This Saint Patrick’s Day, let’s make it a fun and cozy celebration at home! Instead of heading out, why not invite family and friends over for a festive meal? You can put on your favorite green outfits, whip up a delicious traditional Irish feast, and enjoy each other’s company without the hassle of crowds. It’s all about enjoying good food, laughter, and creating memories together. Here’s a rundown of 6 traditional Irish dishes to cook and share with your loved ones this season!
Irish Soda Bread
Irish soda bread is a popular quick bread that is made without yeast. It’s a fairly simple recipe to make at home. To keep it ultra-traditional, include raisins; they add a natural sweetness that balances the heavier foods in the rest of your meal. If you don’t feel like making it, local bakeries often stock it in the days leading up to St. Patty’s Day.
Corned Beef
For the longest time, I didn’t understand what corned beef even was. I had it for the first time a few years ago, and I’m hooked! It’s a yearly tradition now. During World War II, the Irish used “corns” of salt to preserve beef. It’s now a staple in Irish cuisine. In addition to being served with cabbage and other vegetables, it’s also sliced and added to sandwiches.
Irish Potato Soup
What’s a traditional Irish meal without potatoes? Rather than serve roasted potatoes with corned beef and cabbage, which I find makes the meal too heavy, I love to serve an Irish Potato Soup instead. I tend to follow recipes that incorporate both onions and leeks, which gives the soup a heartier flavor. If I’m feeling especially daring, I’ll garnish it with crumbled bacon right before serving.
Shepherd’s Pie
Not everyone enjoys corned beef and cabbage, so if I’m entertaining a large crowd, I’ll also make a pub-style shepherd’s pie. In my experience, it’s a real crowd-pleaser! Simply layered ground beef and vegetables in a baking dish and top with prepared mashed potato. Bake at 350 Degrees Fahrenheit until the potato is browned.
Irish Coffee
Before serving dessert, I enjoy making Irish coffee. I prepare two versions: one where I add Irish cream liqueur to hot coffee (to taste) and top it with whipped cream. My favorite recipe, however, incorporates Irish whiskey. This cocktail was created in 1943 at the Foynes Airport in Shannon. When the owner of the Buena Vista Café in San Francisco tasted it, he replicated the recipe and served it to his patrons. Thus, it has become both an Irish and American tradition!
Irish Desserts
When deciding what to serve for dessert, it can be challenging to choose. My rule is to prepare (or buy) at least one exceptional dessert. However, if I’m hosting more than ten people, I like to offer multiple options. I enjoy using green food coloring to make my desserts green whenever possible. If that’s not an option, I ensure that at least one dessert includes Irish cream liqueur! Need a Saint Patrick's Day gift for your host or hostess? Chocolate-covered Oreos and strawberries make for the perfect present!