St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, and it’s time to channel the spirit of the Irish with some delicious food! Whether you’re planning a festive gathering or simply looking to indulge in some traditional Irish cuisine, there’s no shortage of mouthwatering options to choose from.
Growing up, we have always celebrated St. Patrick’s Day in my house every year complete with decorations, themed food, and drink. A few years ago my family and I went to Ireland and were able to taste the amazing food ourselves! I’m not the most adventurous eater by any means and while there were some things on the menu I would never lay on my tongue, I was always able to find something I liked on the menu.
Here are some of the most irresistible Irish foods that are sure to make your party (or just a lowkey themed dinner with your family) one to remember!
1. Corned Beef and Cabbage
No St. Patrick’s Day feast would be complete without the classic combination of tender corned beef and cabbage. This hearty dish is a staple of Irish-American cuisine and is beloved for its rich, savory flavors. Slow-cooked until tender and served alongside buttery cabbage and potatoes, corned beef is a true crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
You can find my family’s favorite recipe here: Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe
2. Irish Soda Bread
Irish soda bread is a traditional quick bread that pairs perfectly with savory dishes like corned beef and cabbage, Guinness beef stew, Irish potato soup, and many others! Made with simple ingredients like flour, baking soda, buttermilk, and salt, this rustic bread has a dense yet tender texture and a slightly tangy flavor. Serve it warm with a generous slather of butter for an authentic Irish experience. I make this every year and it’s always a hit. This bread has a taste like no other and it is delectable.
A common additive to this bread is raisins. You can add them if you want or skip them! I personally prefer mine without raisins.
Here is the best Irish Soda Bread Recipe!
3. Shepherd’s Pie
For a comforting and satisfying St. Patrick’s Day meal, look no further than shepherd’s pie. This hearty casserole features a savory filling of ground meat (traditionally lamb but also commonly made with beef), vegetables, and gravy, topped with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes. Baked until golden and bubbly, shepherd’s pie is the ultimate comfort food that’s sure to warm you up on a chilly March evening.
Find the most scrumptious Shepherd’s Pie Recipe right here!
4. Guinness Beef Stew
What better way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than with a hearty bowl of Guinness beef stew? This flavorful dish combines tender chunks of beef, hearty vegetables, and rich Guinness stout for a deeply satisfying meal. Slow-cooked to perfection, the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the stout adds a robust flavor that’s perfect for celebrating the Irish holiday.
This has always been my mom’s forte for our St. Patrick’s Day events. She makes the most irresistible Guinness beef stew! She is often asked to bring it to our friend’s dinner parties throughout the year and everyone always wants the recipe!
I’ll let you in on a little secret, it’s right here – Guinness Beef Stew Recipe!
5. Colcannon
The first time I had this dish was at a pub in Dublin. I had never heard of this unique concoction before. Colcannon is a traditional Irish dish made from mashed potatoes mixed with cabbage or kale, butter, milk, and scallions. Creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor. This dish is the epitome of Irish comfort food and let me tell you, it is delicious! Serve it alongside your favorite St. Patrick’s Day mains for a delicious and satisfying side dish that’s sure to impress.
The closest recipe I have found to the dish I had in Ireland is here – Colcannon Recipe.
6. Irish Potato Soup
For a lighter option that’s still bursting with flavor, consider serving Irish potato soup at your St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Made with simple ingredients like potatoes, onions, leeks, and broth, this creamy soup is both comforting and nutritious. Garnish with crispy bacon, chives, and a dollop of sour cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
I grew up eating this soup and it was one I always wanted my mom to make for my birthday or special events, it’s that good! Perfect for any time of year, this is a great crowd-pleasing soup that everyone will like. You can even make it in your slow cooker! Easy-peasy.
The best Irish Potato Soup.
7. Baileys Irish Cream Cheesecake
No St. Patrick’s Day feast would be complete without a sweet treat to end the meal, and what better choice than Baileys Irish cream cheesecake? Creamy, decadent, and infused with the flavors of Irish cream liqueur, this indulgent dessert is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Serve it with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect finishing touch.
Now let me tell you, this is the piece de resistance! It is so creamy and rich, that no one will be able to have just one slice of this decadent cheesecake.
Baileys Irish Cream Cheesecake is one of our favorite St. Patty’s Day treats!
This St. Patrick’s Day, celebrate Irish heritage with flavor by indulging in these delicious Irish-inspired dishes. From classic favorites like corned beef and cabbage to comforting staples like shepherd’s pie and colcannon, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. This is only the tip of the iceberg of amazing Irish dishes, I would need a whole other post if I were to dive into some of the more unique ones! Hey, maybe I will! But these have been our tried and true favorites for many years and I’m so happy to share them with you so you can have them be a part of your celebration as well.
So gather your friends and family, raise a glass of Guinness, and savor the flavors of Ireland with these irresistible St. Patrick’s Day food ideas! Slatine!
XOXO,
Katie
