Our Best St. Patrick's Day Party Recipes
Corned Beef and CabbageIt may be the most famous dish to eat on St. Patrick's Day, but this Irish-American corned beef recipe is a favorite at our table all year long. This is how to make corned beef and cabbage. —Evelyn Kenney, Trenton, New Jersey
If you're going to base your entire St. Patrick's Day menu around one dish, make it corned beef and cabbage. Forget the bland, boiled meat and veggie images you think of just hearing the name. This salt-cured beef brisket is fork tender thanks to a low-and-slow braise, and a homemade horseradish sauce adds a spicy kick to every bite.
ColcannonEvery Irish family has its own colcannon recipe, since it's a classic potato and cabbage dish. My recipe comes from my father's family in Ireland. It's part of my St. Patrick's Day menu, along with lamb chops, carrots and soda bread. —Marilou Robinson, Portland, Oregon
Colcannon is another dish that deserves a starring role on your St. Patrick's Day table. It's Ireland's most famous potato dish, after all! Made with floury potatoes, shredded cabbage, pungent green onions and a generous helping of butter and milk, it's creamy comfort food.
Irish Beef StewRich and hearty, this Irish beef stew is my husband's favorite. The beef is incredibly tender. Served with crusty bread, it's an ideal cool-weather meal and perfect for any Irish holiday. —Carrie Karleen, St. Nicolas, Quebec
A slow-simmered stew is our idea of a cozy meal any time of year, but one spiked with a couple glugs of Guinness is especially appropriate for St. Patrick's Day. No wonder it's one of our most-loved
stew recipes.
Irish CoffeeThis Irish coffee lives up to its reputation as a relaxing after-dinner drink. Creme de menthe adds a colorful touch to the cream. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
If you're not adding Irish whiskey to your coffee on St. Patrick's Day, you're doing it wrong. Give your classic cup of joe the ultimate makeover with whipping cream, creme de menthe, the aforementioned spirit and a sweetener to make
caife Gaelach, AKA the best-ever Irish coffee.
The Best Shepherd’s PieThis is the best shepherd's pie recipe I've ever tasted. It's very quick to make, and I usually have most—if not all—of the ingredients already on hand. —Tirzah Sandt, San Diego, California
With a hearty filling of ground meat and sauteed vegetables, and a cloud-like topping of mashed potatoes and melted cheese, what's not to love? Bonus: The one-skillet meal is a breeze as far as cleanup goes.
Corned Beef Hash and EggsSunday breakfasts have always been special in our house. It's fun to get in the kitchen and cook with the kids. No matter how many new recipes we try, the kids always rate this No. 1! —Rick Skildum, Maple Grove, Minnesota
The most epic way to kick off St. Patrick's Day is with a hearty
Irish breakfast. Because the oven does most of the work for you on this one, you can prepare the eggs and
corned beef hash ahead of time. Pop them in to bake while you enjoy your Irish coffee—or perhaps a green beer.
Fudgy Layered Irish Mocha BrowniesMy husband and I are big fans of Irish cream, so I wanted to incorporate it into a brownie. I started with my mom's brownie recipe, then added frosting and ganache. These decadent treats are the result, and we really enjoy them! —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Warning: These fudgy little squares will cause cravings. Each brownie bite is a brilliant mix of St. Patrick's Day's finest flavors, thanks to an Irish cream frosting.
Whiskey SourAn oldie but goodie, the classic whiskey sour combines the warm glow of whiskey with a sweet-tart pucker of lemon. The optional egg white adds a lovely frothy texture and richness. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
A proper whiskey sour doesn't use sour mix, but it does employ bourbon whiskey, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup for a touch of sweetness and pasteurized liquid egg whites for the frothy foam on top. Balanced yet boozy, it's just the cocktail to get your party started.
Sauteed CabbageWhen I was young, my family grew our own cabbages. It was fun to put the cabbage to use in the kitchen, just as I did with this comforting side. With potatoes, deviled eggs and cornbread, fried cabbage tastes like home. —Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri
Seeking more from your cruciferous
cabbage side this year? Swap the old-fashioned boiling method for a sauteed situation. This anything-but-boring cabbage dish bursts with bold flavor because it's braised in butter and seasoned with sugar and crushed red pepper flakes.
