Kentucky, the land famously known for horses, bourbon, and the Kentucky Derby, hides another secret in plain sight – its mouth-watering cuisine. If you’re venturing into the Bluegrass State, your taste buds are in for a wild ride.
And no, we’re not just talking about fried chicken (though, come on, it’s pretty darn good here). There are a lot of delicious food traditions that will make your taste buds scream for more. So, if you are going to be involved in Kentucky Derby handicapping and you are thinking of attending the racetrack, one thing is for sure. You will leave with long-lasting memories and a full stomach.
This brings us to the question, what are some local delicacies that you should definitely try? Well, we’ve made a selection of 5 dishes that have a long tradition in Kentucky, and they are pretty darn delicious.
Let’s dive into the culinary treasures of Kentucky, with a sprinkle of wit and a whole lot of flavors. Buckle up; this isn’t your average food guide.
The Iconic Hot Brown
If you are a person who likes to have a late-night snack, then the hot brown is just for you. Well, it might be a bit more than a snack, but we promise that you’ve never tried a sandwich this good. – You’ll forget about Subway, instantly.
The hot brown is an open-faced turkey sandwich doused in Mornay sauce, topped with tomatoes, bacon, and a sprinkle of Pecorino cheese, then grilled to perfection. This meal, created in the 1920s at Louisville’s Brown Hotel, is a creamy, cheesy treat that might easily be Kentucky’s comfort food poster child.
The winning combo of juicy turkey, cheesy sauce, and that crispy bacon, is something that you can only get in Kentucky.
No wonder it’s one of the most consumed snacks at the big Kentucky Derby event with more than 150,000 spectators. That’s a lot of sandwiches!
Derby Pie
Yes, and it’s not just any pie – it’s Derby Pie, trademarked and all. This heavenly dessert is a nutty, chocolatey, bourbon-infused treat that’s as much a part of Kentucky traditions as the Derby itself. Think of it as the love child of a chocolate chip cookie and a pecan pie, with a dash of bourbon to make it extra special.
So, Why Derby Pie?
Because life is short, and you deserve to treat yourself. Derby Pie combines everything that’s good about dessert into one delicious slice. It’s like winning the dessert lottery, only better because you don’t have to share your winnings (unless you want to, of course).
Burgoo
Burgoo is Kentucky’s answer to the question, “How many meats can we fit into one dish?” This hearty stew is packed with a mix of beef, chicken, pork, and sometimes even lamb or mutton, all simmered with vegetables and spices for hours. It’s the kind of meal that promises to keep you full and happy for days.
This is easily one of the most popular dishes in Kentucky, and it is also served at the iconic Kentucky Derby as a specialty.
The meat is tender, the stew is rich with flavor, and it is a warm hug to a hot day in May on the Kentucky Derby.
But Why Burgoo?
In a world of fast food and instant gratification, Burgoo is a reminder of the magic of slow cooking. It’s a stew with history, a dish that brings communities together, and let’s be honest, it’s just fun to say. Burgoo. See?
Kentucky Spoon Bread
Yes, this is kind of like bread that is eaten with a spoon, the name is quite straightforward. But what makes this dish so special?
Spoonbread is a soft, spoonable cornmeal dish that’s part soufflé, part cornbread, and entirely delicious. It’s a Kentucky household favorite, frequently eaten alongside substantial meals or as a warming dish on its own.
The dish might look simple, and to be honest, it is, but there is something about it that made it one of the most popular recipes that has made it into a tradition.
Why Give Spoonbread a Go?
Because sometimes, the simplest things in life are the most satisfying. Spoonbread is humble, unpretentious, and a testament to the comforting power of cornmeal. It’s like a warm, edible hug that says, “Everything’s going to be okay.”
Pimento Cheese
This is not a full dish, but rather a spread that can be turned into a dish. This is one of the most popular spreads in Kentucky that is added to sandwiches or bruschetta.
It is a creamy spread made with simple ingredients, such as extra sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic, onion, mayonnaise, and diced pimentos.
Sounds like a cheesy delicious spread to me!
After dicing all the ingredients in small pieces and adding the cream cheese and mayonnaise, you should get a creamy texture that can be applied to sandwiches. So, you can add a few slices of salami or turkey, add the spread, and a few slices of tomatoes.
It is a very delicious sandwich that will make you want more!
