62 Irish-Inspired Recipes That'll Soak Up The Booze This St. Patrick's Day
If you only think of Guinness and potatoes when thinking of Irish food for St. Patrick's Day, it's time to get a refresher course. Thankfully, we've rounded up all the recipes you need to show you all that the Ireland food scene has to offer. Hearty and veggie-packed, traditional Irish cuisine is the pinnacle of comfort food, perfect whether you're throwing a party or looking for something for a family dinner this spring. From traditional Irish dishes to creative twists on recipes inspired by Irish foods, we've got something for every occasion here, including sides, apps, mains, and desserts. These 62 ideas go way beyond completing your St. Patrick's Day spread (and they do a pretty great job of soaking up all that holiday booze too 😉).
Not into the holiday bar crawl scene? No stress—stay home and celebrate with these recipes instead! We’ve got everything from corned beef and cabbage (+ multiple ways to cook it), veggie soups, and roasted parsnips (think beyond the potato) for a multi-course sit-down affair. Or set out a spread of delicious appetizers to snack on all day long, like Reuben egg rolls or pretzel beer dip. Of course, no party is complete without refreshing drinks to watch it all down. Irish coffee and Irish mules add creative twists to classic drinks; we celebrate with these cocktails all year long.
If you want to hit the perfect middle ground of involved and hands-off, you’ve gotta go shepherd’s pie. We’ve got a number of recipes represented here, including beef, turkey, and pulled pork versions. Serving vegan or vegetarian guests? We've even got a vegan shepherd's pie so everyone can get in on this ultra-comforting dish. So pour some Guinness, call your friends, and get your tartan out—there's no better homage to the Irish than some hearty food and a laf' with your friends.
Corned Beef & Cabbage
A staple holiday dish, the combo of corned beef and cabbage completes any St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Simple, satisfying, and easy to make, this deserves to be celebrated more than one day a year.
Get the Corned Beef & Cabbage recipe.
Beer Cheese
Warm, creamy dips are required at any party, but if you really want to start your St. Patty's Day festivities, put out a pot of beer cheese. Spiked with lager and Dijon mustard, this smooth and glossy cheese dip will be devoured by party-goers everywhere.
Get the Beer Cheese recipe.
Shepherd's Pie Potato Skins
We’re so obsessed with our new and improved shepherd’s pie recipe that we had to turn it into a potato skin. The saucy, red-wine spiked ground beef and vegetable mixture gets loaded into hollowed-out russet potatoes, topped with Parmesan mashed potatoes, and baked until all of the flavors mingle and meld.
Get the Shepherd's Pie Potato Skins recipe.
Boxty
Can’t decide between a crispy latke and a pile of creamy mashed potatoes? Make boxty. Crunchy on the outside, soft and fluffy in the center, these Irish potato pancakes give you the best of both iconic potato dishes in a single bite.
Get the Boxty recipe.
Irish Sausages & Champ
What better way to celebrate than cooking traditional pub fare? Think of this like British bangers & mash, but with distinctive Irish heritage and flair. Put these flavorful sausages and mashed potatoes together with a rich onion gravy, and you’ll have one seriously satisfying meal for St. Patrick’s Day and beyond.
Get the Irish Sausages & Champ recipe.
St. Patrick's Day Cake
We think we found our pot of gold with this epic top hat-shaped rainbow cake. While it does take a bit of time to assemble, it's actually pretty straight-forward—just don’t forget to fill your cake with Lucky Charms before putting the top layer on!
Get the St. Patrick's Day Cake recipe.
Irish Beef Stew
Traditionally, an Irish stew (aka Guinness Stew) is made with lamb. Our version includes beef chuck, which is cheaper and more easily found. It might be less traditional, but is certainly equal in deliciousness.
Get the Irish Beef Stew recipe.
Irish Brown Bread
This quick bread (meaning no yeast or rise) has a dense yet tender interior that’s as good for dipping into a creamy winter soup as it is for turning into a corned beef sandwich. Whatever you do, don't forget the Irish butter!
Get the Irish Brown Bread recipe.
