Hint: Pick recipes that are easy to pull together.

it’s possible for you to still have a fabulous time without sweating like a racehorse in the kitchen.

Just pick out easy recipes with minimal prep time.

Southern Living Kentucky Beer Cheese in a bowl to serve with sliced vegetables and pretzels

Credit:Antonis Achilleos; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

These are my 6 favorite recipes for an easy, last-minute Kentucky Bourbon party.

If your guests lovepimiento cheese dip, chances are likely that they’ll love this spread.

It’s creamy, salty, sharp, and umami forward thanks to a little splash of yesbeer.

Southern Living Cheese Slaw in a bowl to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Fortunately, this recipe makes plenty.

Brioche, good mayo, fresh tomatoes, done!

I find them too sloppy to enjoy in a civilized manner.

Southern Living Pimiento Cheese-Stuffed Peppers on a blue platter to serve

Credit:Greg Dupree; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray

These Ham Delights are a lot easier, and in my honest opinion, MUCH tastier.

Kentucky Derby Cheese Hat

Life is too short to take your food too seriously.

Yes, this recipe is kinda cheesy (HA!

Southern Living Cucumber Sandwiches on a platter to serve

Credit:Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

), but it makes me laugh.

No matter how you choose to celebrate, we wish you a fabulous Derby weekend!

Southern Living Ranch Snacker Crackers in a bowl to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Nuts And Bolts

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Southern Living Tomato-Sandwich Toasts

Credit:Greg Dupree; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray

Mint Julep Sweet Tea

Credit: Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen

Ham Delights - Southern Living

Credit:Antonis Achilleos; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn

Kentucky Derby Cheese Hat - Southern Living

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox