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Over 31 million Americans claim some Irish ancestry. And while St. Patrick’s Day is a celebrated holiday in Ireland, it’s actually celebrated on a larger scale in the U.S. The day celebrates St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, who lived and died in the 5th century. The holiday has an inclusive feel about it, a sense that you don’t need to be Irish to celebrate. In fact, the holiday has been embraced as a moment to be heritage-proud, and there is a popular saying, “Everyone’s a little Irish on St. Patty’s Day.”
And, of course, when there is a cultural/national holiday, there are always the foods that go with it. When St. Patrick’s Day approaches, you can find many of the Irish staples piled high in the markets and often on sale. Look for cabbages, potatoes, and corned beef, in particular. I’m not Irish, but I know a good holiday — and a great food holiday — when I see it. Here is a smattering of delicious recipes geared toward St. Patrick’s Day or any time you have a yearning for any one of these Irish classics.
Traditional St. Patrick’s Day Recipes
These are but a few of the greatest hits! Irish Soda Bread is so easy to pull together: no yeast, no kneading. Flaky scones would be perfect for breakfast or maybe a little tea break later in the day. And you can’t go wrong with Shepherd’s Pie or Corned Beef and Cabbage, two classic Irish dinners. And speaking of cabbage, that’s kind of a non-negotiable St. Patrick’s Day offering. Below, find a number of choices for preparing this versatile, inexpensive, hardy, and downright delicious vegetable.
Can’t decide? Me neither. So, I may have to work my way through the list over the next week.
Traditional Irish soda bread is a yeast-free quick bread, and it's a great companion to all kinds of meals and soups. This recipe has body, richness, and a hint of sweetness.
I originally developed this flaky Irish scone recipe for the Associated Press for St. Patrick's Day. It's perfect for breakfast, a snack, or tea time. If you can find Irish smoked salmon, it will feel even more authentic!
Shepherd's Pie is the ultimate Irish comfort food. In this recipe, a savory ground lamb and vegetable filling is topped with cheesy mashed potatoes for even more flavor.
This popular Irish dish takes so well to the slow cooker. Adding the cabbage towards the end allows it to become tender but still have some nice texture, while the corned beef becomes super tender and moist.
In this traditional Irish dish, fluffy, creamy potatoes are mashed with sautéed cabbage and kale (or use whichever greens you like best!). I could eat this as a main course!
While Shepherd's Pie made with lamb is more commonly served in Ireland, this British cousin made with beef is another great St Patrick's Day main course.
Katie Workman is a cook, a writer, a mother of two, an activist in hunger issues, and an enthusiastic advocate for family meals, which is the inspiration behind her two beloved cookbooks, Dinner Solved! and The Mom 100 Cookbook.