St. Patrick's Day is a celebration steeped in heritage, storytelling, and the comfort of a hearty table. Best of all, it's a holiday that invites everyone to the table.
Traditionally observed on March 17th in honor of St. Patrick, Ireland's patron saint, the holiday has become a joyful gathering marked by rustic Irish dinners, soda bread fresh from the oven, slow-simmered corned beef and cabbage, and festive desserts kissed with emerald hues.
Today, we've curated a special roundup of recipes to help you craft the perfect St. Patrick's Day menu. Here's what you will find:
- Classic Corned Beef
- Corned Beef Hash
- Corned Beef Reuben Sliders
- Traditional soda bread variations
- Creamy Homestyle Mashed Potatoes
- Irish Boxty Bites
- Buttery Irish Cream Sugar Cookies
- Dark Chocolate Stout Bundt Cake
- Irish-inspired cocktails and drinks
So, whether you're hosting a full holiday feast or simply adding a touch of Irish charm to your weeknight table, this collection offers something for every celebration and household. Today, everyone is Irish!
What Are Traditional St. Patrick's Day Dinner Recipes?
Corned beef was made popular primarily by Irish-American immigrants during the 19th century due to the price of pork, which in Ireland was the original traditional dish. Irish immigrants adopted the salty corned beef from their neighboring Jewish delis, pairing it with cheap cabbage and boiled potatoes. Soon, it became cemented in American Irish culture, and through the centuries, those traditions have found their way to the Emerald Isle.
- Classic Corned Beef - This simple boiled corned beef is as traditional as it gets. We serve it simply with boiled veggies, soda bread, and a side of creamy mashed potatoes. It's simple to make, cozy, and comforting.
- Corned Beef Hash - Save your leftover corned beef and boiled potatoes for this hash. It's a delicious morning treat with eggs and toast.
- Corned Beef Reuben Sliders - If you're opting to host a St. Patrick's Day luncheon, these reuben-inspired sliders are a great option. The tender meat, warm cabbage slaw, and Thousand Island dressing pack a flavorful punch.
What Is Traditionally Eaten on St. Patrick's Day?
Boiled cabbage, potatoes, and Irish Soda bread are the traditional sides that pair deliciously with corned beef. Here are festive favorites of ours with an LTG twist!
- Creamy Homestyle Mashed Potatoes - mashed with pure Irish butter, sour cream, and Irish cheddar, these mashed potatoes are some of the creamiest we've ever had. Complete it with a generous sprinkling of buttery toasted bread crumbs.
- Irish Boxty Bites - As part of our Irish grazing board, these boxty bites stole the show. Inspired by traditional Irish pancakes, these appetizer-sized portions are a fun twist to serve.
- Irish Soda Bread (with raisins) - Many choose to cut corners and choose to buy Irish Soda bread, but it is one of the easiest breads to make. As the name suggests, there is no yeast, just baking soda. In the 1800s, Irish families relied on this quick and affordable alternative that only required a few basic ingredients. In our opinion, it's one of the tastiest inventions. We also have a recipe variation for Individual Irish Soda Breads.
What Desserts Are Popular on St. Patrick's Day?
If you're looking for Irish-inspired desserts to serve for St. Patrick's Day, we love a rich chocolate Guinness cake, buttery sugar cookies with a glimmer of festive green, or a batch of homemade ice cream flavored with Irish cream.
- Dark Chocolate Stout Bundt - chocolate and stout are such an indulgent combination. Our bundt cake perfectly captures that richness together, and it comes together with just six ingredients.
- Lavender Irish Cream Ice Cream - The sweet, creamy richness of Irish cream blends beautifully into a batch of homemade ice cream against the subtle notes of lavender. Perhaps an unexpected combination, but one that is sure to impress.
- Buttery Irish Cream Sugar Cookies - These delightful crisps are a charming embodiment of good luck and cheer. Shimmering like a leprechaun's gold!
What Drinks Are Served on St. Patrick's Day?
You can never go wrong with a tall glass of Irish stout, but if you're looking for more variety, we love Irish coffee or a good cocktail.
- Cold Irish Cream Mocha Frappé - this cool, delicious blend of dark roast coffee and espresso is given an Irish makeover with Irish cream and lots of chocolate.
- Irish Old Fashioned - Based out of New York, Hercules Mulligan produces a rum & rye that dives deep with complex sweet and herbal notes. Serve on the rocks and sip it slowly.
Whether you gather around a rustic feast of hearty classics or simply savor a slice of soda bread with tea, may these recipes bring a touch of Irish charm to your kitchen and home. From our table to yours, may your St. Patrick's Day be filled with good food, good company, and a little bit of luck along the way. ☘️
Catalina says
Used this roundup to plan our holiday meal and it helped a lot. Everything was easy to follow and turned out great!
Living the Gourmet says
So happy to hear this, Catalina! Thank you so much for stopping by and visiting!
Ben says
I'm going to be eating like I'm Irish all year long with these. Seriously good.
Living the Gourmet says
Haha I feel that, Ben! Thanks for stopping by ^_^
Terri says
This food looks so amazing. I'm going to use this for my entire menu!
Beth says
All of these look so good! Recipes like these are why I love St. Patrick's Day so much.