The 145th Kentucky Derby menu will be served to more than 22,000 guests in premium racetrack dining areas—and at more than a few derby parties, too.
Commencing May 4th at Churchill Downs Racetrack, the derby typically inspires viewing parties across the country. This year, Churchill Downs’ Executive Chef David Danielson has opened up the official menu and easy-to-recreate but intoxicating culinary variations to event planners who want to do just that.
“Derby parties are a growing tradition across the country, and we want to help make them as special as the historic race they celebrate,” said Danielson. “[Attendees] across the country can now share in the Derby’s culinary traditions while we all celebrate the Kentucky Derby together.”
“[Attendees] across the country can now share in the Derby’s culinary traditions while we all celebrate the Kentucky Derby together.”
Both menus continue the tradition of exciting and fun dishes and Southern and Kentucky flavors that pair perfectly with Woodford Reserve Bourbon. The inaugural watch-party Derby menu reinvents this year’s official menu dishes for a spread that brings an authentic taste of Derby to viewing parties and events. According to the derby site, this means that “Moroccan spiced meatballs that racetrack guests will enjoy on Derby day are transformed into easy-to-make meatball, cucumber and mint skewers with yogurt dipping sauce for small events.” Or, “the derby’s warm chocolate cobbler with vanilla ice cream is reimagined as a delicious, festive Mason jar dessert” in the watch-party menu.
For inspiration, the complete and official 145th Kentucky Derby menu is below. The watch-party menu for smaller events can be found here.
Chef’s Appetizers
Scallop and Prawn Sausage with Black Truffle
Celery root puree and cutting celery
Moroccan Spiced Lamb Meatball
Harissa, yogurt and cucumber-mint chutney
Pork Loin
Chicory-whole grain demi-glace
Arugula, Chicory and Figs
Blue cheese, walnuts, late harvest riesling dressing
Farro
Corn, tomatoes and creamy basil dressing
Sweet Potato Salad
Almond and cheddar
Chef’s Sides
Shrimp and Country Ham Pasta
Cavatappi, roasted garlic & rosemary cream with parmesan smashed sweet potato
Roasted Asparagus
Capriole goat cheese, radish, roasted shallot & lemon vinaigrette
Pimento Cheese, Benedictine and Collard Parmesan Dip
Crackers and flatbreads
Chef’s Entrées
Bourbon Citrus Salmon
Beef Short Ribs
Sorghum & soy glaze
Bourbon Sorghum Glazed Turkey
Spiked peaches
Sautéed Chicken Breast
Bourbon honey pan sauce
Cheese Tortellini
Country ham and apples
Chef’s Desserts
Warm Chocolate Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream
Warm Fruit Cobbler
