Top 5 St. Patrick’s Day Recipes: Classic Irish Dishes to Celebrate

St. Patrick’s Day is all about good food, great company, and maybe a little bit of green beer. Whether you’re cooking up a full Irish feast or just want to enjoy some classic comfort foods, these St. Patrick’s Day recipes are exactly what you need to celebrate in style. From the legendary corned beef and cabbage to Grandma’s Irish soda bread, we’ve got all the essentials to make your meal memorable.

These dishes are hearty, flavorful, and perfect for sharing. Let’s dive into the top five St. Patrick’s Day recipes you need to try this year!

1. Corned Beef and Cabbage

A plate of corned beef and cabbage served with potatoes and carrots on a rustic wooden table.

Corned beef and cabbage is hands-down the most iconic dish for St. Patrick’s Day. This slow-cooked meal is packed with flavor, tender meat, and perfectly seasoned vegetables. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make!

Ingredients

  • 1 (3-pound) corned beef brisket with spice packet
  • 10 small red potatoes
  • 5 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 1 large head cabbage, cut into wedges

Instructions

  1. Prep the corned beef: Place the brisket in a large pot and cover with water. Add the spice packet that comes with it.
  2. Simmer: Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 2.5 to 3 hours until the beef is tender.
  3. Add the veggies: Toss in the potatoes and carrots, cooking for another 30 minutes.
  4. Cook the cabbage: Add the cabbage wedges and cook for a final 15 minutes, until tender.
  5. Slice and serve: Remove the corned beef, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice against the grain. Serve with the veggies and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Corned Beef and Cabbage

  • Low and slow is the key: Simmering the meat slowly makes it melt-in-your-mouth tender.
  • Don’t overcook the cabbage: It should be tender but still have some bite.
  • Serve with mustard or horseradish: Adds an extra punch of flavor!

Looking for more festive green dishes to complete your St. Patrick’s Day menu? Try this delicious Green Bean Casserole Recipe for a vibrant and flavorful side!

2. Corned Beef Hash

A crispy corned beef hash skillet with potatoes, onions, and a fried egg on top

Got leftover corned beef? Turn it into a crispy, golden hash that’s perfect for breakfast (or honestly, any meal of the day). It’s the ultimate comfort food and comes together in just one pan.

Ingredients

  • 6 large potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 (12-ounce) can corned beef, cut into chunks
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 cup beef broth

Instructions

  1. Cook the potatoes: In a large skillet, cook the diced potatoes in oil over medium heat until golden brown.
  2. Add the onion: Stir in the chopped onion and sauté until soft.
  3. Mix in the corned beef: Add the chunks of corned beef and cook for another 5-7 minutes.
  4. Pour in the broth: Stir in the beef broth to add flavor and keep everything moist.
  5. Crisp it up: Let the hash cook undisturbed for a few minutes to get those delicious crispy bits. Flip and repeat.
  6. Serve hot: Top with a fried egg for extra deliciousness!

Serving Suggestions

  • Add a fried or poached egg on top for a rich, creamy contrast.
  • Serve with toast or a slice of Irish soda bread.
  • A dash of hot sauce makes everything better!

If you’re a fan of traditional comfort foods, you’ll love this hearty Beef Stew with Egg Noodle (Vietnamese). It’s not Irish, but it brings the same warm and comforting flavors to the table!

3. Guinness Corned Beef

Sliced Guinness-braised corned beef with a caramelized crust, served with roasted vegetables.

This twist on traditional corned beef adds a deep, caramelized sweetness thanks to Guinness stout and brown sugar. It’s rich, tender, and full of bold flavors.

Ingredients

  • 4 pounds corned beef brisket
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle of Guinness stout beer

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 300°F.
  2. Prep the beef: Place the brisket in a large roasting pan.
  3. Add the magic ingredients: Sprinkle the brown sugar over the meat and pour the Guinness over the top.
  4. Cover and bake: Seal the pan with foil and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.
  5. Caramelize the top: Remove the foil and broil for a few minutes to get a crispy, caramelized crust.
  6. Slice and serve: Let the beef rest before slicing. Serve with cabbage and potatoes!

Why Guinness Makes It Better

  • The rich maltiness of Guinness pairs perfectly with the salty corned beef.
  • The beer helps tenderize the meat, making it fall-apart delicious.
  • It adds a deep, complex flavor you can’t get from water alone!

