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St. Patrick’s Day is about more than shamrocks and green beer—it’s a chance to enjoy delicious traditional Irish food with family and friends. Whether you’re planning a complete Irish dinner or just want to add a few festive dishes to your table, these St. Patrick’s Day recipes will help you create an authentic feast.
From hearty main dishes like corned beef and shepherd’s pie to classic sides and sweet Irish desserts, you’ll find everything you need for a memorable celebration. And the best part? You don’t even have to be Irish to join in the fun!
Traditional Main Course St. Patrick’s Day Recipes
They say everybody’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, and there’s a lot of truth to that! In the last dull days of winter, St. Patrick’s Day is a fun, low-stress holiday and a chance to enjoy a festive meal with family or friends.
A hearty and satisfying main dish is the centerpiece of any St. Patrick’s Day dinner. Here are a few of my favorite, Irish-themed, can’t-miss recipes!
Corned Beef and Cabbage
Reluctant Entertainer is one of my favorite food bloggers. She’s married to a first-generation Irish-American, and it shows in her delicious St. Patrick’s Day recipes – including a recipe for classic Corned Beef and Cabbage!
Courtesy of the Reluctant Entertainer
Roast Beef Topside
A good roast is the star of the show at many an Irish family dinner, and roast would be a terrific main dish for St. Patrick’s Day. This gorgeous recipe for Roast Beef Topside (we’d call it a top round roast in the US) from The Irishman’s Wife uses rosemary and red wine to add layers of flavor.
Courtesy of the Irishman’s Wife
Lamb Stew
Lamb is a traditional favorite in Ireland, and something my Irish-descended family looked forward to in the spring. Lamb can be a bit pricey, but this tasty lamb stew makes the most of a small amount of lamb. The bacon and Guinness add even more Irish-inspired flavor!
Shepherd’s Pie
When it comes to Irish dishes, it’s hard to beat a good Shepherd’s Pie. This terrific recipe for The Modern Proper blog is loaded with tasty beef and veggies, and capped with a topping of buttery mashed potatoes. Sprinkle on a little Irish cheddar for even more flavor!
Courtesy of the Modern Proper
Irish Side Dishes to Round Out Your St. Patrick’s Day Meal
I know I’m not the only one who likes the side dishes just as much as the main course. Here are a few truly scrumptious sides to help round out your St. Patrick’s Day feast!
Irish Soda Bread
Soda bread was a must-make St. Patrick’s Day recipe when I was growing up. Since there’s no yeast involved and no proving or rising time, even novice bakers can produce a beautiful, crusty loaf with the easy recipe. It’s a perfect accompaniment to any Irish-inspired main dish.
Irish Flag Salad
This gorgeous, fresh spinach salad with pears, oranges, and tangy homemade dressing features all the colors of the Irish flag. It’s a wonderful accompaniment to any St. Paddy’s Day meal.
Courtesy of the Reluctant Entertainer
Colcannon
Whoever said that there’s no problem on earth that some form of potato can’t make better must have been Irish. One of the best forms of potato for St. Patrick’s Day is traditional colcannon, a combination of rich, buttery mashed potatoes with cabbage. Delish! And so very, very Irish!
Irish Desserts for St. Patrick’s Day
Give your St. Patrick’s Day dinner a sweet finish with one of these delectable, Irish-inspired desserts. Your friends and family will thank you!
Chocolate Guinness Cake
If chocolate and dessert are practically the same word in your house, the Pioneer Woman’s scrumptious Chocolate Guinness Cake is the ideal way to finish your St. Patrick’s Day dinner. The icing is spiked with Irish Crème. Yum!
Courtesy of The Pioneer Woman
Banoffee Pie
Made with bananas and a rich toffee sauce, Banoffee Pie is a beloved traditional Irish and British recipe, and worth the trouble it takes to make it. This version from the Life, Love, and Sugar is a winner!
Courtesy of Life, Love, and Sugar
Easy Banoffee Cake
If you don’t have the time, patience, or expertise to make a banoffee pie, try my recipe for easy banoffee cake, inspired by the flavors of the classic dessert.
Irish Apple Cake
This rich, sweet apple cake from The Pioneer Woman is just as good as any that you’d find in Ireland. Don’t skip the vanilla custard sauce!
Courtesy of the Pioneer Woman
