13 Recipes for Any St. Patrick’s Day Meal

Posted: March 17, 2023 8:40 am

St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Friday this year, making it more of an excuse to throw a party. Any St. Patrick’s Day celebration needs food that pays homage to the holiday’s Irish roots. When working on your menu for this festive day, be sure to consider these 13 recipes.

Irish Soda Bread

There is no better way to start your St. Patrick’s Day feast than with this Irish soda bread. This bread requires no yeast, providing an easy recipe than even novice bakers can pull off. While it may look extra dense, the bread is actually light and soft in the middle. Be sure to score the bread with the letter X before baking to ensure that the center bakes evenly. Baking this bread in a cast iron skillet will provide a crispier crust all around the edges. You can also choose to add raisins to your bread for a bit of sweetness.

Irish Coddle

Do you need a dish to pair with that delicious Irish soda bread? Nothing is better than this classic Irish coddle recipe. This hearty dish is made with bacon, pork sausage, potatoes, and onions that cook slow and low in a savory gravy. The Irish coddle is the ultimate comfort dish. It will be difficult to resist pulling it out of the oven early when you smell the aroma coming through your kitchen. However, the long cooking process is what encourages the flavors to meld together perfectly.

Irish Beef Stew

This comforting Irish beef stew is another dish that pairs beautifully with the soda bread. While a traditional Irish stew is made with lamb, it is often easier to find good cuts of beef to use instead. Choose a beef cut that has plenty of fat so that it does not dry out during the cooking process. Complementing the beef are ingredients such as russet potatoes, carrots, and onion. The secret ingredients in this stew are the cup of Guinness extra stout beer and the cup of red wine. This stew tastes even better the next day after the flavors have a chance to come together in harmony.

Traditional Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s pie is another traditional Irish dish that belongs on your St. Patrick’s Day dinner table. The classic version of this quintessential dish uses ground lamb, however, you can also use ground beef or turkey. The meat of your choice is mixed with dried herbs, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, carrots, peas, and corn. All of this goodness is topped with mashed potatoes and baked in the oven. A bit of parmesan cheese adds some zing to the dish. There is so much to love about this recipe.

Guinness Brownies

No Irish feast is complete without Guinness beer. Get creative by using this famous brew in these Guinness brownies. These dense and moist brownies are not too sweet, making them a good choice for a variety of tastes. The addition of espresso powder contributes another layer of richness to the dessert. Top the brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and caramel syrup for the ultimate indulgence.

Boiled Cabbage

It may not sound especially tasty but this boiled cabbage makes an excellent side dish. The key is how you shred the cabbage before boiling it to the perfect level of crispness. Take care to not overcook the cabbage or you will end up with a mushy mess. The cabbage tastes wonderful with a simple salted butter or olive oil topping. However, you can also add chopped chives, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, or chopped parsley for an additional infusion of flavor.

Lime Jell-O Poke Cake

Add some festive green to your St. Patrick’s Day table with this lime jello poke cake. The creamy frosting is the perfect match to the zippy lime flavoring in the middle. This is also a fun recipe for kids to help prepare. Choose this recipe if you need a dessert that you can prepare the day before. Green sprinkles or lime zest add more color to the finished product.

Corned Beef Cabbage Rolls

Turn two classic Irish dishes into one great meal with these corned beef cabbage rolls. The cabbage leaves are stuffed with tender corned beef along with a mash made with carrots and parsnips. While the prep work takes a bit of time, it is an incredibly easy recipe to master. This is also a relatively nutritious entree. Pair the cabbage rolls with a salad or some soda bread for a complete St. Patrick’s Day meal.

Corned Beef Breakfast Hash

Are you hosting a St. Patrick’s Day breakfast or brunch? Try this corned beef breakfast hash, representing the best parts of Irish cuisine. This hash is an amazing combination of corned beef, potatoes, and onions. Serve this with a side of eggs. Elevate the theme of the breakfast by adding some green food coloring to your scrambled eggs. This is a quick and easy recipe that you will want to keep on hand for the rest of the year.

St. Patrick’s Day Mint Schnapps Shakes

Move over Shamrock Shakes, these St. Patrick’s Day mint schnapps shakes are where it is at this year. The creamy shakes are made with vanilla ice cream, vanilla extract, and fresh mint. The green food coloring makes this a festive treat worthy of the day. While the recipe calls for peppermint schnapps, you can make it appropriate for kids by using peppermint flavoring instead. This minty milkshake is a fun way to end your day of festivities.

Guinness Float

For another cool and creamy treat, try this unique Guinness float recipe. It could not be easier to make this dessert. Simply put a few scoops of ice cream into a tall glass and add a drizzle of chocolate syrup. Slowly add a Guinness stout beer over the ice cream and continue to pour it in as the foam goes down. You can use nearly every flavor of ice cream. Good choices include vanilla, chocolate, coffee, or caramel. Increase the buzz level with a splash of Bailey’s Irish cream.

Reuben Nachos

Recreate the taste of a reuben sandwich with these tasty reuben nachos. This is an appetizer that everyone will go crazy for when you set a platter down on the table. Yellow corn tortilla chips are layered with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing to create an ooey and gooey masterpiece. This is also a good recipe idea for leftover corned beef.

Leprechaun Popcorn

Liven up your St. Patrick’s Day with this leprechaun popcorn, a recipe that the kids in your life will certainly appreciate. This snack is the perfect balance of sweet and salty, featuring popcorn, green mint M&Ms, and both green and white candy melts. The result is a colorful snack that is easy and fun. You may want to double this recipe as it will go quickly.

These 13 recipe ideas will make your St. Patrick’s Day celebration one to remember. Lean into the fun of the holiday and whip up some of these themed dishes.

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