Pair this rich and flavorful corned beef with the perfect drink! While Guinness is a top choice, check out this refreshing Skinny Margarita Recipe for a fun and unexpected St. Patrick’s Day twist

4. Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage

A plate of Instant Pot corned beef and cabbage with carrots and potatoes.

Short on time? The Instant Pot makes cooking corned beef faster and easier while keeping it just as flavorful.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds corned beef (1.5 inches in thickness)
  • 4 cups cold water
  • 1 medium onion, quartered
  • 4 garlic cloves, crushed

Pickling Spices Seasoning:

  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
  • ½ teaspoon whole allspice
  • 3 whole cloves
  • 3 bay leaves
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)

Vegetables:

  • 6 carrots, peeled & cut into 2.5-inch pieces
  • 4 red potatoes, quartered
  • 1 cabbage, cut into 8 wedges

Instructions

  1. Place the corned beef in the Instant Pot with water, onion, garlic, and seasonings.
  2. Set the timer: Cook on high pressure for 90 minutes, then let it release naturally.
  3. Add the veggies: Remove the beef, then add the potatoes, carrots, and cabbage. Cook for 5 minutes on high pressure.
  4. Slice and serve: Let the beef rest before slicing. Serve with the tender veggies.

Benefits of Using an Instant Pot

  • Cuts cooking time by more than half.
  • Keeps the meat juicy and tender.
  • One-pot meal means less cleanup!

Want to add some baked goods to your feast? Try this easy and delicious Madeline Cookies Recipe. It’s a great way to bring a touch of sweetness to your St. Patrick’s Day celebration

5. Grandma’s Irish Soda Bread

A freshly baked loaf of Irish soda bread with a golden crust, served with butter

No St. Patrick’s Day meal is complete without Irish soda bread. This simple, rustic bread is slightly sweet, with a soft crumb and a golden crust.

Ingredients

  • 1 and ¾ cups buttermilk
  • 1 large egg (optional)
  • 4 and ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • (Optional: 1 cup raisins)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Cut in the butter: Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix in the butter until the dough is crumbly.
  4. Add buttermilk and egg: Stir until combined (don’t overmix!).
  5. Shape the dough: Form into a round loaf and place on a baking sheet.
  6. Score the top: Cut an “X” on top to help it bake evenly.
  7. Bake for 45 minutes until golden brown.

Serving and Storage Tips

  • Best served warm with butter or jam.
  • Stays fresh for 2-3 days at room temp.
  • Freezes well for up to 3 months!

For more savory treats to enjoy during the festivities, check out this comforting Tater Tot Casserole Recipe. It’s crowd-pleasing and perfect for feeding a group

FAQs for St. Patrick’s Day Recipes

What is traditional St. Patrick’s Day food?

Traditional St. Patrick’s Day food includes classic Irish dishes like corned beef and cabbage, Irish soda bread, shepherd’s pie, colcannon (mashed potatoes with cabbage or kale), and hearty Irish stews. These comforting, simple, and flavorful dishes have been enjoyed for generations, especially in the United States, where corned beef and cabbage became the go-to meal for the holiday.

What is the menu for St. Patrick’s Day?

A St. Patrick’s Day menu typically features:
Main Dish: Corned beef and cabbage, Guinness-braised beef, or shepherd’s pie
Sides: Mashed potatoes, colcannon, roasted carrots, or soda bread
Desserts: Irish apple cake, shamrock sugar cookies, or Bailey’s-infused treats
Drinks: Guinness beer, Irish whiskey, or green-themed cocktails
Many people also add fun, festive foods like green pancakes, shamrock-shaped cookies, or even Irish coffee for a boozy twist!
Looking for more crowd-pleasing appetizers? Try these flavorful Bang Bang Salmon Bites for a fun and delicious start to your St. Patrick’s Day meal

What is the most consumed beverage on St. Patrick’s Day?

Without a doubt, Guinness beer is the most popular drink on St. Patrick’s Day. This iconic Irish stout is poured in bars across the U.S. and around the world, with millions of pints consumed on March 17th alone. Other popular drinks include Irish whiskey, green beer, Irish coffee, and cocktails featuring Baileys Irish Cream or Jameson whiskey.
Don’t forget dessert! After all the Guinness and whiskey, treat yourself to a delicious homemade Chocolate Bar Recipe. It’s the perfect sweet ending to an Irish feast!

If you’re celebrating at home, consider making an Irish whiskey mule or a Guinness float—because why not mix dessert with a little fun?

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