St. Patrick’s Day food is all about classic Irish comfort food. Think shepherd’s pie, corned beef and cabbage, cozy Irish stew, and all the cabbage and potato recipes you can think of!
St. Patrick’s Day has always been special to me, given that I have Irish genes. Growing up, my dad always loved Irish lamb stew, while the rest of my family enjoyed a dinner of shepherd’s pie and sautéed cabbage. It was always a feel-good feast of comforting, classic Irish food—with maybe a little whiskey for extra good vibes! After decades of making these recipes, here’s what you’ll love about my favorite St. Patrick’s Day meals:
- It’s all the classic Irish recipes and more. You can’t have a celebration without cottage pie or corned beef and cabbage. But there’s always room for creativity when you’re working with staple ingredients like potatoes and cabbage. I’ll share a few ideas below!
- They’re comforting but still good for you. While Irish food can be hearty and filling, it’s also loaded with veggies—just look at all of the greens stuffed into my colcannon! And you can always add more if you’d like.
- Green takes center stage. And you don’t have to whip up a main course to be festive. You could serve a green smoothie or dollop green basil pesto onto a variety of meals to honor the Irish!
Classic St. Patrick’s Day Recipes
1
Best Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s pie is one of those cozy comfort foods I love making around St. Patrick’s Day. It’s filled with savory ground lamb and vegetables, then topped with a thick layer of creamy mashed potatoes that get beautifully golden in the oven.
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2
Corned Beef and Cabbage
Corned beef and cabbage is a classic St. Patrick’s Day meal for a reason. The corned beef turns incredibly tender as it cooks, and the cabbage and potatoes soak up all that savory flavor. It’s traditional, comforting, and always reminds me of celebrating the holiday with family.
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3
Corned Beef Hash
Whenever I make corned beef for St. Patrick’s Day, I always save some leftovers for corned beef hash the next morning! With crispy potatoes, tender bits of corned beef, and an maybe egg on top, it’s simple, hearty, and so delicious.
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4
Cottage Pie
Cottage pie is similar to shepherd’s pie, but it’s made with ground beef instead of lamb. I love making this version when I want the same cozy comfort but with ingredients I usually have on hand.
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5
Classic Mashed Potatoes
You really can’t celebrate St. Patrick’s Day without a big bowl of mashed potatoes. I like mine extra creamy with plenty of butter, garlic, and herbs. They pair perfectly with dishes like corned beef or lamb stew.
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6
Colcannon (Irish Mashed Potatoes)
Colcannon is one of my favorite traditional Irish potato dishes. It’s basically mashed potatoes mixed with leafy greens such as sautéed cabbage, kale, or spinach. It’s simple, flavorful, and a fun way to put a festive Irish spin on classic mashed potatoes.
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7
Best Cabbage Soup
This cabbage soup is light, nourishing, and packed with simple ingredients that come together beautifully. It’s full of tender cabbage, vegetables, and flavorful broth, making it a cozy bowl for a chilly March day. I always add this to my St. Patrick’s Day menu when I want something warm but not too heavy.
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8
Potato Leek Soup
This potato leek soup is great for a side dish that's creamy, comforting, and full of delicate flavor. The combination of tender potatoes and mild leeks makes it incredibly smooth and satisfying!
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9
Simple Sauteed Cabbage
Sautéed cabbage is one of the easiest side dishes I make for St. Patrick’s Day. It cooks down until it’s tender and slightly sweet, especially when sautéed with a little butter or olive oil. It’s simple, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with hearty Irish mains.
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10
Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes
These roasted potatoes are always a hit in my house, especially when they’re tossed with garlic and fresh herbs. They get crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and are are perfect for rounding out a St. Patrick's Day dinner spread.
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11
Lamb Stew (Irish Stew)
This is the definition of cozy Irish comfort food! It’s my dad's favorite combination of tender lamb, potatoes, carrots, and a rich, savory broth. This is always a go-to when I want a traditional St. Patrick’s Day meal that feels like home.
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12
Irish Coffee
Irish coffee is my favorite treat to end a St. Patrick’s Day dinner. It’s made with hot coffee, Irish whiskey, a touch of sweetness, and a layer of cream on top.
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Festive Green Recipes To Make
13
Best Green Smoothie
A bright green smoothie always feels like a fun way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. It’s packed with leafy greens, fruit, and plenty of fresh flavor. I love starting the day with one because it’s festive, nourishing, and naturally colorful!
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14
Easy Basil Pesto
Basil pesto is an easy way to add a festive green element to a St. Patrick’s Day meal. I love tossing it with proteins, spreading it on sandwiches, or using it as a dip.
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15
Simple Kale Salad
A simple kale salad is one of those recipes I make again and again. I especially love it for St. Patrick’s Day because that deep green color fits right into the theme as a fresh side dish.
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16
Refreshing Green Juice
This green juice is fresh, vibrant, and full of crisp flavors from greens, cucumber, and fruit. It’s a refreshing way to kick off the day's celebrations. Plus, that naturally bright green color makes it feel extra festive!
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17
Easy Matcha Tea
Matcha is one of my favorite naturally green ingredients. Whether I make a simple tea, whisk it into a matcha latte or blend it into smoothies, it has a smooth, earthy flavor and that beautiful green color that feels perfect for the holiday.
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18
Chimichurri Sauce
This herb-packed sauce will instantly add a fresh, bold flavor to cooked meats and veggies. And it tastes amazing served with grilled chicken!
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19
Mint Mojito
A mojito is such a refreshing cocktail to celebrate with. The combination of lime, mint, and sparkling water makes it light, crisp, and bright green.
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20
Green Goddess Hummus
This is hands down my favorite green appetizer served with fresh cut veggies! It's packed with fresh herbs, which gives it that gorgeous green color and tons of flavor.
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21
Green Shakshuka
This green shakshuka is a fresh twist on the classic dish, made with leafy greens and herbs instead of tomatoes. The eggs bake right into the flavorful green sauce, making it both beautiful and delicious. I love making it for a festive brunch!
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22
Matcha Pistachio Energy Balls
These matcha pistachio energy balls are one of my favorite healthy treats to make around St. Patrick’s Day. They’re naturally green, slightly sweet, and perfect for a quick snack. Plus, they’re easy to make ahead!
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If you make any of these St. Patrick’s Day recipes, let me know how they turn out in the comments below! Your review will help other readers in the community. And if you’re looking for more healthy food inspiration, join my free newsletter here.
Recipe roundup originally posted March 2022, but updated to include new St. Patrick’s Day recipes and photos for your benefit!
Thanks for the wonderful recipes. What would be a great dessert for St. Patrick dinner?
Hi Taryn – Any of my desserts would be delicious! But I personally love my mint chocolate mousse cake, and the green mint leaves would be perfect on top. Enjoy!
Hi my name is Claudia I feel like you made a Irish bread last year if you did could I get the recipe I made it last year and was. Delicious thank you
Hi Claudia – I do not have an Irish bread recipe. Sorry!
These look yummy. Adding a few to my St. Pat’s menu!
Awesome, hope you enjoy and happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Tried the Tuscany chicken recipe. Out if this world.
Thanks so much, Lindsay! Happy you loved that one.
I‘ve made the Irish Stew recipe a few times now and HOLY WOW it’s so delicious. Even my daughter who wants to eat vegetarian cannot resist. It’s become a Saint Patrick’s Day tradition.
Wonderful! My dad would be so happy to hear you love that recipe. :)