Kentucky has a lot of great stuff, and these iconic foods offer proof beyond just the Bourbon Trail. There’s amazing BBQ, great sweets, and comfort foods that feel like home.
In this list, I’ve included 10 fantastic Kentucky recipes that show what this great state has to offer.
1. Kentucky Burgoo
Burgoo is what Kentucky calls its take on an Irish stew, and it always features a wild mix of meat. When I say wild, I mostly mean that it uses game meat. If you want to do this right, you’ve got to match those strong flavors with equally strong ingredients.
This wouldn’t be right without veggies, so this one uses corn, potatoes, lima beans, and more. In the end, you’ll have a comforting, savory bowl that you won’t forget.
2. Kentucky Bourbon Balls
Trying to find some Kentucky Derby party snacks for the races? You have to put bourbon balls on that list!
A crisp coating of chocolate gives way to a delightful pecan topping on the outside. It’s sweet because of the bourbon, which often makes its way into desserts for its vanilla and caramel undertones. You’ll have to wait for the chocolate to set, but I promise it’s worth it.
3. Kentucky Beer Cheese
Regular beer cheese has nothing on Kentucky beer cheese. What makes it special? It has a sharp bite and a spicy kick, which means you’ve got to use a full 12-ounce bottle of something with more body than your regular lager.
Something bold and daring, like an imperial stout or IPA, is a great option since sharp cheddar is already in the mix. This will steal the show at your next barbecue or game day.
4. Corn Pudding
Okay, I know corn pudding might not sound like the most thrilling thing in the world. This unassuming dessert transforms a box of classic Jiffy cornbread into a treat that’s creamy and buttery.
If you love cornbread, you’ll appreciate the texture, which walks the line between pudding, cornbread, and souffle. It’s also the perfect use for any canned corn taking up space in your pantry.
5. Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwich
You can’t bring up Kentucky foods without mentioning the iconic Hot Brown. The Brown Hotel in Louisville created this legendary open-face sandwich in the 1920s, which gave it its name.
There’s turkey, ham, bacon, and tomatoes piled high, then it’s all smothered with cheese sauce. It might be a little messy, but these sandwiches are addictive and super comforting.
6. Kentucky Derby Pie
When you hear the words “Kentucky Derby,” you probably think of the Mint Julep right away. You can’t deny that it’s delicious, but have you ever had Kentucky Derby pie?
You just mix all the ingredients and load them up in a store-bought pie crust. The sweet and nutty filling comes from chocolate and walnuts.
It’s so easy to make that it would be a sin to skip whipping one up tonight.
7. Kentucky Benedictine Dip
If you want to show that Southern hospitality, nothing says it better than Benedictine Dip. It’s just begging for something crunchy on the side and has a homely texture that’s creamy and crisp. To get it right, you need all that is good: sour cream, mayo, and cream cheese.
A sweet, fresh pop comes from cucumber, and a couple of dashes of green Tabasco brings it all together. It’s a great appetizer to have ready if you’re expecting company and want to bust it out when guests arrive.
8. Mint Julep Fruit Salad
Want to make a Mint Julep, but make it into a meal? You get this show-stopping recipe. In the best way, it’s fresh, fruity, and boozy.
You could use it as an appetizer or dessert. I even think it works as a snack while waiting for that Kentucky BBQ.
Three kinds of balled melon find themselves in a sugar-infused bourbon bath with a hint of mint.
9. Kentucky Butter Cake
Kentucky’s take on butter cake is a classic dessert that they do very well. Since at least 1963, butter cake has been around, and it’s full of buttery goodness and syrup.
A dusting of powdered sugar tops a sweet, buttery glaze for the perfect finish.
This recipe even won first place at a Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest, so you already know it’s a winner. If you have any leftovers, it stores pretty well in the freezer, but once your friends and family get a taste, I doubt there will be anything left.
10. Kentucky Style BBQ
Everyone in the South has a strong opinion on who makes the best barbecue.
Kentucky-style BBQ is definitely finger-licking good! This means smoking seasoned mutton on the grill for hours.
Keep an eye on the temperature and baste it with a tangy sauce. Serve it up with some sweet and tangy dipping sauce and crunchy slaw when it’s done.