Corned Beef SandwichMy daughter shared this recipe with me. It has become a favorite of our entire family.
If you're a firm believer (like me) that corned beef is better sandwiched between bread, then these golden, cheesy handhelds are calling your name. Each sandwich is piled high with tender slices of corned beef layered with melty Swiss and sauerkraut. Serve with a side of
Thousand Island dressing.
Stout & Honey Beef RoastHere's a heartwarming meal that's ideal for chilly days and hectic nights. Honey, beer and seasonings make the sauce different and oh, so good. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
If your St. Patrick's Day celebration leans towards a family affair, where cooking for a crowd is par for the course, consider this homey stout and honey pot roast recipe with carrots, red potatoes and onions. A bouquet of herbs and a little ground cinnamon are unbelieve flavor enhancers, and one boneless beef chuck roast will easily feed 12 people.
Beer PretzelsI'm always looking for new ways to combine fun flavors, and what goes together better than beer and pretzels? Not much that I can think of. That’s why I put them together into one delicious recipe. —Alyssa Wilhite, Whitehouse, Texas
Bought a little too much ale for the most Irish day of the year? Put it to good use in these soft beer pretzels that are begging to be dunked in a
cheddar cheese sauce or
mustard pretzel dip.
Corned BeefHere's a recipe you've got to plan for, but you don't need to do much work to get this deli-quality corned beef. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
Corned beef is quite arguably the star of the St. Paddy's spread, and for good reason. If you want a recipe without cabbage, this is the one for you. Whether you're making corned beef for
Reubens, dip or hash, an A+ brined brisket recipe is the key to success. Sure, you can buy it already canned or cured at the store, but nothing beats the flavor—and feeling of
total accomplishment—of homemade corned beef.
Green Flop Jell-OGet ready for fluffy lemon-lime goodness. My family calls it "flop Jell-O" because most of the time a clear gelatin layer that tastes like lemon-lime soda falls to the bottom of the dish. Try it with any flavor gelatin! —Michelle Gauer, Spicer, Minnesota
Don't let the rather peculiar name of this
green dessert fool you—it's the opposite of a flop. Although it does possess an effervescent lemon-lime soda layer that falls to the bottom of the dish, it's creamy, cool and refreshing all at once.
Irish CreamAdd some creamy goodness to your cup of joe with a splash or two of this homemade Irish cream. —Marcia Severson, Hallock, Minnesota
Whether you're hosting or attending a St. Patrick's Day party, do yourself a favor and whip up a few bottles of homemade Irish cream beforehand. It's the gift that keeps on giving and is perfect for turning coffee, ice cream and other desserts into adult-friendly creations in a single splash.
Irish Bangers and MashThis traditional meal is hearty and warming right to the core. Mashed potatoes and Irish bangers (sausages) are coated in a thick gravy made from butter, onions and beef stock. —Camille Berry, Glasgow
This meal is comfort food, defined. Bangers (aka sausages) are the star of the show here, so make sure you buy the highest-quality ones you can find. Then, you'll want to
caramelize the onions really well when making the gravy to give it an incredible depth.
Reuben DipThis slow-cooked spread tastes just like the popular Reuben sandwich. Even when I double the recipe, I end up with an empty dish. —Mary Jane Kimmes, Hastings, Minnesota
Here's everyone's favorite St. Patrick's Day sammie, dip-ified. If you have leftover Reuben ingredients lying around on March 17th (or 18th), remix them into a slow-cooker dip to serve with cubed
rye bread, pretzels and crackers. Leftovers last up to four days and can even be frozen. Not that you'll have any after digging in, though!
Mushroom & Leek StrudelThis elegant hors d'oeuvre is almost effortless. Use fresh herbs if possible, and feel free to sub in whole wheat phyllo. —Lisa Diehl, Edina, Minnesota
Few things in life rival the mouthwatering aroma of mushrooms and leeks sauteeing in butter. Add some wine, cream and a smattering of herbs, then roll the mixture into phyllo dough strudels to puff up into golden, flaky perfection. That is a St. Patrick's Day-worthy app if I've ever seen one.
