-pleasing party mix is buttery, chocolaty and nutty. The recipe yields a party-sized portion, but I recommend keeping it covered so it doesn’t disappear before the event. —Annette Niemiec, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 350 calories, 19g fat (7g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 223mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
Here’s a sweet treat your guests will eat by the handful! Taking inspiration from pecan pie, which is a traditional southern dessert, this snack mix contains chopped pecans, brown sugar, and a healthy helping of butter and corn syrup.
22/30
From the Recipe Creator:
I am 83 years old and my mother has been gone for many years, but I'm still using her best recipes. She was a gourmet cook before anyone was using that term and before everyone was counting calories. This was one of our family's favorite desserts when I was growing up, and it's just as good two generations later! —Muriel Fay, Walton, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 519 calories, 29g fat (17g saturated fat), 198mg cholesterol, 104mg sodium, 65g carbohydrate (58g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
I am a firm believer that fluff salads are the best salads. This version contains pineapples, grapes, oranges and mini marshmallows to add color and sweetness to your appetizer spread.
23/30
From the Recipe Creator:
I got the basic recipe for these fritters from a friend, then I tweaked it for my family's tastes. It's one of our very favorite things in the summer. We love them right after they've been fried, when they're still hot and crispy. —Pam Halter, Bridgeton, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 fritter: 40 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 79mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
For fritters that are light and crispy instead of greasy, make sure you use a thermometer to keep an eye on the temperature of your oil. You want to keep the oil at 375°F for the best results. Since each batch will lower the temp a bit, give the oil a minute or two to get back up to temperature before adding more fritters.
24/30
From the Recipe Creator:
Using ingredients you likely already have on hand, these savory crepes will add fun to your celebration for mere pennies. Plus, by changing the filling to something sweet, such as berries and whipped cream, you can create a great dessert. —Kathi Grenier, Auburn, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1 crepe cup: 262 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 963mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein.
These elegant little bites can easily be customized with whatever frozen veggie or lunchmeat you have on hand instead of the ham and cheese called for in the recipe. To save time on party day, you can prep the unbaked crepes and filling the day before. Once party time rolls around, bake the crepe cups, gently warm the filling in a saucepan and assemble.
25/30
From the Recipe Creator:
Every good Southerner has their own easy pimiento cheese recipe. It's wonderful on crackers, in a sandwich with a fresh summer tomato, inside a grilled cheese sandwich or plain with some crackers. —Josh Carter, Birmingham, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 238 calories, 23g fat (7g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 286mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.
Pimiento cheese is an iconic southern comfort food. While the cheese is excellent with crackers or veggies, I love using it as a filling when I need a new grilled cheese idea.
26/30
From the Recipe Creator:
Bacon and shrimp make a great team in this extremely easy party appetizer. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 93 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 189mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
The method calls for cooking the bacon-wrapped shrimp under the broiler, but if it’s warm enough outside, they can be grilled. Cook them over medium heat for three to four minutes on each side, watching for flare-ups. Make sure you soak the skewers in water for 20 minutes before threading the shrimp or else they can burn.
27/30
From the Recipe Creator:
Young relatives were coming for a Christmas party, so I wanted something fun for them to eat. To my surprise, it was the adults who devoured these mini mac and cheese bites. —Kate Mainiero, Elizaville, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 91 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 162mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
Those who will be hosting little ones at their Kentucky Derby party cannot skip making these mac and cheese bites. They’re great dipped in ranch dressing or served all on their own.
28/30
From the Recipe Creator:
These fun little apps are an instant conversation starter wherever they're served. We love them on game day, but they'd be a hit at brunch too. —Crystal Schlueter, Babbitt, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 mini muffin: 74 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 120mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
Can you believe these super savory poppers use only six ingredients? It’s true! Frozen popcorn chicken and refrigerated pulled pork are the secret shortcut ingredients.
29/30
From the Recipe Creator:
Among my friends I'm known as the pork master, because I love to cook just about every cut there is. These appetizers combine soft, mild Brie cheese with a sweet-sour bacon jam that has a touch of Sriracha sauce. —Rick Pascocello, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 91 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 205mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
There is a ton of flavor in these Brie-topped bites! Since the bacon-plum jam is a little involved, I like to make it a few days before I host a party so that all I have to do the day of is cut up the cheese, toast the bread and layer everything together.
30/30
From the Recipe Creator:
There's no secret to this creamy seafood appetizer—it's simply delicious! I originally tasted it at a friend's house, and I liked it so much that I requested the recipe. It's since become a family favorite. —Brenda Buhler, Abbotsford, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 136 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 372mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
Think of this dish as a seafood version of a seven-layer dip. Each dip of a cracker or tortilla chip will have cream cheese spread, seafood sauce, mozzarella, green pepper, tomato, onion and tiny salad shrimp.
Kentucky Derby Appetizers FAQ
What are some traditional Kentucky Derby appetizers?
Traditional Kentucky Derby appetizer recipes include pimiento cheese, Benedictine spread and deviled eggs. You can also make mini versions of heartier classics, like Kentucky Hot Brown sandwiches, to turn a main into an appetizer. Since bourbon is so popular in Kentucky, bourbon-spiked recipes fit in perfectly on race day too.
What finger foods can I make for a Kentucky Derby party?
The best finger foods for your Kentucky Derby buffet include bite-sized biscuit sandwiches, light and refreshing crudites, and sliders, which are easy to eat and less messy than their full-sized versions. Whichever recipes you go with, keep a good supply of napkins and appetizer plates handy to protect your guests’ fancy attire against drips.
What make-ahead dishes can I take to a Derby party?
The best make-ahead dishes to take to a potluck-style Derby party can be fully prepared hours before, such as cold dips, pinwheels, fruit salads, and sweet or savory snack mixes. If you make a batch of pimento cheese or bourbon bacon jam, don’t forget to bring along crackers, vegetables or cheese to enjoy with it.
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