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By Katie Workman
on Mar 10, 2021, Updated Feb 14, 2024
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Over 31 million Americans claim some Irish ancestry. And while St. Patrick’s Day is a celebrated holiday in Ireland, it’s actually celebrated on a larger scale in the U.S. The day celebrates St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, who lived and died in the 5th century. The holiday has an inclusive feel about it, a sense that you don’t need to be Irish to celebrate. In fact, the holiday has been embraced as a moment to be heritage-proud, and there is a popular saying, “Everyone’s a little Irish on St. Patty’s Day.”
And, of course, when there is a cultural/national holiday, there are always the foods that go with it. When St. Patrick’s Day approaches, you can find many of the Irish staples piled high in the markets and often on sale. Look for cabbages, potatoes, and corned beef, in particular. I’m not Irish, but I know a good holiday — and a great food holiday — when I see it. Here is a smattering of delicious recipes geared toward St. Patrick’s Day or any time you have a yearning for any one of these Irish classics.
Traditional St. Patrick’s Day Recipes
These are but a few of the greatest hits! Irish Soda Bread is so easy to pull together: no yeast, no kneading. Flaky scones would be perfect for breakfast or maybe a little tea break later in the day. And you can’t go wrong with Shepherd’s Pie or Corned Beef and Cabbage, two classic Irish dinners. And speaking of cabbage, that’s kind of a non-negotiable St. Patrick’s Day offering. Below, find a number of choices for preparing this versatile, inexpensive, hardy, and downright delicious vegetable.
Can’t decide? Me neither. So, I may have to work my way through the list over the next week.
17 Easy St. Patrick’s Day Recipes
5 from 6 votes
Irish Soda Bread
Traditional Irish soda bread is a yeast-free quick bread, and it's a great companion to all kinds of meals and soups. This recipe has body, richness, and a hint of sweetness.
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5 from 2 votes
Irish Scones with Smoked Salmon
I originally developed this flaky Irish scone recipe for the Associated Press for St. Patrick's Day. It's perfect for breakfast, a snack, or tea time. If you can find Irish smoked salmon, it will feel even more authentic!
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5 from 4 votes
Irish Lamb Stew
This comforting lamb stew is very traditional in Irish cooking and perfect for St. Patty's day.
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5 from 3 votes
Roasted Cabbage Wedges
You will be amazed at how a few seasonings and some time in a hot oven transform wedges of simple cabbage into something special.
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5 from 7 votes
Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd's Pie is the ultimate Irish comfort food. In this recipe, a savory ground lamb and vegetable filling is topped with cheesy mashed potatoes for even more flavor.
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5 from 12 votes
Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage
This popular Irish dish takes so well to the slow cooker. Adding the cabbage towards the end allows it to become tender but still have some nice texture, while the corned beef becomes super tender and moist.
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5 from 3 votes
Simple Beer-Braised Cabbage
A bit of smoky bacon adds wonderful flavor to cabbage cooked until soft and tender.
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5 from 33 votes
Colcannon
In this traditional Irish dish, fluffy, creamy potatoes are mashed with sautéed cabbage and kale (or use whichever greens you like best!). I could eat this as a main course!
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5 from 2 votes
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Adding melty cheeses to fluffy mashed potatoes makes the perfect comfort food even more comforting.
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5 from 4 votes
Braised Red Cabbage
Most Irish cabbage dishes are made with green cabbage, but this braised red cabbage dish also adds a nice color to a holiday table!
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5 from 1 vote
Molasses Cornbread
A bit of molasses adds a nice flavor and deep color to tender, crumbly cornbread.
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5 from 3 votes
Lamb Stew with White Wine, Orange, and Fennel
Another lamb stew, one of the traditional dishes of Ireland. This recipe is made with white wine and fennel for a lighter take on a classic stew.
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5 from 1 vote
Fried Eggs and Smoked Salmon over Polenta Cakes
This would be a great way to kick off St. Patty's Day!
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5 from 10 votes
Slow Cooker Fall-Apart Braised Pork with Cabbage and Apples
Another slow-cooked meat and cabbage dish, this one sweetened naturally with the addition of apples.
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5 from 1 vote
Simple Beef Stew
Most traditional Irish stews are made with lamb, but this classic beef version is also very St. Patrick's Day-friendly!
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5 from 5 votes
Gingerbread Cake
Gingerbread is a dessert commonly served for St. Patrick's Day. The tender cake and the warm spices are a great way to end a meal!
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5 from 1 vote
Cottage Pie
While Shepherd's Pie made with lamb is more commonly served in Ireland, this British cousin made with beef is another great St Patrick's Day main course.
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