If you’re looking to host a Mouth-Watering Kentucky Derby at Home, look no further than this epic menu!
This post is sponsored by Woodford Reserve. As always, thank you for reading and for supporting companies I partner with, which allows me to create unique content and recipes for you from readily accessible ingredients. All opinions are always my own
Some people see roses and think of Valentine’s day. Some people see a bottle of Woodford Reserve and maybe imagine their favorite cocktail (same). But both of these things individually and together scream The Kentucky Derby to me and most of my fellow Kentuckians.
Today, I’m going to share with you how to throw the most mouth-watering Kentucky Derby at-home party complete with food options and the beloved Woodford Spire Cocktail!
I didn’t realize until I was probably 25 that people all over the country/world celebrate the Kentucky Derby. I was so shocked when I realized how popular it really was! Since my family friends have all celebrated since I was literally born, I just assumed that it was only a thing that our commonwealth took part in. Nope!
While we’re not the only ones that participate in at-home Derby parties, we obviously do it the best. Don’t fret! Whether you’re in California, New Hampshire, or staying home in the bluegrass, you can throw an epic Kentucky Derby party of your own.
No Derby soiree is complete without a bottle of Woodford. The Kentucky Derby is presented by Woodford Reserve after all! It’s the quintessential bourbon of Derby and you can’t have a party without it. End of story.
Not only do I use Woodford Reserve to make official Kentucky Derby cocktails at home, but I also love to cook with it as well! In my opinion, your Derby food spread needs to be classy southern food at its best.
The new recipe I’m sharing with you today is for Maple-Bourbon Glazed Country Ham and Pimento Cheese Biscuits, but there are more of my food and drink options below! A few dips, some sliders, all the cocktails, and some bourbon-infused desserts, and you have the perfect spread.
Maple-Bourbon Glazed Country Ham and Pimento Cheese Biscuits Ingredients & Subs
southern homestyle biscuits — You want the kind that comes with 8 big biscuits in the tube unless you’re doubling the recipe of course. You could totally make your own, but considering you’re probably making other dishes as well, I thought I’d make it as easy on you as possible. Plus, store-bought biscuits are pretty dang good IMO.
maple syrup
brown sugar
Woodford Reserve — Guys, it’s creme de la creme. Don’t go skimping on this. Buy the good stuff. Your guests will thank you. You can order a bottle on Drizly and have it delivered to your doorstep, just in time for your Derby parties.
Dijon mustard — I love using whole grain mustard.
olive oil
biscuit sliced country ham — If you aren’t a southerner you might be like, “Excuse me, what?” Basically, biscuit sliced country ham is just sliced ready to go on a biscuit, as the name suggests. You can also buy a pound of country ham and slice it yourself. Don’t have access to country ham? Try another salty cured ham like prosciutto or Jamon.
pimento cheese
How to make your southern biscuit appetizer!
Preheat your oven and bake the biscuits according to the package directions. While the biscuits are baking, make the ham.
In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, brown sugar, bourbon, and mustard.
Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add country ham and cook until golden, about 4 minutes per side.
Pour maple-bourbon mixture into pan and cook, turning ham a few times until fully coated in glaze. Cook until glaze is reduced down and completely coats the ham, about 2-3 minutes.
To make the sandwiches, split a biscuit in half and spread the bottom half with the desired amount of pimento cheese. Top with a slice or two of maple-bourbon country ham and serve immediately.
Try some more of my past Kentucky Derby recipes for a full southern menu!
Southern-Style Pimento Cheese Dip
Chocolate Bourbon Butter Pecan Milkshake
Mint Ice Cream with Bourbon Magic Shell
Peach Mint Julep + Bourbon Vanilla Candied Pecans
Salted Caramel Chocolate Pecan Pie
Three Cheese Macaroni Shooters
I hope you enjoy this recipe! Take a browse around the site and please let me know if you make anything by leaving a comment and rating the recipe below. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, concerns, or requests!
Maple-Bourbon Glazed Country Ham and Pimento Cheese Biscuits
Ingredients
- 1 (1-pound) package southern homestyle biscuits
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Woodford Reserve
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound biscuit sliced country ham
- 1 12-ounce container pimento cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven and bake the biscuits according to the package directions. While the biscuits are baking, make the ham.
- In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, brown sugar, bourbon, and mustard.
- Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add country ham and cook until golden, about 4 minutes per side.
- Pour maple-bourbon mixture into pan and cook, turning ham a few times until fully coated in glaze. Cook until glaze is reduced down and completely coats the ham, about 2-3 minutes.
- To make the sandwiches, split a biscuit in half and spread the bottom half with the desired amount of pimento cheese. Top with a slice or two of maple-bourbon country ham and serve immediately.
Notes
See the blog post above.
Woodford Spire
Ingredients
- 1.5 parts of Woodford Reserve
- 2 parts Lemonade
- 1 part Cranberry Juice
- Serve over crushed ice
- Garnish with a lemon twist
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients with ice in a shaker. Shake well and serve over ice.
( I made a pitcher using 4 cups lemonade, 2 cups cranberry juice, 3 cups Woodford Reserve, and lemon slices.)
Notes
See the blog post above.
