What Chefs Want, founded and headquartered in Kentucky is proud to support Derby traditions for over 27 years! The Kentucky Derby is near and dear to us, but we believe the traditions and tastes of the Derby expand well beyond just the Kentucky borders. This year, whether you are jockeying for position among best Derby menu features or just want to celebrate from afar, our handpicked selections and ingredients are sure to impress your guests with a taste of true Kentucky spirit.
As Louisville gears up for the Kentucky Derby, the city comes alive with excitement and anticipation. Known not only for its fast horses but also for its distinctive culinary culture, the Kentucky Derby offers a perfect opportunity to showcase flavors and traditions. At What Chefs Want, headquartered right in the heart of Derby activities, we’re dedicated to providing chefs with high-quality, ingredients that reflect the rich heritage of this historic event.
Keep your eyes peeled for our BOLD RED ingredients. These are ingredients from Kentucky producers and vendors to showcase even more Kentucky tradition.
And They’re Off – Starters
Bourbon-Glazed Shrimp Skewers
Kick off the Derby festivities with these sweet and smoky skewers. The bourbon smoked sugar gives the shrimp a unique Kentucky twist, perfect for setting the culinary mood.
- Shrimp – Mariblu 13/15 PDT/ON 5/2LB – 33189
- Sugar – Bourbon Smoked 13oz Jar – 97222
- Skewers – bamboo pick paddle 7″ – 98114
Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
This miniature version of the classic Kentucky Hot Brown is a must for any Derby menu. These sliders feature juicy turkey and crispy bacon topped with a rich Swiss cheese sauce, all nestled in a soft brioche bun.
- Turkey – Fischer farms Boneless, Skinless, Raw, Whole 4-5 CT – 33919
- Bacon – Broadbent sliced KY – 5 lb pk – 95032
- Tomatoes – heirloom 10 lb cs – 50014
- Slider Buns – brioche 160/1.4 OZ – 90720
- Swiss Cheese – shredded 10 lb bag – 91277
Kentucky Lamb Sliders with Mint Sauce
Offer your guests a taste of Kentucky’s pastoral heritage with these savory lamb sliders, enhanced by a fresh mint sauce that complements the rich flavors of the meat.
- Lamb – 20z Freedom Run 64/2oz – 49980
- Slider Buns – brioche 160/1.4 oz – 90720
- Paprika – Bourbon Smoked 4.5lb tub – 97156
- Yogurt – plain 4% greek 32 oz – 97999
- Mint – fresh by the lb – 40018
- Arugula – baby cleaned 1.5 lb bag – 20225
Main Courses that Win, Place or Show
Scallop and Corn Salad
This light and refreshing salad features plump scallops and sweet corn as the stars, with a tangy lime dressing that brightens the entire dish.
- Scallops – u/8 dry domestic – 32713
- Corn – fresh kernel 4/5 lb cs – 17043
- Bell Pepper – red/grn dice 3/8″ 10lb – 17430
- Jalapeno – diced 2/5 lb cs – 99933
- Red Onion – diced 2/5 lb cs – 70015
- Lime juice – Natalie’s 6/32oz cs – 99203
Pecan-Crusted Salmon with Sweet Tea Glaze
Nothing says “southern cooking” like sweet tea and pecans. This dish combines them with luxurious Ora King salmon for a main course that’s both innovative and deeply rooted in southern tradition.
- Ora King salmon – Fillet S-On 3-4lb – 48083
- Pecans – pieces raw 2 lb bag – 95322
- Bread crumbs – panko fine 20 lb cs – 13002
- Paprika – bourbon smoked 7 oz – 97082
- Worcestershire – Bourbon Barrel aged 1 gal – 96121
- Tea – Luzianne bag w/filt 32/3 oz cs – 02570
Kentucky Wagyu Smash Burger
A juicy Wagyu burger that captures the essence of high-quality Kentucky beef, served with a tangy dill pickle ketchup that adds an unexpected twist to each bite.
