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I don’t have a drop of Irish blood in me. (Nay, not even a stray chromosome!) Still, I consider myself an honorary Irishman. My qualifications? Green is my favorite color, I worship the humble potato, and I firmly believe in the almost magical ability of corned beef to bring people together. And let’s be honest—who doesn’t love an excuse to celebrate with Guinness, whiskey, and warm-from-the-oven Irish soda bread?
So, in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, I’ve rounded up some of our most beloved Irish-inspired recipes that pay tribute to the rich culinary traditions of Ireland. These dishes are more than just food; they’re a taste of history, a symbol of community, and a guaranteed way to put a lilt in your voice and a smile on your face.
Whether you’re hosting a festive St. Patrick’s Day feast or just adding a touch of Irish flavor to your weeknight menu, these 10 must-make recipes have you covered. From hearty mains to indulgent desserts and boozy beverages, this collection is downright magically delicious!
Top of the morning,
Black Velvet Cocktail
Absolutely fantastic. I love this Black Velvet cocktail and will definitely enjoy it assembled in this dramatically-looking version.
jenny
Irish Soda Bread with Walnuts
This Irish soda bread is so good. It’s the easiest bread I’ve ever made, great toasted for breakfast, great with Hungarian cauliflower soup, and just a wonderful introduction to whole wheat breads. I mixed it by hand. I’ve been watching Paul on “The Great British Baking Show,” and he says it gives you a feel for the dough and reduces the chance of overmixing.
Another winner from Leite’s Culinaria—whatever did I do without this website? I feel like a kid at Christmas when I visit the site and see what goodies you all have found. Every day, and from soup to dessert, there is something that makes my mouth water.
marilyn s.
Homemade Corned Beef
Video: How to Make Corned Beef
To reduce the saltiness of corned beef, soak it in several changes of cold fresh water for at least 3 to 4 hours before cooking, changing the water every hour or two. This helps draw out excess salt while maintaining the meat’s flavor.
I don’t recommend reducing the salt in the brine itself, as salt plays a crucial role in preserving the meat and preventing bacterial growth.
Classic sides for corned beef include boiled potatoes, carrots, and cabbage. You can also add a touch of modern flair with roasted root vegetable, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
This homemade corned beef was so delicious!! After the six days of brine, I soaked the brisket in clean water for 3 hours to remove some of the salt, changing water every hour, then I cooked on the stove for 4 hours (5-pound brisket). I added potatoes, carrots, and cabbage for the last 45 minutes. SAVE the broth–it makes the best pho (Actually, that might have been my family’s favorite part.)
jeneen
Twice-Baked Potatoes with Corned Beef
Beef and Guinness Pie
This steak and ale pie was so incredibly tasty, I can’t recommend it enough. Plus, there’s Guinness to drink when you’re cooking. Honestly, very hearty and relatively easy to cook.
jack h.
Slow Cooker Irish Beef Stew
This Irish beef stew recipe was amazing! It tasted just like what I’ve had in English pubs, and everyone in the family loved it!
Nat
Corned Beef Hash
For the best crispy texture:
1. Use a cast-iron skillet for even heat.
2. Avoid stirring too often—let the hash sit undisturbed for a few minutes before flipping.
3. Cook over medium-high heat with enough oil or butter to encourage browning.
Made corned beef hash tonight. It was fabulous! We added the fried egg, and it enhanced the overall flavor of the dish!
elda g.
Pan Boxty ~ Irish Potato Pancake
Guinness Ice Cream Float
This Irish float is another winner! The more the vanilla ice cream and the Guinness beer would blend together, the more we felt a slight coffee taste, so much so we thought about trying it again by actually adding a shot of expresso with it.
sofia
Chocolate Guinness Cake
FAQs
A traditional Irish St. Patrick’s Day meal includes corned beef and cabbage, Irish soda bread, colcannon (mashed potatoes with cabbage or kale), shepherd’s pie, and of course, plenty of Guinness or Irish whiskey.
Although we often think of it as an Irish dish, the history of corned beef and cabbage is Irish-American. It became popular among immigrants due to the lower cost of cured beef and abundant cabbage, and over time became associated with St. Patrick’s Day.
Irish corned beef is made from lean brisket, while American corned beef comes from a fattier cut. The Irish version is less salty and is often served with boiled potatoes and cabbage.
What’s your go-to St. Patrick’s Day recipe? Do you stick with corned beef and cabbage or mix it up with something new? Let us know in the comments!
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Every morning, I open my email in anticipation of what Leites Culinaria has for me today. The recipes are always interesting, flavourful, and well-written. I have a whole file of them!
Beyond all this, I love David’s sense of humour! I get my morning smile from his writing…especially in these drab months leading to spring!
The comments by the recipe testers are helpful, often adding a little tweak or recommendation for serving.
Thank you to your whole team!
My household is very well-fed!
Donna, what a love thing for me to wake up to this morning. Thank you for your very kind words; they mean the world to me!