We all know that horse racing isn’t just about the race itself. It is about the overall vibe you get from the high-end fashion, champagne, or cocktails, and of course, the food. The best thing about this sport is that you can bring the taste of the Derby to your home.
Some of the biggest horse racing events take place all over the world, and the best thing is that each of these events comes with its own unique flavors (literally). They all try to create recipes rooted in local traditions, which means you can recreate them at home to make your watch party even more exciting.
If you’ve ever been to a classy horse racing event, you’d know that it is all about the snacks. But we are not talking about sad cheese cubes on toothpicks and a half-empty bag of chips. You deserve better.
Let’s go through some of the best homemade snacks you can serve at your watch party.
Why Snacks Matter at the Races
As we mentioned before, horse racing is all about the vibe. And you cannot get the vibe with chips and snacks from the grocery store. You’ll need real food and something classier.
Plus, crafting a horse racing watch party without food is like watching horse racing without the horses.
Remember, you’ll be socializing with your friends’ hours before the race and maybe place a few bets just to compete with your friends for who is the best handicapper. If you want to really prove your handicapping skills you can look for betting sites not on gamstop.
So, what about the snacks? Well, you’ll need something that can be packed in a bag if you travel for the horse day. At some less popular events, people are allowed to bring their own food to the racetrack.
Also, you should consider making snacks that are easy to eat with one hand, since your other hand will be busy holding the mint julep.
Lastly, you want something classy, and possibly local to the Derby, that your friends have never tried before.
So, which are the best snacks to make?
The Savory Lineup
1. Mini Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
Ah yes, the Kentucky Hot Brown—open-faced turkey sandwich with bacon, tomatoes, and creamy Mornay sauce. Delicious, but messy. So, we minified it.
What You Need:
- Slider buns
- Roasted turkey breast
- Crispy bacon strips
- Tomato slices
- Mornay sauce (cheat code: mix béchamel with grated Parmesan)
Assemble like a classic slider and finish them off in the oven for a toasty, melty bite of Southern comfort.
2. Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs? Always a hit. Pimento cheese? Southern gold. Combine the two and you’ve got a crowd-pleaser that’ll disappear faster than your bankroll in race six.
Pro Tip: Make a big batch—they vanish.
3. Herb-Butter Popcorn in Paper Cones
A nod to the racetrack feels with a gourmet twist. This is your low-effort, high-reward option.
Toss fresh-popped popcorn in melted butter, sea salt, rosemary, and thyme. Scoop into paper cones or mason jars so everyone gets their own portion. Fancy, without being fussy.
4. Bourbon BBQ Meatballs
No party is complete without meatballs. Give them that Kentucky spin by simmering them in a sweet bourbon-infused BBQ sauce.
Make-ahead friendly? You bet. Crockpot approved? Absolutely.
The Sweet Side of the Stable
1. Derby Pie Bites
Derby Pie—chocolate, walnuts, and bourbon all wrapped in a gooey pie filling. It’s a Kentucky classic, but instead of slicing a whole pie, let’s go bite-size.
Use pre-made phyllo cups or mini tart shells. Fill with Derby pie mix, bake, and boom—you’ve got portable pie bombs.
2. Mint Julep Sugar Cookies
Think sugar cookies with a minty glaze and a tiny splash of bourbon. Yes, they’re as good as they sound.
Optional: Add a sprig of fresh mint or a green sugar rim for that extra Derby-day flair.
3. Candied Pecans with Cayenne Kick
Sweet, salty, crunchy, and just a bit spicy—these are addictive in the best way. Bag them up as party favors or leave a bowl out (but be warned: they’ll be gone by race two).
4. Strawberry Shortcake Skewers
Layer fresh strawberries, cubes of pound cake, and whipped cream on skewers for a dessert that’s festive, fresh, and doesn’t require utensils.
Bonus: They look like you put in way more effort than you did, which is always good.
Don’t Forget the Drinks!
While not a snack per se, you can’t forget the drink situation.
- Classic Mint Julep – This is the official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby, and a must-have for your watch party. You’ll need: bourbon, simple syrup, crushed ice, and mint. Serve in a silver cup if you’re feeling fancy.
- Sweet Tea Lemonade – for a non-alcoholic crowd pleaser.
- Spiked Peach Iced Tea – because it’s summer and peachy things just make sense.
So, all of these snacks are quite easy to make, which means that you don’t have any excuses. Therefore, make sure you research some of the local flavors you want to bring from the Derby, and maybe try something on your own hand. Who knows, it might turn out to be quite delicious.
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