21 food and drink recipes to celebrate the Kentucky Derby

Although the main attraction at the Kentucky Derby is surely the races, the best way to watch is with good eats and strong drinks in hand.

Over race weekend, Churchill Downs will serve over 22,000 dining room guests. The official menu calls for 22,000 chicken breasts, 5,640 pounds of turkey, 7,600 pounds of potatoes and 8,200 pounds of pasta to feed the whole crowd!

However, if you can't make it to Kentucky and you're planning to throw your own viewing party, you can still eat like you're there with some easy recipes by Churchill Downs executive chef David Danielson and more.

Of course, the mint julep is a staple. Woodford Reserve is the presenting sponsor and official bourbon of the 145th Kentucky Derby—mix bourbon with simple syrup and mint, pour over ice and you're good to go!

Other race day classics you can make on your own include pork loin, chicken wings and pimento cheese muffins.

So, get your bets ready and check out our favorite Kentucky Derby-inspired recipes in the slideshow above!

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