Skillet Fudgy Brownie Pudding
This recipe has everything you love about a typical brownie, but with a fun twist: It has Baileys in the batter and in the whipped cream, making it the perfect dessert for St. Patrick's Day and all year round.
Get the Skillet Fudgy Brownie Pudding recipe.
Corned Beef & Cabbage Sliders
One of the most classic pairings for corned beef is, of course, cabbage, so in honor of this iconic St. Patrick’s day duo, these corned beef sliders pack all of those festive flavors into a bite-size package. They're easy to prepare and perfect for sharing.
Get the Corned Beef & Cabbage Sliders recipe.
Baileys Chocolate Coffee Cake
Wondering what to do with that opened bottle of Baileys, or looking for an extra-sweet breakfast for St. Patrick's Day? Look no further than this Baileys chocolate coffee cake. The classic breakfast cake gets a sweet (& boozy!) boost in this recipe thanks to an easy chocolate topping and a Baileys-spiked cake. It's the perfect way to make your brunch extra-special, and to guarantee you'll have a sweet snack to reach for all day long.
Get the Baileys Chocolate Coffee Cake recipe.
Shepherd's Pot Pie
This very non-traditional (but very delicious) dish is a blend of two stick-to-your-ribs classics—chicken pot pie and shepherd’s pie—that will become a staple in your St. Patrick's Day festivities. The inside is just like shepherd’s pie, with a wine-spiked ground beef and vegetable mixture topped with fluffy Parmesan mashed potatoes, all wrapped in a golden brown pie crust and finished off with flaky salt.
Get the Shepherd's Pot Pie recipe.
Corned Beef Tacos
We’ve already taken the classic Reuben and repurposed it in nacho and casserole form. Next up, a taco, with a melted layer of Swiss and a lightly creamy, caraway-forward slaw. Use your St. Paddy’s Day leftover corned beef or boil a brisket for the occasion, you won't regret it.
Get the Corned Beef Tacos recipe
Bailey’s Chocolate Cream Pie
Who said St. Patty’s Day desserts need to be bright green? Try this delicious pie of chocolatey boozy fun instead! This no-bake twist on a classic chocolate cream pie is the perfect dessert for your holiday festivities or a clever way to use up Baileys left over from the party.
Get the Bailey’s Chocolate Cream Pie recipe.
Irish Soda Bread
Best served slathered with plenty of Irish butter, Irish soda bread is the best way to start your St. Patrick’s Day festivities. Whether you’re an occasional or avid bread baker, this quick bread is simple to create too—the dough comes together in just 10 minutes.
Get the Irish Soda Bread recipe.
Colcannon
Colcannon is a traditional Irish dish made of creamy mashed potatoes and some green veggie. Most typically you'll find cabbage or kale, paired with some green aromatics like leeks and chives. Here, we opt for a scallion and kale combo for vibrant color and deeper, nuttier flavors.
Get the Colcannon recipe.
Shepherd's Pie
Filled with plenty of veggies, an irresistible beef filling, and topped with creamy mashed potatoes, this warming meal combines your sides + main all into one bowl of cozy goodness. Try any of your favorite veggie combinations here—maybe add some more greens like kale or spinach for good luck?
Get the Shepherd's Pie recipe.
Irish Potato Candy
If you’re not from the Philadelphia area, you might be thinking, I don’t want potato in my candy! Don’t worry, this confection only looks like cute little potatoes, and actually contains no spuds at all.
Get the Irish Potato Candy recipe.
Steamed Cabbage
Because of its simple flavor profile, this low-lift, low-carb recipe pairs well with almost everything. Use it like sauerkraut and pair it with sweet and savory pork or sausage, or stick to the vegetarian route with a polenta & mushroom ragú or mashed potatoes. You really can’t go wrong!
Get the Steamed Cabbage recipe.
Corned Beef & Cabbage Cheese Quesadillas
Enjoy the St. Paddy's fave meal anytime with this handheld snack version! These quesadillas feature Swiss cheese, corned beef, and cabbage wrapped up in flour tortillas. Sauerkraut and stone-ground mustard are also taking center stage in a creamy dipping sauce to serve alongside the quesadillas. Taste buds, get ready!