Minty Ice Cream ShamrocksWith a soft, chewy chocolate cookie and festive mint shamrock ice cream, these fun desserts are a sweet delight on St. Patrick's Day. You can cut out the cookie wafers in any shape you choose and use any flavor ice cream. Try heart shapes for Valentine's Day filled with strawberry ice cream. —Beverly Coyde, Gasport, New York
Homemade ice cream sandwich dough is the trick to recreating your favorite childhood treat. That and a shamrock cookie cutter. Swap the vanilla ice cream for green
mint chocolate chip ice cream, and you'll have an on-theme dessert to serve to all your guests.
Corned Beef Pizza SwirlsOffer these fun little bites that taste like a Reuben for St. Patrick’s Day. Even better, don't wait—deli meat and cheese make them doable all year long. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Just when I thought I'd seen it all, corned beef-wise, these pretty pizza swirls came along. Stuffed with savory corned beef and lacy Swiss cheese, it's the Italian-Irish mashup you didn't know you needed in life.
Beer Cheese Potato SoupThis satisfying potato soup has a velvety texture that's not too thick or too thin. The subtle flavors of beer and cheese balance each other nicely, creating a soup that's sure to warm you head to toe. —Patti Lavell, Islamorada, Florida
Given that St. Patrick's Day is pretty important among beer lovers, it only makes sense to incorporate dishes and desserts showcasing stout in your holiday menu. Case in point: beer cheese potato soup. This popular Wisconsin brewpub dish features beer as a starring ingredient.
Lucky Leprechaun CookiesLet these little guys be the stars of your St. Patrick's Day party. They're so fun to make and create an unforgettable impression! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
These cheeky leprechaun cookies will be a big hit with the littles—and the adults—at your St. Paddy's Day bash. Although making and frosting their outfits is slightly labor intensive, we highly recommend doing so for the final payoff. We use edible markers to draw on little freckles.
Grilled CabbageThe first time I made this, I couldn’t believe how good it was! We served it with grilled burgers and our dinner was complete. I never thought I’d skip dessert because I was full from too much cabbage! —Elizabeth Wheeler, Thornville, Ohio
Cabbage is one of the most versatile veggies out there, with the ability to absorb any flavors and seasonings you put in its otherwise mild path. One of our favorite ways to cook cabbage is on the grill, especially when paired with barbecue or corned beef entrees. Between the smoky taste and semi-charred leaves, grilled cabbage is unexpected, yet so fantastic.
Beer-Battered FishMake your own fish fry at home using a classic beer batter. If you're not a drinker, non-alcoholic beer can be used. Serve with fries, coleslaw and rye bread for a traditional restaurant combo. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Looking for a pescatarian option to round out the meat-centric fare on March 17th? Fish and chips it is! This crispy main from jolly old England to America's heartland is a must—and while you might be used to ordering a
fish fry at your favorite restaurant, it's exceptionally easy to make beer-battered fish right in your own kitchen.
Tie-Dyed CupcakesTake a trip back to the '60s with these sweetly psychedelic cupcakes. Each is a simple white cake, but tinting the batter all the colors of the rainbow makes them funky and fun!— Gwyndolyn Wilkerson, Kyle, Texas
These tie-dyed cupcakes are magically delicious, even without a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow candy belt. All you need is a box of white cake mix, lemon-lime soda and neon food coloring to make them, plus blue and white frosting to match the sky.
Sausage, Potatoes and CabbageEveryone is surprised at how this flavorful cabbage and sausage recipe calls for just a few ingredients. I usually complete my family's favorite meal with a no-bake fruit dessert. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Not a fan of corned beef? Give this
one-pot sausage dinner with chopped fresh cabbage and waxy Yukon gold potatoes a try. All the flavors meld and caramelize perfectly, and at the end of the meal, you won't have a sink full of dishes to clean.
