I feel like St. Patrick’s Day is a whole lot more than just a holiday.
It’s actually the perfect excuse for enjoying super comforting and tasty food on the tail end of winter.
Also, it’s another day to gather with friend and family, and I feel like that should always be celebrated.
And if you’re planning a get-together, then I’m definitely gonna suggest that you try some of these cozy ideas for St. Patrick’s Day recipes. Some look pretty traditional, but there are also quite a few fun twists on classic Irish recipes.
You’re getting dinners and desserts like super tasty and savory stews, incredible cakes, and satisfying drinks.
So grab a few of these Irish dishes and enjoy this St. Patrick’s Day food!
1. Corned Beef
If you’re gathering up a list of St. Patrick’s Day dishes, then this should probably be at the top.
It’s a classic, and if you love corned beef (like me), then I have a few options for your St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
The first is a glazed version of the classic corned beef recipe and it honestly looks so good! I feel like the sweet would work great with the salty tanginess of the corned beef. Also, this recipe serves 6 and takes just 10 minutes of prep, so I’d say it’s worth your time!
The next is just the classic original recipe. And if that’s all you’re looking for, then I think this one is a good option. This corned beef and cabbage recipe looks so juicy and perfect for a St. Patrick’s day dinner! Also, it’s just 15 minutes of prep time, so it’s not gonna take up too much of your time on this holiday.
And lastly, I thought I’d also include the option for an Instant Pot version of corned beef. If you want to cut the cooking time in half, then I think this is a great recipe to try!
2. Colcannon Soup (Cabbage Potato Soup)
There’s just something so comforting and hearty sounding about a potato and cabbage soup!
I mean it looks so creamy and flavorful, and when you top it with bacon, I think it’ll make either an amazing side or main.
Also, it’s inspired by an authentic Irish recipe (colcannon), so if you’re wanting to try the comforting soup version of this dish, then definitely give it a try!
GET THE RECIPE3. Twice Baked Shepherd’s Pie Potatoes
A creative twist on a classic, these Shepherd’s Pie Twice Baked Potatoes have a nice fluffy baked potatoes filled with savory meat, veggies, and mashed potatoes. Honestly, it sounds like a very tasty homage to Irish comfort food.
Also, it’s kind of hard to go wrong with a twice-baked potato recipe, but that’s just my opinion.
GET THE RECIPE4. Cheddar & Stout Biscuits
Level up your St. Patrick’s Day dinner with these golden Irish Cheddar and Stout Biscuits; a really nice blend of rich cheddar, hearty stout, and buttery goodness.
Also, these have to taste incredible with the stew you’re gonna see next (just saying).
GET THE RECIPE5. Guinness Beef Stew
Warm up your home with a hearty Guinness Beef Stew, where tender chunks of beef, filling veggies, and a rich Guinness-infused broth combine to create pure comfort food. Honestly, I’m getting hungry just looking at it.
Also, I included two different versions to try. The first Guinness beef stew is a bit more rich with pancetta, and the second Guinness beef stew recipe looks just as good, but doesn’t take as long to cook.
6. Beer Braised Short Ribs
Enjoy some nice rich flavors with tender beef ribs that are braised in a savory beer-infused sauce. A great dinner main that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day if you’re not too crazy about corned beef and cabbage! Just pair it with some extra buttery mashed potatoes and you’re all set!
GET THE RECIPE7. Apple Beer Cheese Soup
You’ll probably enjoy your St. Patrick’s Day a whole lot more with a bowl of apple beer cheese soup. And while it’s not green, it is creamy, cheesy, and sounds incredibly rich. Kind of perfect for a cold day! Also, I think it’d pop nicely on a table full of hearty comforting St. Paddy’s day dishes.
GET THE RECIPE8. Traditional Irish Corned Beef Hash
Enjoy your St. Patrick’s Day just a little more with traditional Irish corned beef hash. A satisfying dish with crispy potatoes, onions, and the savory goodness of leftover corned beef.
It’s one of my personal favorites! I’ve loved corned beef hash since I was a kid; it’s so rich and comforting. And topping it with some runny eggs is kind of the best!
GET THE RECIPE9. Comforting Irish Beef Stew
I think you should enjoy the warmth of a comforting, hot Irish beef stew. It really does look like one of the best St. Patrick’s Day recipes to enjoy on a cold day!
And if you’re craving something hearty and wanna pair it with some mashed potatoes (because honestly, that sounds amazing), then this is the Irish meal for you.