- Black Hawk patty – 8 oz frzn – 30108
- Brioche bun – Rotella – 4.25″ 4/12 CT – 14618
- Cheese – American – 160 slice 4/5lb ca – 15472
- Worcestershire – Bourbon Barrels Aged 1 Gal. – 96121
- Mayonnaise – Duke’s 4/1 gal cs – 98048
- Ketchup – Milo’s Dill Pickle 6/14 OZ – 22586
Lobster and Grits with Scallop Cream Sauce
Enhance your Derby menu with this luxurious take on a southern classic. The creamy grits and rich lobster are complemented by a delicate scallop sauce.
- Lobster tail – 5/6oz Cold Water – 48421
- Lobster stock – Stock Shop 10/2 lb – 24073
- Grits – White Weisenberger 25 lb bag – 92206
- Heavy cream – 36% 12/1qt cs – 26967
Beef Tenderloin with Henry Bain’s Sauce
This robust entrée features tender beef tenderloin paired with a unique, locally cherished Henry Bain’s sauce, delivering a taste of Kentucky history in every bite.
- Beef Tenderloin – choice 5 & up case – 00089
- Henry Bain’s Sauce – Bourbon Barrel Foods – 1 gal each – 21786
- Parsley – micro 6 oz pk – 02937
Bits and Pieces: Side Dishes to Impress
Collard Greens
A staple in southern cooking, these collard greens are slow-cooked with smoked ham hocks and a hint of apple cider vinegar for a touch of sweetness.
- Collard Greens – chopped 4/2.5lb cs – 20121
- Ham Hock – smoked, frzn 10 lb avg – 00451
- Chicken Broth – Stock Shop 4 lb tub – 31674
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Madhouse – 18694
- Bourbon Black Pepper – Bourbon smoked – 7.5oz – 97093
Fried Okra
Crispy and golden, this fried okra is a crowd-pleaser. It’s dusted with a blend of cornmeal and flour seasoned with bourbon smoked paprika for a distinct flavor.
- Okra – fresh, case – 20918
- Buttermilk – whole fat 1/2 gal ea – 02550
- Cornmeal – Weisenberger 25 lb bag – 92220
- Flour – a/p Weisenberger 25 lb bag – 93311
- Paprika – Bourbon smoked 4.5lb tub – 97156
Cheese Grits
Creamy and comforting, these cheese grits are made with rich butter and Emmenthal cheese, providing a perfect side dish that’s simple yet satisfying.
- Grits – yellow Weisenberger 25 lb – 92219
- Chicken Stock – Stock Shop 4/4 lb – 27262
- Cheese – Emmenthal shredded 5-6lb – 91349
- Butter – Beurremont 83% 36/1 lb cs – 93072
The Finish Line: Desserts
Derby Pie
A decadent dessert with a nutty, chocolatey filling, this pie is a beloved Kentucky tradition. It’s the perfect sweet treat to conclude your Derby celebration.
- Pie Shell – 9″ deep frozen 20 ct cs – 90473
- Pecans – pecans halves raw 2 lb bag – 95321
- Chocolate chips – semisweet 2lb bag – 92130
- Sugar – bourbon smoked 6x13oz jar – 97236
- Vanilla Extract – pure, quart – 93209
- Ready to Eat Derby Pie 9” (Item #16632) OR Derby Pie Sheets 8”x12” (Item #02921)
Bourbon Bread Pudding
Rich and custardy, with a hint of bourbon and tart cherries, this bread pudding is an ode to Kentucky’s favorite spirit and a fitting finale to your Derby menu.
- Brioche Bread – Ghyslain 8 x 20 oz – 90479
- Whole Milk – Chaneys whole 4/gal – 23275
- Heavy Cream – 36% 12/1qt cs – 26967
- Sugar – Bourbon smoked – 6x13oz jar – 97236
- Brown Sugar – dark 24/1 lb cs – 22808
- Dried Fruit – tart cherries 5lb bag – 93105
And we’re off to the races! With these menu ideas and premium ingredients from What Chefs Want, you’re all set to create a Kentucky Derby dining experience that’s as exciting as the races themselves. Celebrate this cherished tradition with flavors and producers that speak to the heart of Kentucky.
*All products may not be available in each region. Please check the app or reach out to your customer advocate for availability.