Shamrock Cutout Pound CakeMy son Gabriel loves surprises inside cakes, like seeing a shamrock when this cake is sliced. Everyone wants to know how it’s done. — Angela Lively, Spring, Texas
It's fun to make a holiday dish with an element of surprise, and this shamrock dessert takes the cake as far as beautiful baked goods go. Leftovers can be cubed and served in festive coupes, then layered with warm fudge sauce for an even more decadent treat.
Savory Potato SkinsFor a simple hot snack that really hits the spot on a cool fall evening, put together a plate of these crisp potato skins. —Andrea Holcomb, Torrington, Connecticut
Potatoes of all kinds are welcome on St. Patrick's Day, whether it's mashed potatoes in colcannon, fried potatoes in fish and chips, or scooped and baked spuds for potato skin dippers with sour cream and chives. If your family loves loaded baked potatoes, wait until they try these tasty taters.
Baked Onion DipSome people like this cheesy dip so much that they can't tear themselves away from the appetizer table to eat their dinner. But can you blame them? With two kinds of cheese and sweet onions in the mix, this ultra creamy dip is unforgettable. —Mona Zignego, Hartford, Wisconsin
Our fan-favorite onion dip recipe may go down in history as one of the easiest, cheesiest, scoopiest spreads, which definitely makes it worthy of a place on your St. Paddy's table. Serve with pita chips, crackers, crisp veggies or anything else dippable, and you have yourself a party.
Baked Salmon PattiesMade in muffin pans and served with sauce on the side, these baked salmon patties make a fantastic light meal. You can also bake a double batch and freeze some for a quick lower-fat supper later on. —Nikki Haddad, Germantown, Maryland
Don't get us wrong: we love our corned beef stews and Guinness spiked pot pies, but if you're looking to incorporate more lean proteins into your menu, these baked salmon patties are the answer. Simply stir together a mixture of canned salmon, veggies and herbed mayonnaise, scoop it into muffin cups, and then bake and enjoy.
Apricot-Glazed Bacon SpiralsHere’s a real crowd-pleaser for an appetizer table or brunch buffet. A whole piece of crispy bacon is rolled into each spiral. It's so good with the apricot preserves, which make it a sweet-and-salty treat. —Kellie Mulleavy, Lambertville, Michigan
Apricot and bacon are a match made in ingredient heaven as far as we're concerned. The duo is prime for St. Paddy's Day snacking, too. The combo of sweet and savory in these spirals is unparalleled and will have everyone reaching for poppable seconds, so do yourself a favor and double the recipe.
Guinness Chocolate CakeOne bite and everyone will propose a toast to this silky-smooth chocolate Guinness cake. The cream cheese frosting reminds me of the foamy head on a perfectly poured pint. —Marjorie Hennig, Seymour, Indiana
It's not St. Patrick's Day unless a Guinness-infused chocolate cake is involved. This robust treat is topped with a complementary cream cheese frosting that's light, fluffy and reminiscent of a head of beer. "Lovely day for a Guinness!" as the saying goes—especially when speaking about this delectable dessert.
Loaded Baked Potato DipI never thought of using waffle-cut fries as a scoop for dip until a friend of mine did at a baby shower. They’re ideal for my cheesy bacon and chive dip, which tastes just like a baked potato topper. —Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota
This dip has all the goodness of loaded baked potatoes in dip form. Whatever vessel you choose for this savory spud spread, trust that the bacon and chive-specked condiment pairs well with just about anything it encounters. We highly recommend crispy waffle fries, though!
Lamb StewTender chunks of lamb come together with carrots and potatoes in this rich, hearty lamb stew recipe. Serve it as a one-pot meal with crusty bread, or double down on comfort by ladling the stew over polenta or mashed potatoes.
Traditional lamb stew recipes are often made with mutton in Ireland, but it's a bit tougher than lamb shoulder or leg—of which the latter two will become meltingly tender when braised in beef broth. This stick-to-your-ribs stew is overflowing with creamy carrots and potatoes. It's a well-rounded meal when paired with a crusty loaf of bread.
