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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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My wife just recently had a stroke and we are looking for Healthy Recipes, can you help?
Wayne, I am sorry to hear that and wish your wife well in her recovery. Please use our advanced search to will find some Stealthy Healthy choices. That may help to narrow down your search and find some recipes that follow your doctor’s recommendations.
Having recently lost my husband of 31 years (cerebral hemorraghe), may I say the best recipe for her health is to hold her hand and let her know she is loved. You have no idea how healing that is. I wish both of you courage, hope, strength, and much love. (And, generally, lemon, oregano, olive oil, and parsley are healthy additions to many dishes…!!) Best of luck to you both.
Thank you, Elise.
Wayne, from what I have read, a good diet for recovering from a stroke seems to be similar to what is generally recommended for all of us to stay healthy. Leite’s Culinaria has lots of delicious soups, salads, and recipes with lean protein that fit the bill. Among the recipes I tested for the site, I think of the following at the top of my head (when a recipe calls for chicken broth/stock, I often use the low-sodium kind): Turkey Meatball Soup; Spring Panzanella; Indian-Inspired Salmon with Mango Salsa. Please take good care.
Why isn’t there a Lamb dish included here?
lowandslow, we don’t have an Irish lamb dish–such as lamb stew–yet. But we will!
It’s a bit late for the party (but what is new there with me?), but with all the planned drinking, it’s only apropos Ireland’s ripe proper bite would be the Spice Bag.
I have not been to Ireland, though I would like to one of these years. You know, I will seek one down since I am more in the food traveler vein.
Recipe right here.
Thanks, Mikey.