24 St. Patrick's Day Recipes, From Corned Beef and Cabbage to Irish Soda Bread (2024)

We have all the St. Patrick's Day recipes you need, from Irish-American classics like corned beef and cabbage to traditional Irish standbys like soda bread. You can design your menu around these lamb pies, which are a specialty of the Dingle Peninsula. Or make this fish pie the star of your dinner — it's packed with fresh cod, shrimp, and bay scallops. Curate your celebratory spread with recipes for boxty, a seafood chowder, skillet-roasted lamb loins, and more St. Patrick's Day food to add to your menu.

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Corned Beef and Cabbage

24 St. Patrick's Day Recipes, From Corned Beef and Cabbage to Irish Soda Bread (1)

This easy recipe for Corned Beef and Cabbage yields a hearty meal that's perfect for dinner, even when it's not St. Patrick's Day.

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02of 24

Irish Soda Bread

24 St. Patrick's Day Recipes, From Corned Beef and Cabbage to Irish Soda Bread (2)

"This recipe is based on the one my Irish mother learned in school, thanks to the cooking textbook All in the Cooking," former F&W editor Margaret Eby says. "It's about as simple as bread gets — four ingredients, one bowl, about five minutes to bring together, and less than an hour in the oven.

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03of 24

Guinness-Glazed Ham

24 St. Patrick's Day Recipes, From Corned Beef and Cabbage to Irish Soda Bread (3)

Galway chef JP McMahon uses a combination of light brown sugar and Ireland's most famous stout to create a malted, sweet but balanced glaze that ham soaks up.

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04of 24

Dingle Pies (Irish Lamb Pies with Herbs)

24 St. Patrick's Day Recipes, From Corned Beef and Cabbage to Irish Soda Bread (4)

These savory hand pies are filled with lamb that's been cooked with thyme, rosemary, and sage, making for something close to a gorgeous, self-contained, handheld pot pie.

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05of 24

Grilled Leg of Lamb with Garlic and Rosemary

24 St. Patrick's Day Recipes, From Corned Beef and Cabbage to Irish Soda Bread (5)

Chef Cal Peternell carefully cuts along the four natural muscle separations (they're easily visible) and pulls the four pieces apart with his fingers before cooking. Grilling the lamb this way is quicker than butterflying, makes it easier to determine doneness, and simplifies carving. Plus the meat develops a mellow flavor and lots of delicious crust.

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06of 24

Seafood-and-Seaweed Chowder

24 St. Patrick's Day Recipes, From Corned Beef and Cabbage to Irish Soda Bread (6)

In this recipe from chef JP McMahon, a combination of dry hard cider and dried seaweed brings a sweet, mild salinity to the stock, making it ideal for precooking the mussels and clams before using it as the base of the chowder.

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Buttery Crab Casseroles

24 St. Patrick's Day Recipes, From Corned Beef and Cabbage to Irish Soda Bread (7)

The simple seasonings in this recipe from the Irish coast, inspired by the luscious buttery crab crumble served at Vaughans Anchor Inn, highlight the crab’s sweetness rather than overpower it.

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08of 24

Skillet-Roasted Lamb Loins with Herbs

24 St. Patrick's Day Recipes, From Corned Beef and Cabbage to Irish Soda Bread (8)

Here, chef Cathal Armstrong rubs lamb loins with herbs, garlic, and shallots, then ties them up, sears them, and finishes them in the oven. The result is succulent, delicately flavored meat.

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09of 24

Irish Potato Boxty

24 St. Patrick's Day Recipes, From Corned Beef and Cabbage to Irish Soda Bread (9)

Boxty, classic Irish potato pancakes, are usually a side dish, but are hearty enough to make for their own main.

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10of 24

Irish Brown Bread

24 St. Patrick's Day Recipes, From Corned Beef and Cabbage to Irish Soda Bread (10)

Even though this bread is dense, hearty, and complex-tasting, it requires no yeast and therefore no rising time.Chef Cathal Armstrongsays he likes it best "fresh from the oven and with lots of Kerrygold butter."

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11of 24

Porter Bundt Cake with Whiskey-Caramel Sauce

24 St. Patrick's Day Recipes, From Corned Beef and Cabbage to Irish Soda Bread (11)

This richly flavored cake features quintessential Irish ingredients such as dark porter beer, dark brown sugar, and whiskey.

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12of 24

Irish Buttered Carrots

24 St. Patrick's Day Recipes, From Corned Beef and Cabbage to Irish Soda Bread (12)

Slieve na Mbamis the name of a regional Irish dish of carrots cooked in cream and butter. Here, the carrots are steamed and then tossed in butter, along with thyme leaves and parsley or celery leaves. Good-quality Irish butter is the key to this simple dish.

