Originally observed by The Irish, Saint Patrick’s Day is now celebrated globally by people from a variety of cultures.
The holiday was first recognized around the ninth or 10th century, and over more than 1,000 years, it has developed into a day filled with feasts, traditions, and impressive gatherings.
Even if you don’t plan to invite the neighborhood over for a day-long party, Saint Patrick’s Day is a great opportunity to make some Irish and green-colored foods at home. So, join me and whip up some of these delicious Saint Patrick’s Day Recipes to celebrate on the 17th!
Mains to Make on Saint Patrick’s Day
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just a few bellies, here are some main dishes you can make for this fun holiday.
Corned Beef and Cabbage
Perhaps the most iconic Saint Patrick’s Day dish is corned beef and cabbage.
Cured with a special blend of salt and spices, the beef has been a Saint Patrick’s Day staple since the 17th century. And if you’d like to continue the tradition at home, you’ll love this simple crockpot recipe from Taste of Home.
It includes hearty beef, potatoes, and veggies like carrots and cabbage. Add a few spices, let it cook for a couple of hours, and you’ll be well on your way to a classic Irish meal.
HERE is the entire recipe.
Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s pie can be made a few ways, but if you’re looking for a classic recipe, this one created by chef Alton Brown should do the trick.
Before I begin… do you know why it’s called Shepherd’s Pie?
It was originally called “Cottage Pie” in modern British England because it was made with beef. But when made with lamb, “Shepherd’s Pie” became the go-to name (since sheep are cared for by shepherds). Back to the recipe!
This dish is super comforting and pretty easy to make. And while it calls for homemade mashed potatoes, I don’t see anything wrong with store-bought mashed potatoes if you’re really pressed on time!
To find everything you’ll need, click HERE.
Irish Stew
For something that will warm you up in an instant, turn to Irish Beef Stew.
It’s packed with marbled chuck beef (the best for flavor!), carrots, potatoes, and onions. It even has some Guinness and red wine mixed in which adds some malty sweetness and hoppy bitterness to the dish.
This looks like a winner from the photos alone… but you’ll have to try it out HERE just to be sure!
Sides for Your Irish Feast
A main isn’t the same without its sidekick. But these “sidekick” sides are far from inferior. Check out these flavor-packed ideas for your Saint Patrick’s Day meal.
Colcannon
The name sounds funny, but the dish isn’t a joke.
An Irish favorite made with potatoes, cabbage, and dairy, it looks a little like mashed potatoes—but it’s filled with incredible texture.
Each region of the country has a different way of cooking it and different renditions of the classic, but if you’re looking for a good place to get started, check out this recipe from The Spruce Eats HERE.
Boiled Cabbage
I won’t lie… boiled cabbage sounds less than appealing. But if you’ve ever tried it, you know that’s far from true.
What gives this cabbage its flavor can change from recipe to recipe. But this one calls for salted butter, chopped chives, chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice.
To learn more about how to make this classic side, click HERE.
Irish Soda Bread
I’ve found a few great recipes on “Sally’s Baking Addiction” and this looks like one of them! After all, it’s her grandma’s recipe and you know how much I cherish my OWN grandma’s recipes 🙂
This bread has a golden-brown crust and it’s fairly dense, too. And while it might seem heavy because of the crisp crust, it’s tender and soft on the inside.
Another thing I love about Irish Soda Bread? It is a little sweet, but not overly sweet. Such a treat!
HERE is the full recipe.
Desserts to Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day
Miss sweet tooth here! And any holiday I can use as an excuse for a tasty treat, I’ll take. Here are some desserts that caught my eye.
Grasshopper Cake
Although my grasshopper cake can be made any time of the year, the green color makes it perfect for Saint Patrick’s Day!
The actual cake features the perfect blend of vanilla and chocolate and the hint of mint really turns it into something special.
Did I mention it only calls for four ingredients? Talk about an easy dessert. Find the full recipe HERE. You might even need to make a second batch!
Green Velvet Layer Cake
Here’s another cake option I have yet to make, but it looks like a dessert that I need to whip up soon!
This recipe is from “The Itsy-Bitsy Kitchen” and it looks decadent. Green food coloring gives the cake its prominent tint, and although it’s totally homemade, the instructions are very straightforward.
If it doesn’t already grab your attention, the cream cheese topping might seal the deal! HERE is the recipe.
Shamrock Shake
If you ever make a McDonald’s stop while on the road, you’ll see a “Shamrock Shake” on the menu when March rolls around.
But you don’t have to go through the drive-thru to enjoy this dessert. You can make it at home!
This copycat recipe is actually from a blog called “CopyKat.” All you need is five ingredients (some that you might already have) and it can easily be duplicated if you’re making shakes for two.
To learn more about what you’ll need, click HERE.
How do these sound? I think I’ll start with the Irish Stew and Colcannon. Which one of these Saint Patrick’s Day recipes will you make?
From my kitchen to yours,
Jill
Did you know I have my own online shop? Check it outHERE!
Saint Patrick’s Day Recipes Saint Patrick’s Day Recipes