Beef and Blue Cheese CrostiniThese little gems are easy, impressive and delicious. They are ridiculously easy and inexpensive to make. Seriously, you will look like a total rock star when you serve these! —Mandy Rivers, Lexington, South Carolina
These one-bite crostini are always popular and prime for St. Paddy's festivities. Topped with thinly shaved roast beef, crumbly blue cheese, horseradish and minced chives, they're a total crowd-pleaser.
Beer DipRanch dressing mix flavors this easy dip packed with shredded cheese. It's perfect paired with pretzels. Be forewarned, though—it's hard to stop eating once you've started! The beer cheese dip can be made with any type of beer, including nonalcoholic. I've taken it to many parties and I am always asked for the recipe. —Michelle Long, New Castle, Colorado
Try this easy beer dip appetizer if you're trying to take your "Erin Go Bragh" energy outside the kitchen rather than getting stuck in it all day. With only four ingredients and a few minutes, you'll have one of the most delicious
dip recipes there ever was.
Rainbow Cake with CloudsSome cakes stand on their own without icing. For this bright Rainbow Cake, use a little whipped cream to make fluffy clouds. —Janet Tigchelaar, Jerseyville, Ontario
After stews, savory meats and more substantial Irish fare, a light-as-can-be taste of the rainbow pound cake is a welcome dessert. Pro tip: Use solid shortening to grease fluted tube pans for this recipe so the cake pops out easily.
Creme de Menthe CupcakesWe use creme de menthe liqueur (the term means "mint cream" in French) to add a cool touch to these impressive mascarpone-frosted cupcakes. —Keri Whitney, Castro Valley, California
Feeling fancy on St. Paddy's? Add a mascarpone-frosted créme de menthe cupcake to your sweets hour. If you're after Pinterest-worthy, extra-thick frosting like the topper in this photo, double all the ingredients.
Parsnip PureeParsnip puree with cream and herbs turns a humble root vegetable into a rich and delicious side dish.
These lusciously whipped tubers get a flavor boost from a garlic herb cream sauce, complete with an herbal bouquet of rosemary and thyme. This creamy parsnip puree recipe is especially well-suited as a holiday side dish for St. Patrick's Day next to gamey meats and roasted root veggies.
Mint BrowniesOne of the best things about this recipe is that these mint chocolate brownies get moister if you leave them in the refrigerator for a day or two. The problem at our house is that no one can leave them alone for that long! —Helen Baines, Elkton, Maryland
Andes candies lovers, this one's for you. Minty, chocolatey, fudgy brownies get the ultimate crème de menthe treatment in this recipe that you can customize by swirling in walnuts for crunchy bites or chocolate chips for sweet notes.
Leprechaun Lime DrinkYou won't need the help of lucky little elves to ready this refreshing lime concoction. Cheery garnishes can be fixed in a wink to dress up each guest's glass. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Everyone will be reaching for these little leprechaun glasses adorned with adorable belts. Each sip's frothy blend of limeade, sherbert and bubbly lemon-lime soda is the ultimate refresher when you need a break from the stouts and heavier drinks.
Irish Soda BreadThis traditional Irish soda bread can be made with an assortment of mix-ins such as dried fruit and nuts, but I like it with a handful of raisins. —Gloria Warczak, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
It's not a St. Paddy's celebration without Irish soda bread. This quintessential quick bread is studded with raisins. It can be served for breakfast, lunch, dinner or an afternoon snack, slathered in
Irish butter and jam.
Irish Creme Chocolate TrifleI was given a bottle of Irish cream liqueur as a gift and had leftover peppermint candy, so I created this delicious trifle. It's always rich and decadent. —Margaret Wilson, Sun City, California
Trifles are one of those whimsical desserts that perfectly embrace the festive nature of parties. Layered with sweet surprises throughout, each bite is akin to five desserts in one. This St. Patrick's Day trifle employs devil's food cake, chocolate pudding and Irish creme, plus leftover mint candies for a crunchy finish.
