LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The road to the Derby Festival is on, including voting for the Bluegrass' best burger. 

What You Need To Know

  • Voting is now open for the 2024 "Derby Burger" Champion 

  • Dozens of original recipes were submitted 

  • The field has been narrowed to eight burgers, and fans can vote online through Feb. 28 

  • Next up is a cook-off set for March 12 

A Festival tradition, foodies and Festival fans alike can help vote for the 2024 "Derby Burger" champion.

According to the Derby Festival, dozens of original recipes were submitted for the competition, sponsored by the Kentucky Beef Council, Dan-O's Seasoning and Kroger. The field has been narrowed to eight recipes, and fans can vote online through Feb. 28 for the burger they want to see make it to the cook-off, set for March 12.

The finalists are:

  • "Candy Dan" (candied thick-cut bacon, Murray’s Gouda Cheese, hickory bacon, Kroger Sweet & Tangy BBQ Sauce) – Grant Ruble, Louisville
  • "Chipotle ¡Ole!" (cinnamon, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, Roma tomato, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, Gruyere cheese, avocado) – Chase Schnatter, Louisville
  • "Derby P.L.T. Burger" (fried green tomato slices, remoulade, pimento cheese) – Stacy Hoehle, LaGrange, Kentucky
  • "Greek Feta Beef Burger" (oregano, parsley, mint, basil, garlic cloves, roasted red pepper, lemon, crumbled feta, tzatziki sauce, tomato, olive oil) – Stephanie Brunell, Bessemer, Michigan
  • "Hangover Helper" (spicy guacamole, sharp cheddar cheese slice, smoke center cut bacon, over-easy egg) – Lisa Smith, Louisville
  • "Jamaican Jerk Burger" (Caribbean Rhythms Jerk Seasoning, pineapple, red, green, yellow and orange bell peppers, parsley, cilantro, Malibu Rum, Gouda, arugula) – Ira Mowman, Louisville
  • "Pesto Provolone Burger" (Provolone cheese, DeLallo Traditional Basil Simply Pesto, tomato) – Brian Capps, Louisville
  • "Southern Smasher" (hand-battered fried green tomatoes, applewood smoked bacon, American cheese) – Chastity Owens, Louisville

All burgers must be 100% Kentucky Cattlemen's Ground Beef and include Dan-O's Seasoning. Recipes are judged based on taste, appearance, creativity and ease of preparation. The winning burger will be featured at Kroger's Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront during the Derby Festival and inside Kroger stores. 

The festival said the winning chef will also receive the following perks:

  • 2024 Official Derby Festival Poster
  • Two VIP tickets to the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport Thunder VIP Rooftop Party
  • Two VIP tickets to Republic Bank BourbonVille
  • A $100 Kroger gift certificate
  • A grilling prize package courtesy of the Kentucky Beef Council
  • A year's supply of Dan-O's Seasoning 

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