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13of 24

Braised Lamb with Herb-Scented Jus

24 St. Patrick's Day Recipes, From Corned Beef and Cabbage to Irish Soda Bread (13)

This tender braised leg of lamb might be served at a private dinner party. Chef David Mawhinny then sandwiches any extra meat and meat juices with pickled vegetables and focaccia for lunch.

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14of 24

Bread Pudding with Irish Whiskey

24 St. Patrick's Day Recipes, From Corned Beef and Cabbage to Irish Soda Bread (14)

CelebrateSt. Paddy’s Daywith a whiskey-spiked bread pudding. This hearty dessert melds the sweetness from the vanilla beans with the punch of whiskey for a spectacular flavor — think adult French toast. If whiskey isn't to your liking, you can always leave it out.

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15of 24

Creamy Leek and Potato Soup

24 St. Patrick's Day Recipes, From Corned Beef and Cabbage to Irish Soda Bread (15)

This hearty, comforting soup takes less than an hour to make, and you probably have most of the ingredients already on hand — just pick up some leeks, potatoes, and cream.

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16of 24

Slow Cooker Corned Beef with Cabbage, Carrots, and Potatoes

24 St. Patrick's Day Recipes, From Corned Beef and Cabbage to Irish Soda Bread (16)

Corned beef is one of the most popular dishes to eat on St. Patrick's Day and originated during the days when refrigeration didn't exist and foods were likely pickled or cured to preserve them.

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17of 24

Smoked Salmon Toasts with Mustard Butter

24 St. Patrick's Day Recipes, From Corned Beef and Cabbage to Irish Soda Bread (17)

Sour cream or cream cheese may be the usual spread with salty smoked salmon, but chef David Tanis thinks softened butter makes a tasty alternative. (Think of ham-and-butter sandwiches.) To give the butter a zippy bite, he stirs in lemon zest and both Dijon and grainy mustards.

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18of 24

Irish Fish Pie

24 St. Patrick's Day Recipes, From Corned Beef and Cabbage to Irish Soda Bread (18)

"A staple in Irish and Irish-American households, fish pie is usually topped with a puree of white potatoes," former F&W senior food editor Mary-Frances Heck writes in her cookbook, Sweet Potatoes. "But swap white potatoes for sweet potatoes, and it turns out that the mild brininess of the fish is fantastic with the slightly sweet topping. Feel free to substitute salmon or a mild white-fleshed fish for the cod, and shucked clams for the scallops."

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19of 24

Irish Lamb and Turnip Stew

24 St. Patrick's Day Recipes, From Corned Beef and Cabbage to Irish Soda Bread (19)

This simple stew is finished with lots of fresh parsley and mint for an extra kick of freshness and flavor.

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20of 24

Grilled Lamb Chops with Marjoram Butter and Zucchini

24 St. Patrick's Day Recipes, From Corned Beef and Cabbage to Irish Soda Bread (20)

Sweet, floral marjoram is Irish chef Rachel Allen’s favorite herb with grilled lamb. Substitute the zucchini with parsnips or carrots for the perfect St. Patrick's Day meal.

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21of 24

Irish Country Bread

24 St. Patrick's Day Recipes, From Corned Beef and Cabbage to Irish Soda Bread (21)

TV chef Andrew Zimmern uses this recipe to make incredible rolls for sandwiches and burgers as well as larger loaves topped with minced onions for serving with grilled steak.

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22of 24

Irish Potato and Corned Beef Cakes

24 St. Patrick's Day Recipes, From Corned Beef and Cabbage to Irish Soda Bread (22)

This meaty version of Irish Boxty, classic potato pancakes, is the perfect use for leftover corned beef.

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23of 24

Guinness Ice Cream with Chocolate-Covered Pretzels

24 St. Patrick's Day Recipes, From Corned Beef and Cabbage to Irish Soda Bread (23)

It may not be traditional Irish fare, but this ice cream certainly celebrates a beloved Irish staple. Its strong, malty Guinness flavor goes supremely well with the salty milk chocolate–covered pretzels. If you don't want to make the chocolate-covered pretzels, they're easy enough to buy.

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24of 24

Irish Soda Bread Pudding

24 St. Patrick's Day Recipes, From Corned Beef and Cabbage to Irish Soda Bread (24)

Bread pudding, with its custardy bottom and crusty top, is the simplest way to turn pantry ingredients like eggs, sugar and bread, into a decadent dessert.

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24 St. Patrick's Day Recipes, From Corned Beef and Cabbage to Irish Soda Bread (2024)

FAQs

What does the cross on Irish soda bread served on St Patrick's Day represent? ›

The Southern Irish regions bake their loaves in a classic round fashion and cut a cross on top of the bread. This was done for superstitious reasons, as families believed a cross on top of the bread would let the fairies out or ward off evil and protect the household.

