Top 10 St. Patrick’s Day Recipes for a Festive Feast 2025

St. Patrick’s Day, celebrated on March 17th, is a vibrant holiday filled with green-themed festivities, Irish pride, and, of course, delicious food.

Each dish captures the spirit of the holiday with rich flavors, comforting textures, and a nod to Irish tradition—or at least a playful green spin!

Let’s dive into these recipes, complete with ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, so you can create a memorable St. Paddy’s Day spread.

1. Classic Corned Beef and Cabbage

Description: No St. Patrick’s Day celebration is complete without the iconic corned beef and cabbage. This dish is a staple in Irish-American cuisine, with roots tied to the Irish diaspora in the United States.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lb corned beef brisket (with spice packet)
• 1 medium head of cabbage, cut into wedges
• 6 medium potatoes, peeled and halved
• 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 cups water
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp black peppercorns

Instructions:

• Rinse the corned beef brisket under cold water to remove excess salt.
• Place the brisket in a large pot or Dutch oven and add the spice packet, bay leaves, and peppercorns.
• Pour in the beef broth and water, ensuring the meat is fully submerged.
• Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer.
• Cover and cook for 2.5-3 hours, or until the beef is tender.
• Add the potatoes, carrots, and onion to the pot and simmer for 20 minutes.
• Place the cabbage wedges on top of the vegetables and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cabbage is soft.
• Remove the corned beef from the pot and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
• Serve the sliced beef with the vegetables, drizzled with broth.

2. Irish Soda Bread

Description: Irish soda bread is a quick, no-yeast bread that’s as simple as it is delicious. With its signature dense yet tender crumb and slightly tangy flavor from buttermilk, this bread has been a staple in Irish homes for centuries.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1¾ cups buttermilk

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly flour a baking sheet.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
• Make a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk.
• Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough comes together—it should be soft but not sticky.
• Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead lightly for about 1 minute.
• Shape the dough into a round loaf about 8 inches in diameter.
• Place the loaf on the prepared baking sheet and cut a deep cross into the top with a sharp knife.
• Bake for 35-45 minutes, until the bread is golden and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
• Let cool slightly before slicing and serving with butter.

3. Shepherd’s Pie

Description: Shepherd’s pie is the ultimate Irish comfort food, a savory casserole that warms the soul as much as the stomach. Traditionally made with ground lamb (though beef is a popular substitute), it’s layered with a rich, meaty filling and topped with creamy mashed potatoes that turn golden and crisp in the oven.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground lamb (or beef)
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 4 cups mashed potatoes (prepared with butter and milk)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the onion until soft, about 5 minutes.
• Add the ground lamb and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
• Stir in the carrots, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce, cooking for 2 minutes.
• Pour in the beef broth, bring to a simmer, and cook until the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes.
• Stir in the peas and season with salt and pepper.
• Transfer the meat mixture to a baking dish and spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top.
• Use a fork to create ridges in the potatoes for extra crispiness.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
• Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

4. Colcannon

Description: Colcannon is a beloved Irish dish that combines creamy mashed potatoes with tender cabbage or kale, creating a side that’s both simple and deeply satisfying. Often served with a generous pat of butter melting into the center, it’s a celebration of humble ingredients elevated to something extraordinary.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 cups chopped cabbage (or kale)
• ½ cup milk
• 4 tbsp butter
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
• While the potatoes cook, steam or boil the cabbage until soft, about 5-7 minutes.
• Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
• Add the milk and 3 tbsp of butter, mashing until smooth and creamy.
• Stir in the cooked cabbage and green onions, mixing well.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Transfer to a serving bowl and make a well in the center.
• Place the remaining 1 tbsp of butter in the well to melt.
• Serve hot as a side dish.