Get the Corned Beef & Cabbage Cheese Quesadillas recipe.
Irish Apple Cake
This tender apple cake is jam-packed with fruit, which is why we think it's perfectly appropriate to eat a slice for breakfast. 😉 The custard sauce isn't totally necessary, but it is traditional and completely delicious.
Get the Irish Apple Cake recipe.
Bacon Fried Cabbage
If you want to venture into the world of cabbage that goes beyond corn beef or coleslaw, try this fried cabbage on for size. Hearty and flavorful, it only requires 5 ingredients (if you don't count the salt and pepper). Plus, one of those ingredients is bacon!
Get the Bacon Fried Cabbage recipe.
St. Patrick's Day Cupcakes
Don’t just make plain old cupcakes for your St. Patty’s Day bash—make these adorable rainbow-topped cupcakes that taste as good as they look! They're proof that with some green food coloring, a rainbow candy belt, and clever piping, you can turn vanilla cupcakes into a super-festive treat.
Get the St. Patrick's Day Cupcakes recipe.
Pub Beer Cheese
This recipe couldn't be more party-friendly. It whips up in minutes, and you only have to dirty one bowl. This is wonderful with big hard or soft pretzels (homemade, maybe?), but truly anything goes.
Get the Pub Beer Cheese recipe.
Smoked Corned Beef
No smoker? No problem! We made a makeshift smoker in our oven for an easy way to achieve that smoky flavor. Cooking it low and slow over a bed of wood chips creates and tender and juicy piece of meat that's perfect for your St. Patrick's Day meal. Be sure to turn your leftovers into a reuben sandwich!
Get the Smoked Corned Beef recipe.
Pot O' Gold Cups
If the end of the rainbow led to these mini desserts, honestly we wouldn't be disappointed in the slightest. They're made from box brownie mix (although you can make homemade brownies if you prefer), then decorated with whipped cream "clouds," a candy rainbow belt, and gold sprinkles. Have fun with it!
Get the Pot O' Gold Cups recipe.
Roasted Parsnips
Potatoes may get all the love, but they're not the only root veg that deserve a place on your Irish dinner! These roasted parsnips are slightly sweet and perfectly tender, and they just might steal the spotlight from your main dish.
Get the Roasted Parsnips recipe.
Slow-Cooker Corned Beef & Cabbage
Corned beef & cabbage is known for taking what can feel like FOREVER to make. If you don't have that kind of time or energy in the kitchen, we get it—this Crockpot recipe is for you!
Get the Slow-Cooker Corned Beef & Cabbage recipe.
Irish Nachos
These take everything you love about nachos, and make them perfect for celebrating St. Patrick's Day by adding corned beef and using crispy roasted potatoes instead of tortilla chips.
Get the Irish Nachos recipe.
Leprechaun Bait
We went with Lucky Charms and green M&M's for added St. Paddy's Day flair, but like any party mix, this is completely customizable! Feel free to get creative with this mix, but whatever you do, don't forget the green. 😉
Get the Leprechaun Bait recipe.
Instant Pot Potato Soup
Throwing everything in the Instant Pot will give you a delicious soup in about 40 minutes flat. This one is fully loaded and has all of our favorite things, like bacon, cheddar, cream, and chives.
Get the Instant Pot Potato Soup recipe.
Whole Roasted Cabbage
This gorgeous, whole-roasted stunner is the perfect centerpiece substitute for vegetarians. It's savory, sweet, and salty on the outside and super-tender on the inside. Topped with lots of silky mushroom gravy, we doubt anyone at your table will be missing meat.
Get the Whole Roasted Cabbage recipe.
Beer Bread
Beer pulls double-duty here, serving both as a boost to the leaveners and the flavor of the bread. Beer bread can be a delicious accompaniment to any hearty soup, makes for a killer lunch or dinner sandwich, and is delicious enough to stand on its own with a simple slather of butter.
Get the Beer Bread recipe.
