The Kentucky Derby is about big hats, mint juleps, and an epic snack spread. For a foolproof menu that comes together quickly but still looks impressive, check out our Goodtaste Derby Day Party Spread. We have super-Southern Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs that can be prepped a day in advance, Baked Ham-and-Cheese Sliders that take only 15 minutes to assemble, and a gorgeous no-recipe Relish Tray. This mini feast feeds about 6 to 8 people, but if you’re expecting a bigger crowd, it can easily be doubled or tripled. So put on your flashiest hat and stock up on bourbon, because race day is almost here and you won’t want to miss the party.
Relish Tray
In case you’re not familiar with this old-school dinner party staple, a relish tray is a bountiful platter of olives, pickles, and cut-up vegetables. Serve it alongside mini canapés, with grilled cheese sandwiches and a big pot of simmering soup, or with deviled eggs and sliders, as we do here. This retro appetizer is a classic for a reason: No recipe is required, and it adds playful variety to any party spread. While a relish tray can be exactly what you want it to be, here are few tips to get you started.
Servingware
- We like to use an assortment of different-sized jars for height and visual variety and then arrange them on a platter.
- Offer fancy metal toothpicks or petite spoons and forks for your guests to pick up olives or pickles.
- Place some cocktail napkins or small plates close by.
Food
- As we mentioned above, a relish tray can have whatever you want on it. For the most beautiful tray, pick things that come in a variety of colors, sizes, and shapes—we like to place spears of cucumber, celery, and carrots in jars for some added height. If you’re serving your relish tray with sliders or sandwiches, then add some condiments. Here are a few ideas:
- Cut-up crudités (carrot sticks, radishes, celery, cucumber spears, sliced fennel, endive leaves)
- Pickled vegetables (peppers, cauliflower, pearl onions, beets, string beans, mushrooms, cornichons, bread-and-butter pickle chips)
- Olives (pick one or two varieties; if they’re not pitted, then include a small bowl for pits)
- Condiments (mustards, chutney, pimento cheese, rémoulade, aioli)
- Miscellaneous (this is where you can have some fun: add pickled shrimp, a cheese ball and crackers, halved soft-boiled eggs—anything that will lend a festive look and diverse tastes)
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