5. Irish Stew

Description: Irish stew is a timeless classic, a slow-simmered medley of lamb, potatoes, and root vegetables that’s as comforting as a warm hug. This dish is all about simplicity and quality ingredients, letting the natural flavors shine through with minimal seasoning beyond salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs lamb shoulder, cut into chunks
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups beef or chicken broth
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions:

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
• Brown the lamb chunks in batches, about 5 minutes per batch, then set aside.
• In the same pot, sauté the onion until translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Return the lamb to the pot and add the potatoes, carrots, thyme, and broth.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
• Cover and cook for 1.5-2 hours, until the lamb is tender and the broth has thickened.
• Stir in the parsley and season with salt and pepper.
• Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.

6. Guinness Chocolate Cake

Description: For a St. Patrick’s Day dessert that’s as indulgent as it is festive, this Guinness chocolate cake is a showstopper. The iconic Irish stout adds a deep, malty richness to the moist chocolate cake, balancing the sweetness with its subtle bitterness.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Guinness stout
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 1½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• ⅔ cup sour cream
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup heavy cream

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
• In a saucepan, heat the Guinness and butter over medium heat until the butter melts.
• Whisk in the cocoa powder and sugar until smooth, then let cool slightly.
• In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
• In another bowl, beat the eggs and sour cream together.
• Add the Guinness mixture to the egg mixture, then stir into the dry ingredients until just combined.
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
• Let the cake cool completely.
• For the frosting, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until smooth and fluffy.
• Spread the frosting over the cooled cake and serve.

7. Boxty (Irish Potato Pancakes)

Description: Boxty, a traditional Irish potato pancake, is a delightful mix of grated raw potatoes and mashed potatoes, fried to golden perfection. Its name comes from the Irish “bacstaí,” meaning “poor-house bread,” reflecting its humble origins.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup grated raw potatoes
• 1 cup mashed potatoes
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

• Squeeze excess moisture from the grated potatoes using a clean towel.
• In a large bowl, mix the grated potatoes, mashed potatoes, flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Stir in the milk and melted butter until a thick batter forms.
• Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a thin layer of oil.
• Drop spoonfuls of batter into the skillet, flattening them into pancakes.
• Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.
• Drain on paper towels and serve warm with butter or sour cream.

8. Green Velvet Cupcakes

Description: Put a St. Patrick’s Day twist on the classic red velvet cupcake with these green velvet beauties. The vibrant green hue screams holiday spirit, while the tender, moist cake and tangy cream cheese frosting keep the flavor irresistible.

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cocoa powder
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vinegar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Green food coloring
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup butter, softened

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
• In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and cocoa powder.
• In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, oil, eggs, vinegar, vanilla, and enough green food coloring to reach desired shade.
• Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until smooth.
• Fill the cupcake liners ⅔ full and bake for 18-20 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
• Let the cupcakes cool completely.
• For the frosting, beat the cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar until fluffy.
• Pipe or spread the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes and serve.

9. Irish Coffee

Description: Irish coffee is more than a drink—it’s an experience. This warm, boozy concoction blends strong black coffee with smooth Irish whiskey, sweetened with brown sugar and topped with a dollop of whipped cream.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup hot brewed coffee
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1½ oz Irish whiskey
• ¼ cup heavy cream, lightly whipped

Instructions:

• Preheat a glass mug by filling it with hot water, then discard the water.
• Pour the hot coffee into the mug and stir in the brown sugar until dissolved.
• Add the Irish whiskey and stir gently.
• Carefully spoon the lightly whipped cream over the top, letting it float.
• Serve immediately without stirring—the cream should stay on top.

10. Shamrock Sugar Cookies

Description: These shamrock sugar cookies are a sweet, festive way to round out your St. Patrick’s Day feast. Shaped like the iconic three-leaf clover, they’re buttery, crisp, and decorated with green icing for that extra holiday flair.

Ingredients:

• 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1½ cups sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp milk
• Green food coloring

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
• In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until combined.
• Roll the dough into a ball, then flatten to ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface.
• Use a shamrock cookie cutter to cut out shapes and place them on the baking sheet.
• Bake for 8-10 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
• Let cool completely.
• For the icing, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and green food coloring until smooth.
• Spread or pipe the icing onto the cooled cookies and let set before serving.