Roasted Carrots
This simple recipe is the most versatile side dish. Pair with roasted parsnips and your corned beef brisket (or whole roasted cabbage) for a perfect centerpiece meal.
Get the Roasted Carrots recipe.
Air Fryer Crispy Potatoes
We love using the air fryer for super-crispy potatoes in half the time—no waiting for the oven to preheat, and cooked through in around 10 minutes! Plus, the air fryer requires less oil than typical roasting while still giving an ultra-crispy, golden outside.
Get the Air Fryer Crispy Potatoes recipe.
Mashed Potatoes
We believe your St. Patrick's Day dinner deserves the very best, and that's why we tested these mashed potatoes again and again until we found the perfect recipe. Once you've tried these spuds, you'll never need another mashed potatoes recipe again!
Get the Mashed Potatoes recipe.
Best Vegetable Cabbage Soup
This hearty soup is totally adaptable. Add any of your favorite veggies! Leftover pulled pork, rotisserie chicken, or even tofu would also be delicious. Add it in during the last few minutes of cooking, just to warm it up.
Get the Vegetable Cabbage Soup recipe.
Turkey Shepherd's Pie
A traditional shepherd's pie is made with ground lamb or beef, but this turkey version is surprisingly light and SO easy to make. If you'd like to bulk it up with more veggies, frozen corn and/or frozen peas are a great addition too.
Get the Turkey Shepherd's Pie recipe.
Pretzel Ring Beer Cheese Dip
Beer cheese is one of our favorite party dips, so we decided to take it up a notch by surrounding it in a ring of the staple pairing: pretzeled biscuits. The creamy dip and the pretzel ring bake together, making this two-in-one party party snack almost too easy to bake and share.
Get the Pretzel Ring Beer Cheese Dip recipe.
Leprechaun Bark
Is it the luck o’ the Irish, or is this leprechaun bark exactly the sweet treat we all need to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Full of colorful Lucky Charms, mint M&M’s, and white chocolate, it doesn’t get much easier to prepare this festive St. Patrick's Day dessert.
Get the Leprechaun Bark recipe.
Reuben Egg Rolls
These are the holy grail of St. Patrick's Day appetizers. Frying egg rolls can sound intimidating, but it’s definitely worth it here. The high heat keeps the wrapper crispy and prevents the whole thing from exploding. (Trust us, we've tested them in the oven, and the results are way messier and sadly soggy.)
Get the Reuben Egg Rolls recipe.
Cauli Shepherd's Pie
The mashed potatoes that normally adorn shepherd's pie can be a little heavy, so we replaced the potatoes with cauliflower for a low-carb swap everyone will love. Still creamy and buttery, you'll barely miss the potatoes (and will have more room for St. Patrick's Day cupcakes for dessert 😉).
Get the Cauli Shepherd's Pie recipe.
Corned Beef Hash & Eggs
Wake up with the classic dish with this hash! This hash will help use up any leftover corned beef you have, and feel free to sub in any leftover vegetable you have on hand too.
Get the Corned Beef Hash & Eggs recipe.
Potato Leek Soup
This savory leek and potato soup can be left chunky or blended smooth, but the best part is the crunchy garnish that tops each bowl. Sprinkled with a little salt, fried leek greens transform an otherwise fine bowl of soup into an outstanding one.
Get the Potato Leek Soup recipe.
Cabbage Hash Browns
Hash browns but with cabbage... what could be a better St. Patrick's Day breakfast? Bonus: It's also low-carb!
Get the Cabbage Hash Browns recipe.
Cheesy Cabbage Gratin
Few things are more comforting than tucking into a warm bowl of potatoes au gratin. This cabbage is every bit as comforting, but not *quite* as heavy as its potato counterpart. If you're looking for a hearty veggie side, you're in the right place.
Get the Cheesy Cabbage Gratin recipe.
St. Patrick's Day Cookies
Our easy sugar cookie recipe always keeps its shape while baking so you can relax in knowing all of your leaves will come out perfectly round and defined. We love decorating with royal icing, but you could use a simple buttercream frosting for a quick and easy way to frost these cookies too.
