Many of the dishes associated with St. Patrick's Day may not have come from the Irish themselves, but that doesn't mean they can't be part of the St. Patrick's Day feast. Corned beef and cabbage, green beer, and Guinness-infused desserts might be best described as Irish-American dishes, but there's no denying that they're a major part of many St. Patrick's Day celebrations around the world. We've rounded up the best St. Patrick's Day foods, from traditional pub fare to modern dishes that everyone will love.
From green-hued St. Patrick's Day desserts to St. Patrick's Day appetizers that put potatoes front and center, these foods are sure to be a hit at any table. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or just want to add a little festiveness to your family's dinner, there's a recipe here for you. When in doubt, add some green foods to the mix for a St. Patrick's Day atmosphere.
You can also read up on some of the most popular St. Patrick's Day traditions to prepare for the big day. And don't forget to bookmark a few St. Patrick's Day drink recipes so you can raise your glass on March 17.
1
Shepherd's Pie
This cozy meat-and-potatoes dish is perfect for St. Patrick's Day. If you're going for a more traditional take on the dish, you'll want to use ground lamb rather than ground beef in the casserole. We say you can't go wrong with either, especially when you're topping the mixture with creamy mashed potatoes.
Get the Shepherd's Pie recipe.
2
Ham and Cheese Beer Bread
You just can't go wrong when you bring together flavorful ham, melty cheese and beer. Whether you're Irish or not, this deserves a spot at the table.
Get the Ham and Cheese Beer Bread recipe.
3
Dijon and Green Peppercorn–Crusted Standing Rib Roast
According to the blog Irish American Mom, the most popular St. Patrick's Day meal in Ireland is a roast. If you're looking to make something truly special for the holiday, we'd recommend this standing rib roast brushed with a savory, aromatic mustard mixture and served with a white wine and shallot pan sauce.
Get the Dijon and Green Peppercorn–Crusted Standing Rib Roast recipe.
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4
Roasted Lamb Chops with Snap Pea Salad
Another common dish served on St. Patrick's Day is lamb. This year, try this dish which brings together juicy lamb chops and a light, fresh salad that's perfect for spring.
Get the Roasted Lamb Chops with Snap Pea Salad recipe.
5
Soda Bread
Is it really St. Paddy's Day if you don't eat some soda bread? For the ultimate holiday feast, pair this quintessential Irish side with some corned beef and cabbage.
Get the Soda Bread recipe.
6
Chocolate Whoopie Pies
A splash of smooth and creamy dark beer — such as Guinness — adds complexity and depth of flavor to chocolate cake batter.
Get the Chocolate Whoopie Pies recipe.
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7
Colcannon
A traditional Irish staple, this classic dish is made of creamy mashed potatoes and greens — in this case, kale. Yes, please!
Get the Colcannon recipe.
8
Guinness Beef Stew
Stout beer and fresh herbs add major flavor to this St. Patrick's Day favorite.
Get the Guinness Beef Stew recipe.
RELATED: 27 Best Dutch Oven Recipes: Cozy Dinners and Decadent Desserts
9
Green Beer
On St. Paddy's Day, beer dyed green totally counts as food. Use your favorite light beer for a prettier color (and extra-refreshing taste).
Get the Green Beer recipe.
RELATED: 25 Best St. Patrick's Day Drinks That Will Bring You Extra Luck
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10
Shortbread Squares
Use good Irish butter in these rich cookies to really take them over the top.
Get the Shortbread Squares recipe.
11
Homemade Irish Cream
Made with condensed milk, heavy cream and Irish whiskey, you're only a DIY away from homemade Baileys. Yum!
Get the Homemade Irish Cream recipe.
RELATED: 45 Classic co*cktails That You Can Whip Up Anytime
12
Corned Beef and Cabbage
This is probably the dish that first comes to mind when you think of St. Paddy's Day. With hearty beef and roasted cabbage, this meal is every bit as satisfying as it sounds.
Get the Corned Beef and Cabbage recipe.
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13
Crispy Golden Smashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes who? Smashed potatoes are less common than their mashed cousin, but this buttery, crispy recipe will have you wondering why that is.
Get the Crispy Golden Smashed Potatoes recipe.
RELATED: 58 Easy Potato Recipes For Weeknight Dinners, Thanksgiving and More
14
Cheddar-Beer Fondue
This oozy, boozy spread makes a great St. Patrick's appetizer for any party. And there are tons more ways you can cook with your Irish stout, if you want to make it a theme: Try Guinness chocolate cake for dessert!
Get the Cheddar-Beer Fondue recipe.
RELATED: 8 Best Fondue Pots
15
Potato Leek Soup
Like St. Patrick's Day itself, this potato soup flavored with garlic, fennel and leeks feels like winter with a nod to spring.
Get the Potato Leek Soup recipe.
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16
Roast Pork and Sweet Potatoes with Spicy Cabbage
Take a break from lamb and beef with this equally nourishing roast pork main, lightened up with a zippy cabbage side.
Get the Roast Pork and Sweet Potatoes with Spicy Cabbage recipe.
17
Lucky Charm Cookies
Mix Lucky Charms cereal into this cookie dough to make them magically delicious through and through.
Get the Lucky Charm Cookies recipe.
18
Parsnip and Potato Mash
It wouldn't be St. Paddy's Day without a side of potatoes! Plus, this creamy potato mash will complement just about any main dish.
Get the Parsnip and Potato Mash recipe.
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19
Boxty
Your whole crew is sure to love these Irish potato pancakes. They're crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and delicious all the way through.
Get the Boxty recipe from Delish.
20
Beer Battered Cod and Roasted Potato Salad
For a lighter iteration of fish and chips, try pairing crisp beer-battered cod with mustardy roasted potato salad. Fun fact: while the British call fish and chip shops “chippies,” they’re actually referred to as “chippers” in Ireland.
Get the Beer Battered Cod and Roasted Potato Salad recipe from Woman's Day.