Malted Chocolate & Stout Layer CakeIf you want a dessert that will take the cake at a St. Patrick's Day celebration, look no further! The rich chocolate cake is incredibly moist and has a nice malt flavor that's perfectly complemented by the Irish cream frosting. —Jennifer Wayland, Morris Plains, New Jersey
Name a prettier cake...we'll wait. With a silky Irish cream frosting, tiers of rich chocolate cake spiked with beer and a toothsome topper of chopped malt balls, there's not a dessert more decadent than this one to serve on March 17th.
Shamrock CookiesA handy cookie cutter shapes these sensational sweets. With a hint of mint flavor, these shamrock cookies are especially yummy with cocoa or chocolate milk. —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana
These sweet shamrock-shaped sugar cookies get their green hue from food coloring. Dusted with green crystals, they're a party-worthy treat that can be made ahead of time.
Brie Appetizers with Bacon-Plum JamAmong my friends I'm known as the pork master, because I love to cook just about every cut there is. These appetizers combine soft, mild Brie cheese with a sweet-sour bacon jam that has a touch of Sriracha sauce. —Rick Pascocello, New York, New York
These elegant apps work for all kinds of occasions where good food is the goal—although they're a particularly delicious idea for St. Patrick's Day celebrations. The combo of bacon-plum jam with melty brie is a home run. Toasted baguette slices are the ideal vessel to sop up any lingering drippings.
St. Patrick's Day CupcakesThese St. Patrick's Day cupcakes go super-quick. The pistachio pudding mix gives them a mild flavor and their pretty pastel color makes them a perfect dessert for this lively holiday. —Kathy Meyer, Almond, Wisconsin
The secret ingredient to these cute little cupcakes? Pistachio pudding mix for a sweet nutty flavor and low-key green color. If you want to get even more creative with the
cupcake decorating, try piping on clouds (or making them out of marshmallows), then attach them with a strip of colorful candy to make a rainbow.
Smashed PotatoesGolden brown and buttery, these crispy smashed potatoes live up to their tantalizing name. A sprinkle of fresh herbs when they’re hot out of the oven maximizes the flavor…and the pretty. —Althea Dye, Howard, Ohio
If regular ol' mashed potatoes don't do it for you, how about smashed? Flecked with crispy skins, these taters are the best of both worlds: soft and creamy, in addition to golden and crunchy.
Guinness FloatThat very first sip of a Guinness is what inspired this quick and easy dessert. The rich, creamy foam that gathers on the top of a freshly poured draft made me think of vanilla ice cream. At that point, I knew I had to combine the two in a Guinness float. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
What happens when you add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce to a pint of "the black stuff?" A boozy, creamy, adult-friendly milkshake, that's what. Meet the St. Patrick's Day float of our dreams.
Potato Leek SoupMy family and I crave a steaming bowl of potato leek soup on a cold winter evening, but we don't want the butter and fat content of regular soup recipes. So I created this lighter version. I have shared it with many folks, and everyone who has tried it loves it for the robust, satisfying flavor. —Christine Frye, Odessa, Missouri
A hearty potato soup is just the thing to warm up your guests on a chilly March day. This one will be ready in less than an hour, so you'll have time to make a few other things for the party.
St. Patrick's Day Food Ideas FAQ
What are the traditional St. Patrick's Day foods?
When it comes to authentic fare for St. Paddy's, anything with corned beef, cabbage and potatoes is high on the list of Irish comfort food hits. After that, it's all about Irish soda bread, colcannon and stews every which way—with lamb or beef and seasonal veggies. Of course, a pint of Irish stout is the proper way to wash it all down.
How can you make a good menu for St. Patrick's Day?
I like to make sure I have a balanced list of appetizers, snacks, main courses, desserts and drinks to appease all palates and ages. Considering St. Patrick's Day classics are on the heavier side, you don't need more than one or two options per category, unless you're cooking for a sizeable crowd—and then by all means, feel free to expand your menu to include even more fun favorites.
What is a good snack for St. Patrick's Day?
As far as snacks go, dips are king. Reuben dip, beer cheese dip, loaded baked potato dips...as long as there's cheese and a plethora of dippable snackers involved, you'll be good to go. I also like serving miniature versions of dishes, like corned beef sliders or
Reuben rounds.