5 Traditional St. Patrick’s Day Recipes That Will Impress Everyone

Get ready to impress your guests this St. Patrick’s Day with some classic recipes that celebrate the spirit of the holiday! From hearty Irish stews to rich soda bread, these traditional dishes are easy to whip up and perfect for any gathering. Plus, we’ve got options for everyone, including vegetarian and gluten-free alternatives, so no one misses out on the fun. Let’s make this celebration delicious!

Corned Beef and Cabbage Platter

Corned beef and cabbage is a classic dish that’s a staple in Irish cuisine, especially on St. Patrick’s Day. The tender, flavorful corned beef pairs perfectly with the savory cabbage and carrots, creating a comforting meal that’s simple to prepare. The taste is rich and hearty, with a slight tang that comes from the brining process of the beef. Even if you’re new to cooking, this dish is straightforward and satisfying.

This recipe can easily accommodate different dietary needs. For a gluten-free option, make sure to use gluten-free mustard and broth. If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, consider using a plant-based meat substitute or a hearty vegetable stew with similar spices to capture that signature flavor.

Ingredients

• 3-4 pounds corned beef brisket
• 1 large head of cabbage, cut into wedges
• 4 large carrots, cut into chunks
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Corned Beef: Place the corned beef brisket in a large pot and cover it with beef broth. Add garlic, peppercorns, mustard seeds, bay leaf, and salt.
2. Cook the Meat: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 2.5-3 hours, or until the meat is tender.
3. Add the Vegetables: About 30 minutes before the meat is done, add the chopped carrots and cabbage wedges to the pot. Ensure the vegetables are submerged in the broth.
4. Serve: Once everything is cooked through, remove the corned beef and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve the meat alongside the cabbage and carrots on a large platter.

Traditional Irish Soda Bread

Irish soda bread is a delightful treat that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day. It’s a quick bread, which means it doesn’t require any yeast for leavening. Instead, baking soda is used along with buttermilk, giving the bread a slightly tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with butter or jam. The texture is soft and tender, with a crispy crust that makes every bite enjoyable.

What makes soda bread even better is how simple it is to make. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a fresh loaf in no time, making it an ideal choice for those looking for easy Irish recipes. Whether you’re serving it alongside a hearty stew or enjoying it on its own, this classic Irish food is sure to impress!

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
• Optional: 1/2 cup raisins or currants for a sweet touch

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. Create a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk. Stir until a rough dough forms. If using, fold in the raisins or currants.
4. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for about 1-2 minutes, just until it holds together.
5. Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Cut a deep cross into the top of the loaf with a sharp knife.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
7. Allow to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with butter or your favorite spread.

For those with special diets, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and use plant-based milk like almond or soy milk mixed with a little vinegar to mimic buttermilk.

Shamrock Shake with Mint Whipped Cream

This Shamrock Shake is a festive, creamy treat that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day. With a refreshing mint flavor and a beautiful green hue, it’s sure to impress your guests and delight your taste buds. Best of all, this recipe is simple and quick to make, making it ideal for anyone looking to celebrate with a fun dessert.

The combination of vanilla ice cream, milk, and mint extract creates a rich and indulgent shake, topped with fluffy mint whipped cream for an extra touch of sweetness. If you’re following a special diet, you can easily swap the ice cream for dairy-free alternatives like coconut or almond milk ice cream, and use a plant-based whipped cream for a lighter option.

Ingredients

• 2 cups vanilla ice cream (or dairy-free ice cream)
• 1 cup milk (or dairy-free milk)
• 1/2 teaspoon mint extract
• 2-3 drops green food coloring (optional)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Green sprinkles, for garnish

Instructions

1. Blend the Shake: In a blender, combine vanilla ice cream, milk, mint extract, and green food coloring. Blend until smooth and creamy.
2. Make the Mint Whipped Cream: In a mixing bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
3. Serve: Pour the shamrock shake into glasses and top with mint whipped cream. Sprinkle green sprinkles on top for a festive touch.
4. Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing St. Patrick’s Day treat!

Irish Beef and Guinness Stew

Irish Beef and Guinness Stew is a hearty dish perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. This stew brings together tender pieces of beef, carrots, and potatoes, all simmered in rich Guinness stout, creating a warm and comforting meal. The flavors blend beautifully, resulting in a savory stew that’s both filling and satisfying.

Making this stew is straightforward, even for beginners. With just a bit of chopping and some simmering time, you can create a dish that will impress your family and friends. If you’re looking for Irish recipes to celebrate this festive holiday, this stew is a must-try!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 potatoes, cubed
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 can (14.9 oz) Guinness stout
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add onions, carrots, and potatoes. Cook for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
3. Add Ingredients: Return the beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and Guinness, then add tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender.
5. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy with crusty bread for dipping!

For those with dietary restrictions, you can use a gluten-free beer or vegetable broth to make it gluten-free. Additionally, for a lighter option, substitute beef with mushrooms or lentils.

Colcannon Potatoes with Kerrygold Butter

Colcannon is a classic Irish dish that perfectly captures the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day. This comforting recipe combines creamy mashed potatoes with the vibrant flavors of green onions and kale or cabbage. It’s rich, buttery, and full of flavor, making it a delightful side that will impress everyone at the table.

This dish is simple to make, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal prep time. With the addition of Kerrygold butter, it gets an extra touch of richness, making it a standout choice for any festive gathering. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe that can be easily adapted for different dietary needs.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup chopped kale or cabbage
• 1/2 cup milk (or plant-based milk for dairy-free options)
• 4 tablespoons Kerrygold butter (or olive oil for a dairy-free version)
• 4 green onions, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Boil the Potatoes: In a large pot, cover the chopped potatoes with water and bring to a boil. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
2. Cook the Greens: While the potatoes are cooking, in a separate pot, heat a little water and steam the chopped kale or cabbage until tender, about 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Mash the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are done, drain them and return them to the pot. Add the milk, Kerrygold butter, and season with salt and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy.
4. Add the Greens: Fold in the cooked greens and chopped green onions into the mashed potatoes. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
5. Serve: Transfer the colcannon to a serving dish, adding an extra pat of Kerrygold butter on top if desired. Enjoy it warm with some crusty bread!