GET THE RECIPE10. Colcannon
Being a nice blend of creamy mashed potatoes, sautéed greens, and a lot of butter, I think this traditional Irish recipe looks pretty good! I mean, is it really St. Patrick’s Day without mashed potatoes? And while this is the original recipe that I featured when I first wrote this post, here’s a colcannon recipe made by an Irish cook if you wanna check that out too!
GET THE RECIPE11. Edamame Hummus
If you’re wanting to add more green to your St. Patrick’s Day spread, then this edamame hummus is a great idea! It’s perfect for anyone who’s vegetarian or vegan and looks like it’s packed with some good flavor. Just pair it with some nice crackers or bread and you’re all set!
GET THE RECIPE12. Bangers & Mash With Guinness Gravy
Bangers & mash is honestly a great recipe to try if you want something hearty and pretty darn flavorful. And if you’re not in the mood for twists or spin offs of traditional recipes, then this authentic Irish dish might be a great addition to your dinner table. I mean it’s kind of hard to wrong with creamy buttermilk mashed potatoes, a Guinness gravy, and hearty Irish sausage.
GET THE RECIPE13. Sheet Pan Irish Nachos
Make your St. Patrick’s Day gathering just a bit more fun with some sheet pan Irish nachos. You’re taking the savory goodness of corned beef and pairing it with creamy cheese and satisfyingly crunchy chips. It’s a great recipe to try if you want to do something a bit different this year!
GET THE RECIPE14. Irish Soda Bread
If you want some more great sides to add to your table, then I think Irish soda bread is a great addition. The recipe featured above has cardamom, cheese, rosemary, and other wonderful ingredients. But if you’re looking for something a bit more authentic (made by an Irish cook), then here’s another Irish soda bread recipe you can check out. It’s just a bit more simple.
GET THE RECIPE15. Shepherd’s Pie
I love shepherd’s pie and both of these options look so good! The first shepherd’s pie recipe is made in a cast iron skillet and has plenty of herbs, garlic, spices, and savory ground lamb. And the second one is a shepherd’s pie you can make in a Dutch oven and is made with wonderful ingredients like red wine, cheese, bacon, and flavorful seasonings.
Check both out and see which one looks best to you!
16. Fried Cabbage With Bacon and Onion
All three of these things seem like the perfect combo to fry up in a pan. Looking slightly caramelized, I feel like this is the perfect side for your St. Patrick’s dinner! It’s simple and looks ridiculously flavorful.
GET THE RECIPE17. Corned Beef Tacos
If you want an alternative way to make the classic corned beef recipe for St. Patrick’s day, then I think this is it! It looks so good and like a fun way to please a crowd. So if you’re planning on having a gathering for this holiday, then I’d say give these a try!
GET THE RECIPE18. Irish Steak Pie
Look at how cute these pies are! I mean, can’t you just imagine putting them down on the table for you and your guests? It’s a fun festive touch for your dinner table, and the perfect comforting recipe for a cold winter day. Also, with cheese, Guinness, garlic, spices, and puffed pastry, how do you even say no?
GET THE RECIPE19. Dublin Coddle
This dish looks like a really filling and flavorful dinner idea if you’re wanting a traditional main that’s not corned beef and cabbage.
It’s a simple recipe made with pork sausage, potatoes, bacon, onion, and a few other ingredients. And with a prep time of just 15 minutes, it’s a low-stress Saint Patrick’s Day food to make for a small crowd.
GET THE RECIPE20. Bailey’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
I need to sink my teeth into one of these! I mean look at how pretty and delicious these look. I think they’re essential for your St. Patrick’s day celebration if you’re craving something sweet and rich. Also, they’ll be ready in just 32 minutes, so this isn’t something that’ll take up too much of your time on this holiday!
GET THE RECIPE21. Irish Potato Candies
If you’re wanting something sweet after your big St. Patrick’s Day feast, then definitely try Irish potato candies. They’re bite-sized treats that mimic the appearance of potatoes, but have a nice blend of coconut, sugar, and cinnamon.
GET THE RECIPE22. Thai Green Tea
I love Thai tea and I would definitely be down for trying this very green recipe. With matcha and sweetened condensed milk, it’s hard to go wrong. And if you’re looking for something refreshing for your Saint Patrick’s Day celebration, then this is a great one to serve to guests.
GET THE RECIPE23. Irish Coffee Cake With Baileys
If you’re wanting a really good dessert, then try an Irish coffee cake, where the richness of coffee and the smoothness of an ultra creamy whipped cream come nicely together. It’s a St. Patrick’s recipe that I don’t think should be missing from your dessert spread.
