As the green hues of March bloom around us, whispering tales of lore and festivity, St. Patrick’s Day emerges as a beacon of celebration. Today I’m whisking you away on a journey through Ireland’s heart, right from your kitchen with these 7 St. Patrick’s Day Must-Do Recipes, that certainly will impress your guests.
Whether you’re of Irish descent or simply a lover of rich, flavorful dishes, this St. Patrick’s Day, let’s create memories that linger like the sweet aroma of baked soda bread.
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
St. Patrick’s Day isn’t just about donning green or searching for four-leaf clovers; it’s a day steeped in history and tradition, a perfect excuse to gather, feast, and toast to good health. Drawing from my years of cooking for family and friends, I’ve curated a list of seven must-do recipes that promise not only to honor the essence of this cherished holiday but also to impress any guest lucky enough to grace your table.
1. Authentic Irish Soda Bread
A quick and easy, crusty bread that’s beautifully dense inside, perfect for slathering with butter.
Authentic Irish Soda Bread
Nothing says "Céad míle fáilte" (a hundred thousand welcomes) like a warm loaf of Irish soda bread. Originating in the early 19th century, this bread was a solution for households that lacked an oven—baked instead on an open fire. The secret to authentic Irish soda bread is simplicity; four basic ingredients come together to create a dense yet soft loaf with a beautifully crisp crust.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
- 1 Bar irish butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Make a well in the center, pour in the buttermilk, and mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Transfer onto a floured surface, gently shape into a round loaf, and transfer to a baking sheet.
- Cut a cross on top to help the bread cook evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Serve warm with a generous slather of Irish butter.
2. Guinness Beef Stew
A hearty, deeply flavored stew where tender chunks of beef meet the rich, malty taste of Guinness for a comforting, slow-cooked masterpiece.
Guinness Beef Stew
Immerse yourself in the rich flavors of Ireland with a hearty Guinness beef stew. This dish marries the robustness of Guinness stout with the tenderness of beef, creating a symphony of flavors that encapsulate the soul of Irish cuisine.
Ingredients
- 2 lb beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, sliced
- 1 can (14 oz) Guiness Stout
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
Instructions
- Brown the beef in a heavy pot, then set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Add garlic, then deglaze with Guinness, scraping up any browned bits.
- Add the beef back to the pot along with the broth, tomato paste, and thyme.
- Simmer for about 2 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
- Serve with a side of mashed potatoes for a comforting, filling meal.
3. Colcannon (Irish Mashed Potatoes)
A creamy, buttery blend of mashed potatoes and kale (or cabbage), offering a delicious twist on the classic mashed potato side.
Calcannon
Ingredients
- 2 lb potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 4 cups kale or cabbage, finely sliced
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes until tender. In another pot, cook the kale or cabbage in milk until soft.
- Drain the potatoes, mash them with butter, and then mix in the kale or cabbage.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Notes
Colcannon is not just a side dish; it's a comforting hug in a bowl. Serve with a slice of irish butter on the center for the perfect traditional irish side.
4. Corned Beef and Cabbage
A savory, slow-cooked corned beef, simmered to perfection with potatoes, carrots, and cabbage for a traditional Irish feast. A true feast to commemorate St. Patrick’s Day!
Corned Beef and Cabbage
Though corned beef and cabbage is more of an Irish-American tradition, it has become synonymous with St. Patrick's Day celebrations. The key to a perfect corned beef lies in the slow cooking process, which ensures the meat is succulent and flavorful.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 3 lb corned beef brisket
- 1 onion, quartered
- 3 carrots, peeled and cut into thirds
- 3 potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1 head cabbage, cut into wedges
Notes
- Place the corned beef in a large pot and cover with water.
- Add the onion and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 3 hours.
- Add the carrots and potatoes during the last hour of cooking and the cabbage in the last 15 minutes.
- When everything is tender, slice the corned beef against the grain and serve with the vegetables.
5. Irish Seafood Chowder
A creamy, comforting chowder brimming with fresh seafood and vegetables, embodying the essence of Ireland’s coastal bounty.
Irish Seafood Chowder
Embracing Ireland's rich maritime heritage, this seafood chowder is a creamy, comforting pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Laden with fresh seafood, potatoes, and carrots, it's a testament to the island's bountiful seas.
Ingredients
- 1 lb mixed seafood (cod, salmon, shrimp)
- 2 potaotes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 4 cups fish or vegetable broth
- 1 cup cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt the butter and sauté the onion until translucent.
- Add the potatoes and carrots, then pour in the broth.
- Simmer until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the seafood and cook until just done.
- Stir in the cream and heat through without boiling.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
This chowder is a warm embrace on a cool evening.
6. Shamrock Shake
A festive, minty-green milkshake that’s delightfully creamy and perfect for adding a sweet touch of Irish charm to your St. Patrick’s Day.
Shamrock Shake
This minty, green milkshake is a fun and festive way to toast St. Patrick's Day. While not traditionally Irish, its vibrant color and refreshing taste have made it a modern-day favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon mint extract
- Green food coloring
- Whipped cream, for garnish
Instructions
- Blend the ice cream, milk, mint extract.
- Add few drops of food coloring until smooth.
- Pour into glasses and top with whipped cream.
Notes
For an adult version, a splash of Irish whiskey transforms this shake into a delightful cocktail.
7. Irish Cream Cheesecake
An indulgent, smooth cheesecake infused with the rich, creamy flavor of Irish Cream for a decadent dessert experience.
Irish Cream Cheesecake
Conclude your St. Patrick's Day feast with a decadent Bailey's Irish Cream Cheesecake. This dessert combines the smooth, rich flavor of Bailey's with creamy cheesecake for a truly indulgent treat.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 2 lb cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup of sugar
- 4 eggs
- 3/4 cup Bailey's Irish Cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine the graham cracker crumbs and butter.
- Press into the bottom of a springform pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
- Beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time.
- Mix in the Bailey's and vanilla.
- Pour over the crust and bake for 50 minutes.
- Chill before serving.
- Serve with your favorite toppings:
Notes
This cheesecake is a slice of heaven that pays homage to Ireland's most famous liqueur. Cook this delicious treat and let it cool in your fridge overnight to feel the perfect blend of flavors.
St. Patrick’s Day is more than just a day; it’s a celebration of culture, history, and the joy of gathering around good food. These seven must-do recipes are your ticket to a memorable day filled with laughter, love, and the unmistakable taste of Ireland. So, don your apron, raise your spatula, and let’s make this St. Patrick’s Day one for the books. Will you start with the soda bread or dive straight into the cheesecake?
Don’t forget to check my FREE St. Patrick’s Day Printables, and set the mood for a graceful, unforgetable evening with your family and friends!
Hi I’m Ana. I’m all about trying to live the best life you can. This blog is all about working to become physically healthy, mentally healthy and financially free! There lots of DIY tips, personal finance tips and just general tips on how to live the best life.
slope says
Good recipe! I can use it