Paula Deen Shares Favorite Kentucky Derby Traditions

As the Kentucky Derby approaches this Saturday, many are making their way to Louisville to take in the excitement of the horse races and enjoy the famous mint julep, which combines Kentucky bourbon, simple syrup, crushed ice, and mint.

Celebrity chef Paula Deen, in a recent chat with Fox News Digital, emphasized that her favorite aspect of the Derby isn’t about the food at all—it’s actually the fashion. She noted that while the event is famed for its delightful Southern dishes and potent drinks, her real draw is the stylish outfits.

Deen has attended the Derby before and mentioned that the perfect spot would be right at the entrance, giving her a good view of all the happenings. “If I could wish for anything,” she remarked, “it would be a comfy chair right there.”

“I love watching ladies and gentlemen,” she added, “They really embrace this Old South aesthetic. The guys look sharp, and those hats and costumes—it’s just fantastic to see.”

She recalled her experience at Churchill Downs, where she arrived in a Derby Day outfit and of course, ended up covered in mud. “You really feel the atmosphere,” she said. “That Derby Day mud is something else!”

While the races are indeed the focus, Deen highlighted the iconic food and drink that come with the Derby experience. She mentioned the mint julep as “the star of the Derby,” but also expressed her fondness for a lesser-known dish, the Kentucky Hot Brown, describing it as an open-faced sandwich featuring roast turkey, bread, bacon, and Mornay sauce. Developed in a Louisville hotel back in the 1920s, it remains a beloved Southern staple.

Deen referred to the Hot Brown as a bit of a messy meal, saying, “You kind of need a knife and fork for that one.” She even mentioned converting it into a casserole in her cookbook for easier eating. Her ideal Derby menu would consist of mint juleps, Hot Browns, hot cheese dip, fresh fruit, and, of course, fried chicken. “No matter the party, I’m always ordering fried chicken,” she added, laughing.

When questioned about whether there could ever be too much butter at the Derby, Deen quickly disagreed, even jokingly asking, “Why do you think there’s such a thing?”

For her, the perfect Derby Day really hinges on pleasant weather and a thrilling race. “Two years ago, I was there, and the weather was just exquisite,” she reminisced. “Everyone longs for that perfect moment when the race of a lifetime occurs.”