What is the traditional food for St Patrick's Day? ›

Corned Beef Brisket, Potatoes, Cabbage, and Carrots

It's too late to start corning your own beef for St. Patrick's Day, but that doesn't mean you can't make the best of a store-bought corned beef brisket.

Why did the Irish eat soda bread? ›

Irish soda bread was first created in the 1830s, when baking soda was first introduced to the UK. At the time, Ireland was facing financial hardship and lack of resources, so they turned to soda bread out of neccessity, it was inexpensive and required few ingredients.

What are the best St. Patrick's Day recipes? ›

Bangers and Mash
  1. Bangers and Mash. Lidey Heuck. 45 minutes.
  2. Easy. Corned Beef Hash. ...
  3. Potato-Kale Casserole and Eggs. Melissa Clark. ...
  4. Corned Beef and Cabbage. Sarah DiGregorio. ...
  5. Shepherd's Pie. Samantha Seneviratne. ...
  6. Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie. Lidey Heuck. ...
  7. Irish Stew. David Tanis. ...
  8. Guinness Pie. Sam Sifton, Jamie Oliver, Fergus Henderson.

Why do you put a cross in Irish soda bread? ›

I was always told that the cross on the top of Irish Soda Bread was to symbolize the Catholic faith of Ireland, and the Gaelic Cross. Some say it kept the Devil out, but that is what a cross is supposed to do also. Turns out that is true but more importantly, it helps in the baking of the bread.

What is the official drink of St. Patrick's day? ›

Nothing says St. Patrick's Day like a pint of Guinness or a frosty glass of green beer. While there's nothing wrong with keeping things simple, it's also fun to get creative with your drink menu. Think cozy co*cktails made with Baileys or refreshing drinks with a bright green hue that's perfect for the season.

Why do we eat corned beef and cabbage at St. Patty's Day? ›

What has become a tradition of eating corned beef and cabbage to celebrate St. Patrick's Day likely grew out of the fact that those foods were less expensive for immigrants who came to America. They substituted beef for pork and cabbage for potatoes.

Is corned beef and cabbage traditional Irish food? ›

While corned beef and cabbage may not be a strictly Irish dish, it has become a popular part of Irish-American culture and is often associated with St. Patrick's Day celebrations. If you are looking for the best Deli near me to enjoy some good eats and drinks on St.

What is corned beef made of? ›

Corned beef is most often made from beef brisket (a relatively inexpensive, tough cut of beef) that's been cured in a salt brine with a mix of spices, like bay leaf, peppercorns, mustard seed, juniper berries, coriander seed, and whole cloves.

What's the difference between Irish bread and Irish soda bread? ›

Irish brown bread has a deep, nutty flavor because of its wheat flour and wheat bran while soda bread uses only white flour. Soda bread is slightly sweet and more scone-like while Irish brown bread is more savory with a tender interior.

Is soda bread healthy? ›

Is Whole-Wheat Soda Bread Good for You? Whole-wheat soda bread is a healthy addition to your plate! One serving—a 1/2-inch-thick slice—provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, protein, fiber, and vitamins and minerals.

What is the most popular dish on St. Patrick's Day? ›

Corned Beef and Cabbage

You can't get any more traditional on St. Patrick's Day than when you serve corned beef and cabbage. This dish is heavily associated with St.

What is the real St. Patrick's Day dinner? ›

Spring lamb comes into season around St. Patrick's Day, and roasts, such as a leg of lamb with rosemary, are popular. Pies are, too, such as fish pies (made with cod or haddock), shepherd's pie (ground lamb with a potato crust), or Guinness and Beef Pie, which is one of McKenna's favorites.

What is the luck of the Irish St Patrick's day? ›

To this day, the clover continues to be an Irish symbol of pride, and it is believed that wearing or decorating with clovers for St. Patrick's Day is a symbol of good fortune.

Why do Irish wear orange on St Patricks day? ›

Traditionally, the green represents the Catholics of Ireland, the orange represents the Protestant population and the white in the middle symbolizes the peace between the two religions.

What holiday do you eat Irish soda bread? ›

Irish Soda Bread is traditional holiday bread for St. Patrick's Day and most popular here in the States with Irish-Americans.

Why do Irish drink so much on St Patrick's day? ›

In celebration of the life of their patron Saint, Irish Christians removed the restrictions associated with Lent on this day and threw large parties to commemorate his death. The second reason beer and St. Patrick's Day are so closely tied has to do with the Irish immigration of the 1840s.

References

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