If there’s one thing my mother-in-law’s Kentucky roots have taught me, it’s how to do Derby Day right. She and her whole family hail from the Bluegrass State, and when that first Saturday in May rolls around, it’s like a national holiday in their world. Hats are fluffed, mint juleps are flowing, and every TV in the house is tuned to Churchill Downs. And at the center of our spread is always this Kentucky Hot Brown Dip recipe.
Over the years, I’ve grown to love the Derby too—not just for the two-minute thrill of the race, but for the excuse it gives us to gather, dress a little fancy, and indulge in the kind of snacks that make you want to unbutton your jeans before the race even starts.
Inspired by the iconic Kentucky Hot Brown open-faced sandwich born in Louisville, this dip is rich, warm, cheesy, and just the right amount of indulgent. It’s everything you want in a party dish—easy to make ahead, served hot and bubbly, and perfectly paired with a crisp cocktail (preferably a strong mint julep in a frosty silver cup). But I’ll take any Bourbon drink on that day!
This dish has become such a staple at our Derby watch parties that it doesn’t feel right if I don’t bring it—even though it’s technically not “authentically Kentucky” in its dip form.
But y’all know how the South works: we honor the original, then we put our own twist on it. That’s the definition of Two-Sided Southern, after all.
So whether you’re placing bets or just here for the big hats and Bourbon, this Kentucky Hot Brown Dip recipe is the perfect way to bring a little Louisville tradition to your Derby table.
Kentucky Hot Brown Dip Recipe
Ingredients:
2 cups shredded sharp white cheddar
8 strips bacon cooked crisp & crumbled
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 oz turkey breast chopped (deli meat fine, but carving board style is the best)
8 oz cream cheese softened
1/3 cup Daisy sour cream (‘cuz it’s the best.)
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp garlic powder
salt & pepper to taste
1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
Easy Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°
In a large mixing bowl, add all the cheeses and sour cream. Stir everything together.
2. Add half the bacon and all of the turkey meat and seasonings to the bowl, and stir everything well until it’s all combined.
3. Transfer the dip to a Pyrex or oven safe serving dish, and spread out in an even layer using a spatula.
4. Sprinkle the other half of the bacon evenly out over top, followed by the halved tomatoes.
5. Bake at 425° for 20-25 minutes.
6. If it’s not brown on the top, turn the oven to broil for 1-2 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
7. Then serve warm with Triscuits (my fave!) or any other strong chip or cracker as it can be heavy.
If you’re a dip lover like me, you can also try this Vidalia Onion Dip or this Easy Sausage Cream Cheese Dip. Two of my faves!