GET THE RECIPE24. Irish Coffee Cake
I love coffee cake, and I think I’ve loved it since I was a kid. It has such a satisfyingly tasty flavor.
And when you get the Irish version of a coffee cake, you know it’s gonna be good!
Oh, and this recipe has as a streusel topping which sounds amazing! I’d say pair this Irish coffee cake with a nice hot creamy coffee or tea and you’re all set!
Side Note: It serves 9 people! Great for a larger gather.
GET THE RECIPE25. Lucky Charms Treats
I’ve always been a fan of Rice Krispies treats, so I’d definitely be down for trying the Lucky Charms version!
It’s such a simple recipe and… it includes butter. Gonna be honest with you right now, that sounds so satisfyingly good!
Also, it takes just 12 minutes to make this dessert and it yields 16 bars, so I think this is clear winner.
GET THE RECIPE26. Pistachio Pudding Cookies
I think these pistachio pudding cookies are a great way to end your evening. Maybe pair it with a nice hot cup of something comforting?
Also, the combination of pistachio and white chocolate sounds so good! And if you have kids, then I think they might like these very green cookies!
GET THE RECIPE27. Baked Matcha Cheesecake
I really love matcha, and this baked matcha cheesecake looks so good. Also, I feel like matcha is a great alternative to mint when it comes to green-colored desserts! So if you’re not a huge mint fan, but you still wanna be festive, then this is a good option.
Update: Site is no longer there, but here’s another good alternative for a matcha cheesecake recipe.
28. Mini Guinness Chocolate Cakes
Yes, this is exactly what you and I need. Chocolatey yummy goodness to finish off our St. Paddy’s feast! I mean, don’t these look like the perfect thing to sink a spoon into? Also, they’re topped with a rich looking caramel sauce. Honestly, probably one of the best ideas for a St. Patrick’s Day meal.
GET THE RECIPE29. Mint Chip Sugar Cookies
These are so cute and look delicious! Also, a fun treat for the kids (and adults). No complaints over here. 😉
It’s a very simple recipe and it looks like a fun festive dessert to make for Saint Paddy’s Day and maybe bring to a party.
GET THE RECIPE30. Guinness Chocolate Cake
I’m not the biggest cake fan, but this one does look really moist and delicious. Like I could see myself maybe having two (or more) slices. Not healthy, but it’s a holiday, so those kind of calories don’t count… right?
Oh, and with a cream cheese frosting, it has my vote.
GET THE RECIPE31. Cereal Milk Tartlets
These cereal milk tartlets are so cute and colorful! They really do look like a fun treat to have right after a big meal. Also, they’re a bit show stopping, and that makes them the perfect dessert to serve to guests (or just yourself).
Last note, the base is a funfetti blondie crust which sounds absolutely amazing.
GET THE RECIPE32. Pot of Gold Rainbow Rice Krispie Treats
Rice Krispy treats are almost always a crowd-pleaser, and these ones look like a lot of fun to make… and eat! They’re perfectly themed for St. Patricks Day and they won’t take up too much of your time in the kitchen.
GET THE RECIPE33. Matcha Cupcakes
Again, matcha-flavored desserts are so good, and another great alternative to mint when it comes to green-colored desserts. So if you’re also a matcha fan and you’re not feeling the mint, then this might just be the perfect option for you!
Update: Site no longer exists, but if you want an alternative, then here’s another good looking matcha cupcake recipe you can try for St. Paddy’s day.
34. Loaded Leprechaun Mint Bark
I love bark recipes, and this one looks like so much fun to eat! Also, with M&M’s, OREO’S, and rainbow sprinkles, I’d probably have way too much of this dessert.
Also, it honestly doesn’t matter if you’re a kid or an adult, this looks like an easy to love recipe!
GET THE RECIPE35. Loaded Leporcon Popcorn
If you like sweet and salty, then I think this is a great dessert to add to your list of St. Patrick’s Day dishes! Or you could use plain popcorn (like what she suggests) if you’re not a huge fan of the flavor combo. And with butter, Lucky Charms, and M&M’s, it’s the perfect thing to snack on for this holiday.
GET THE RECIPE
Grace Moser is the author and founder of Chasing Foxes, where she writes articles to help women create a life they love in big and small ways. She's been a full-time traveler since 2016 and loves sharing her experiences and exploring the world with her husband, Silas. Her lifestyle and travel advice can also be seen on sites such as Business Insider, Glamour, Newsweek, Huffpost, & Apartment Therapy.