The Breeders’ Cup is coming up soon, and if you can’t get to Churchill Downs for horse racing’s World Championships, no need to worry: you can recreate the bluegrass experience in your own kitchen with these Kentucky-inspired recipes perfect for a #BC18 viewing party.

1. Mini Hot Browns

Celebrations at Home has a great recipe for a finger-food version of this decadent Kentucky dish. The combination of turkey, cheese sauce, biscuits, and bacon is the perfect treat for a Breeders’ Cup viewing party!

Kentucky beer cheese (Wikimedia Commons)

2. Beer Cheese

I know, beer cheese sounds like two wonderful things that would be disgusting when combined, like garlic bread ice cream. But! Beer cheese is actually really delicious, and it’s an easy crowd pleaser to make for a viewing party.

3. Praline Cookies

This recipe is both delicious and easy as, well, pie; let A Taste of Kentucky show you how to get these done.

4. Bourbon Meatballs

Meatballs are a staple finger food for parties; but add a bourbon glaze with a little spice, and you have a recipe that’s twice as nice via The View from Great Island.

5. Mini Mac ‘n’ Cheese

This is going to be a crowd-pleaser no matter what. Mac ‘n’ cheese you can hold in your hands? Yes, please! Let Food and Wine show you how it’s done.

6. Keeneland’s Bread Pudding

When I think of delicious Kentucky food, Keeneland’s bread pudding comes to mind. Rich, sweet, and comforting, it’s the perfect fall food, and it will be a perfect addition to your Breeders’ Cup watch party. Or, if you’re feeling like a fancy person, you can try Martha Stewart’s miniature bread pudding recipe so that each of your guests will have their own serving.

7. Bacon Cheddar Biscuits

Every word in that description is right, isn’t it? Let Pure Wow show you how to make this simple treat that’s perfect for watching any sporting event.

Bourbon balls (Wikimedia Commons)

8. Bourbon Balls

No one’s ever mad at bourbon balls. They’re delicious, indulgent, potent, and bite-sized. My Recipes has an easy and foolproof guide!

9. Hot Pimento Cheese Dip

It’s cheese dip, but it’s also so much more than just cheese dip. Make this for your Breeders’ Cup party and it will disappear in no time.

10. Derby Pie Cookie Bars

Derby pie is amazing – amazing! – but it’s not really a finger food. Make the recipe Breeders’ Cup party-ready by turning it into a cookie bar as demonstrated by Half-Baked Harvest.

11. Mini Chicken and Waffles

Tiny chicken and waffles?!  No one will even pay attention to the races if you bring this Kentucky-fried goodness out. Pure Wow has you covered.

12. Burgoo

If you’ve never had burgoo, you’re in got a treat: it’s a thick, hearty stew perfect for fall, and you can serve it family-style for a perfect Breeders’ Cup treat. My favorite version comes from Keeneland, and this recipe is a copycat!

13.  Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

All of the words in this name are wonderful, and your guests will be delighted with this decadent dessert! Get the recipe right here.

Indulgent bonus recipe: Chocolate-Bourbon-Butterscotch Icebox Cake

This one is indulgent, but it’s also a pretty easy recipe with a high “wow” factor. The decadent desert is perfect for a viewing party– and you can bring it back (thanks to the bourbon!) for the Derby, too! Head to My Recipes to see how it’s done.

Suggested beverages:

If you want to keep the authenticity flowing, be sure to incorporate Kentucky into your beverages! Bourbon is the obvious way – we love Maker’s Mark! – and you can customize cocktails at will.

Other options include Ale 8 One soda, which is great on its own or as a mixer. For beer, check out Braxton Brewing – they’re the official beer of this year’s Breeders’ Cup, and they’re locally-based in Louisville. No matter what, don’t forget to drink in moderation and have fun watching the Breeders’ Cup on November 2-3 from Churchill Downs!