Get the St. Patrick's Day Cookies recipe.
Vegan Shepherd's Pie
This meatless, dairy-free take on shepherd's pie is packed with veggies (mushrooms! celery! butternut squash!) and loaded with flavor. Still not sure? It's covered in the most buttery, crispy mashed potato topping—what more could you want?
Get the Vegan Shepherd's Pie recipe.
Reuben Nachos
We’re big fans of a classic Reuben sandwich—corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, Russian dressing… somehow the combination just works. It works so well, we’ve used the flavors in everything from crescent squares to stuffed chicken, and now these ridiculously fun nachos.
Get the Reuben Nachos recipe.
Keto Corned Beef & Cabbage
Corned beef & cabbage is a St. Patricks day MUST. This keto version is so tender and flavorful, we want to have it way more than just once a year. (Okay, the caper mayo doesn't hurt either).
Get the Keto Corned Beef & Cabbage recipe.
Mini Shepherd's Pies
Everything you love about shepherd's pie, but bite-size! Herd of sheep not included. 🐑
Get the Mini Shepherd's Pies recipe.
Reuben Bowls
There’s some recipes we love the idea of more than the actual execution. Take a Reuben sandwich—corned beef, Russian dressing, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, all precariously stuffed between two pieces of rye bread. Skip all that by making our Reuben bowls instead. They’ve got all the flavors you love, in a convenient bowl!
Get the Reuben Bowls recipe.
Slow-Cooker Corned Beef Hash
This corned beef hash is made even easier, thanks to your slow cooker. Start your St. Patrick's Day off right with this easy comforting breakfast.
Get the Slow-Cooker Corned Beef Hash recipe.
Reuben Sandwich
We loaded this Reuben up with all the essentials: toasted rye bread, corned beef, melty Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and homemade Russian dressing. Have leftover corned beef from St. Patrick's Day? This sandwich is the perfect way to use them up.
Get the Reuben Sandwich recipe.
Keto Shepherd's Pie
Think you can't have shepherd's pie on keto? Think again! Simply swap out the topping for mashed cauliflower (with cream cheese and plenty of cheddar), and next thing you know, you'll be in comfort food heaven.
Get the Keto Shepherd's Pie recipe.
Beer Cheese Mac
The only thing that can make classic mac & cheese better is the addition of beer cheese. It turns this comfort food into something extra special (and worthy of a St. Patrick's Day meal!).
Get the Beer Cheese Mac recipe.
Boiled Dinner
Boiled dinner doesn't sound like much, but honestly it's just another term for corned beef & cabbage. It's a simple meal that's as complicated as bringing a pot of water to boil.
Get the Boiled Dinner recipe.
Corned Beef Brisket
Corned beef brisket has plenty of excellent uses (a Reuben sandwich, anyone?), but this recipe proves that this extra-flavorful meat can stand fully on its own. This roasted brisket is not only tender and moist, but has a crust—thanks to our homemade spice blend—that we truly think takes it over the top.
Get the Corned Beef Brisket recipe.
Instant Pot Corned Beef
Skip the oven and opt for the Instant Pot—it'll whip up a perfectly tender and juicy corned beef. Making this dish in your Instant Pot cuts the cook time drastically, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time celebrating St. Patrick's Day.
Get the Instant Pot Corned Beef recipe.
Guinness Cheese Pretzel Bites
What could possibly be better than a beer cheese-stuffed pretzel? Paired with an ice cold Guinness, nothing. 😍
Get the Guinness Cheese Pretzel Bites recipe.
Cabbage Chowder
This cabbage chowder is full of veggies and andouille sausage for a little spice and to make it extra comfy feeling. The best part? It comes together in under an hour for a fast and simple dinner.
Get the Cabbage Chowder recipe.
Cheesy Guinness Bread
If you love a good beer cheese, get on this stuffed cheesy bread. We took our pull-apart bread method and added plenty of Guinness, butter, and cheese to make this an app that'll disappear fast.
Get the Cheesy Guinness Bread recipe.
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