Beaten Biscuits
Accept no other substitute for your Kentucky Derby party, beaten biscuits are a must for your country ham platter.
Regional Foods
When you think Charleston and food, you think low-country shrimp and grits. Talk New Orleans, and you’re talking spicy gumbo and savory seafood boils.
The foods that have come from in and around Louisville, as you are about to discover, are tasty and colorful enough that they just may become your new regional favorites.
We’ve collected more than a few for you to try below. Of course, the best way to enjoy them is while you’re here. That way you can sample all the fresh, local ingredients and each chef’s own unique spin on the dish. But you can also try your hand at each one at home. We’ve included some of the most popular local recipes. Even some of the original recipes. So give them a try. For the full Louisville effect, you might want to have a sip or two of your favorite Kentucky bourbon near by. Enjoy.
THE KIND YOU EAT, NOT DRINK
THANKS TO LOUISVILLE CATERER, RESTAURATEUR AND COOKBOOK AUTHOR JENNIE BENEDICT, A CUCUMBER AND CREAM CHEESE SPREAD, KNOWN FOR ITS CATCHY GREEN COLOR, HAS BECOME A FAMOUS KENTUCKY CULINARY FAVORITE.
Burgoo
Burgoo is Kentucky’s most famous stew, usually made for big gatherings. Burgoo dates to before the Civil War and as legend has it, was invented by a French chef. Burgoos typically have at least three different meats, and plenty of vegetables such as corn, okra, and lima beans.
Bourbon Balls
It’s no secret that in Bourbon Country, the state’s signature spirit is a favorite ingredient in a slew of recipes, but perhaps none is more popular (or sweeter tasting) than the bourbon ball.
Hammin’ It Up
No matter how you slice it, country ham is synonymous with the South.
Derby Pie ®
Just by the name, it’s obvious that this delicious dessert originated in the hometown of the Greatest Two Minutes in Sports.
‘FINGER LICKIN’ GOOD’
When it comes to fried chicken, the Bluegrass state is legendary. Afterall, this is the birthplace of Kentucky Fried Chicken.
Henry Bain’s Sauce
THANKS TO A LOUISVILLIAN NAMED HENRY BAIN, A DELICIOUS CONCOCTION OF CHUTNEY, KETCHUP, AND STEAK SAUCE COMBINED TO BECOME A LEGENDARY CONDIMENT ON THE BEST KENTUCKY TABLES.
Hot Brown
No doubt about it, Louisville owns the bragging rights on the Hot Brown.
Bottoms Up!
A trip to the Kentucky Derby wouldn’t be complete without sipping on the official drink of the Greatest Two Minutes in Sports – aka the Mint Julep
Modjeskas
The scrumptious combination of a soft marshmallow and a butter and cream caramel was created by Louisville confectioner Anton Busath.
Call me Old Fashioned
Long before “Mad Men’s” Don Draper was sipping an Old-Fashioned on one of the small screen’s hottest TV shows, the cocktail was a popular drink in Bourbon Country. Ever since the 1800s.
Pimento Cheese - The Pate’ of the South
In the words of Southern Living magazine, it’s “the best thing to happen to the sandwich, well, since sliced bread!”
Sorghum
Kentucky's "Maple Syrup"
Beer Cheese
Served as an appetizer or topping a burger this culinary tradition was born in Kentucky in the 1940's.