Tasty Dishes for the Ultimate St. Patrick’s Feast

Celebrated in over 200 countries, St. Patrick’s Day is one of the most widely honored national celebrations in the world. People spend the day eating St. Patrick’s Day food, attending parades, and toasting to the patron Saint of Ireland with green beer and cocktails. While there are usually celebrations at every restaurant and bar around town, there is something unique and fun about hosting your own St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Whether you put together a sit-down dinner with traditional St. Patrick’s Day food, or invite friends and family over for a party, there are a ton of St. Patrick’s Day food ideas that are sure to go off like a newly found pot of gold. Read on to discover the magic and charm of St. Patrick’s Day party food and how you can make it for your celebration on March 17th.

What Food is Eaten on St. Patrick’s Day?

From corn beef and cabbage to Shepherd’s Pie and Beer Bread, St. Patrick’s Day food is hearty and flavorful. While some of the most commonly eaten St. Patrick’s Day food ideas are actually Irish American, they make for great additions to any Feast of Saint Patrick. The following dishes are some of the most popular to serve on March 17th:

Corned Beef and Cabbage - More of an Irish American tradition, this St. Patrick’s Day food is filled with flavor. Use your slow cooker to keep the meat tender and juicy and serve it with mustard or horseradish for an extra kick.
Shepherd’s Pie - Despite its name, Shepherd’s pie doesn’t actually have a crust. Rather, it is a layered dish that piles heaps of mashed potatoes over a thick layer of ground beef and vegetables, such as peas, carrots, and corn. Modern modifications include adding a layer of cheese or preparing a gravy to accompany the dish for a burst of flavor.

people celebrating saint patrick day

Traditional St. Patrick’s Day Food

Colcannon - A heavenly mixture of four ingredients, Colcannon combines two of the country’s most attainable foods, potatoes and cabbage, with milk and butter. Served as a side dish, this traditional St. Patrick’s Day food goes best with a heart meat dish.
Irish Soda Bread - Traditionally a plain bread made of baking soda, flour, salt, and buttermilk, modern recipes have spruced it up by adding flavorful ingredients, such as nuts, raisins, seeds, and more. Add some butter or jam to make it an even more delicious accompaniment to your St. Patrick’s Day feast.
Fried Cabbage - This is another dish that is frequently modified to fit the flavor profiles desired by its chef. Fried Cabbage, which is a popular vegetable in Ireland, is often paired with flavorful roasts of lamb or beef.
Irish Stew - Irish food is known for its simplicity and its stew is no different. Made with mutton, onions, carrots, and potatoes, this dish is both filling and flavorful. Add in Guinness to your broth, or substitute beef for the mutton, and you’ll have your own take on a traditional St. Patrick’s Day food.

Read The History Behind St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations.

st patrick cookies

St. Patrick’s Day Party Food

While certain St. Patrick’s Day food is best served around the dinner table, there are a number of dishes that can easily be converted to canapés for a St. Patrick’s Day party or served buffet-style for a more casual feast. Take these St. Patrick’s Day food ideas home with you:

Corned Beef and Cabbage Sliders - a twist on the traditional dish, these sliders deliver a finger friendly alternative to the hearty meal.
Shepherd’s Pie Potatoe Skins - Rather than preparing a huge casserole dish of this beloved Irish dish, opt for potato skins filled with the meat and vegetable mixture and topped with mashed potatoes. Not only can guests grab them and go, but they stick to what people think of when they imagine typical St. Patrick’s Day food.
Anything Reuben - Whether you’re making sandwich squares or a hot Rueben dip, you can’t go wrong by adding corned beef, sauerkraut, and cheese to your fanfare.

If you’re still asking yourself “what food is eaten on St. Patrick’s Day” this March 17th, pull up a recipe for a traditional roast, any kind of soda bread, and a dessert that involves some kind of apple tart and before you know it you’ll have a magnificent feast that makes you feel like you’ve conquered the luck of the Irish. Add in a flavorful green cocktail or a hearty beer and you’ll be celebrating just as the Irish do. Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone!

This green drink may interest you: How to Make a Spooky Vodka Martini.