19 Authentic Irish St. Patrick’s Day Recipes for a True Taste of Ireland

You're likely familiar with bland, mass-produced Irish dishes, but authentic Irish cuisine is a different story. It's rich and complex, with recipes like Irish Stew and Shepherd's Pie that will make your taste buds dance. Irish food is all about hearty meals that bring people together, and that's what makes it so interesting.

Are you ready to discover the real Ireland through its delicious food? From traditional dishes to modern twists, we've got 19 authentic Irish recipes to try on St. Patrick's Day. Get ready to taste the magic of Ireland and make this St. Patrick's Day one to remember!

1. Classic Irish Stew

Hearty Irish Stew made with lamb, potatoes, and vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lamb or beef, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 large rutabaga, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup lamb or beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add lamb and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
3. Add onions, garlic, carrots, potatoes, and rutabaga to the pot.
4. Pour in broth and add thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, until the lamb is tender, about 1 1/2 hours.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

2. Shepherd's Pie

Traditional Irish casserole made with ground meat and mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces.
3. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Stir in frozen peas and carrots, beef broth, and tomato paste, bringing to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer the meat mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
7. Spread mashed potatoes over the top of the meat mixture.
8. Dot the top of the potatoes with butter and sprinkle with grated cheddar cheese.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
10. Serve hot and enjoy.

3. Irish Soda Bread

Traditional Irish soda bread is a delicious and easy-to-make treat.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 cup buttermilk

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the butter to the dry ingredients and rub until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Make a well in the center of the mixture and pour in the buttermilk.
5. Mix the dough until it comes together in a shaggy mass.
6. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead a few times until it becomes smooth.
7. Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Cut a cross in the top of the loaf and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.

4. Colcannon and Kale

Traditional Irish side dish made with potatoes and kale.

Ingredients

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 head of kale, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup milk or heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Boil the chopped potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender.
2. While the potatoes are cooking, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in butter until softened.
3. Add the chopped kale to the pot with the onion and garlic, and cook until wilted.
4. Drain the cooked potatoes and mash in a large bowl with milk or heavy cream.
5. Add the cooked kale mixture to the mashed potatoes and stir until well combined.
6. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve the colcannon hot, garnished with additional chopped kale if desired.

5. Boxty Potato Pancakes

Crispy Irish boxty potato pancakes filled with savory fillings.

Ingredients

• 2 large potatoes, peeled and grated
• 1 onion, grated
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 large egg
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine grated potatoes, onion, and garlic.
2. Squeeze out as much moisture from the potato mixture as possible.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, pepper, and baking powder.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the potato mixture and stir until just combined.
5. Add the egg to the mixture and stir until a thick batter forms.
6. Heat a large frying pan with about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat.
7. Using a tablespoon, drop the batter into the hot oil and flatten slightly.
8. Cook the boxty for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until crispy and golden brown.
9. Remove the boxty from the oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
10. Serve the boxty hot with your choice of filling, such as bacon, sausage, or sour cream.

6. Guinness Beef Stew

Hearty Guinness Beef Stew for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef stew meat
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup Guinness stout
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the carrots and potatoes, cook for 5 minutes.
5. Add the Guinness stout, beef broth, tomato paste, and thyme.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
7. Cover and simmer for 2 1/2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

7. Baileys Irish Cream Cheesecake

Rich and creamy Baileys Irish Cream Cheesecake perfect for St. Patrick's Day.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 2 pounds cream cheese
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup Baileys Irish Cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and prepare a 9-inch springform pan.
2. Mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter to create the crust.
3. Press the crust mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes.
4. Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add the eggs one at a time.
5. Add the Baileys Irish Cream, vanilla extract, and sour cream, and mix well.
6. Pour the cheesecake batter into the baked crust and smooth the top.
7. Bake the cheesecake for 55-60 minutes or until the edges are set.
8. Let the cheesecake cool completely in the pan before refrigerating for at least 4 hours.
9. Release the springform pan sides and slice the cheesecake to serve.

8. Traditional Irish Scones

Traditional Irish scones are a classic treat often served with tea or coffee.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold butter
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 large egg

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender to work it into the dry ingredients.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream and egg.
5. Add the cream mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
6. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it.
7. Pat the dough into a circle that is about 1 inch thick.
8. Use a biscuit cutter to cut out scones.
9. Place the scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown.

9. Corned Beef and Cabbage

A traditional Irish dish of boiled corned beef and cabbage.

Ingredients

• 1 pound corned beef
• 1 medium cabbage
• 2 medium carrots
• 2 medium potatoes
• 1 onion
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with enough water to cover the corned beef and bring to a boil.
2. Add the corned beef to the pot and reduce heat to a simmer.
3. Let the corned beef cook for 3-4 hours or until tender.
4. Add the cabbage, carrots, potatoes, onion, and garlic to the pot.
5. Continue to simmer for another 30-40 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
6. Remove the corned beef and vegetables from the pot and slice the corned beef.
7. Season with mustard seeds, salt, and pepper to taste.
8. Serve the sliced corned beef with the boiled vegetables.

10. Irish Apple Cake

Irish Apple Cake is a traditional dessert filled with apples and spices.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups peeled and chopped apples

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In another bowl, use an electric mixer to beat sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Fold in the chopped apples.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

11. Full Irish Breakfast

Traditional Irish morning meal with bacon, eggs, and sausages.

Ingredients

• 4 slices of Irish bacon
• 4 sausages
• 4 eggs
• 1 can of baked beans
• 4 slices of black pudding
• 4 slices of white pudding
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking oil or butter

Instructions

1. Cook the sausages in a pan with oil over medium heat until browned.
2. Cook the Irish bacon in the same pan until crispy.
3. Fry the black and white pudding slices until browned.
4. Fry the eggs in a separate pan with butter or oil.
5. Heat the baked beans in a saucepan or in the microwave.
6. Serve all the components together on a large plate.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

12. Black Pudding and Sausages

Hearty Irish breakfast with Black Pudding and Sausages.

Ingredients

• 4 Irish sausages
• 4 slices of black pudding
• 4 eggs
• 4 slices of bacon
• 1 large onion
• 2 large potatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Peel and dice the potatoes, then boil them in salted water until tender.
2. Grill the sausages and bacon until browned.
3. Slice the black pudding and fry in a pan until crispy.
4. Fry the eggs in the same pan as the black pudding.
5. Slice the onion and fry until softened.
6. Serve the sausages, black pudding, bacon, eggs, and potatoes together on a plate.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

13. Champ and Scallions

Champ and Scallions is a traditional Irish dish made with mashed potatoes and scallions.

Ingredients

• 4 large potatoes
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup chopped scallions
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender.
2. Drain the potatoes and mash with butter and milk.
3. Stir in chopped scallions and season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve hot, garnished with additional scallions if desired.

14. Irish Chicken and Mushroom Pie

Hearty Irish Chicken and Mushroom Pie fills the home with savory aromas.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless chicken breast
• 2 cups mixed mushrooms
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 pie crusts
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Sauté diced onion and minced garlic until softened.
3. Add mixed mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture.
4. Add chicken to the skillet and cook until browned.
5. Stir in flour, chicken broth, and heavy cream.
6. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened.
7. Roll out one pie crust and fill with the chicken mixture.
8. Cover with the second pie crust and crimp edges.
9. Cut slits in the top crust for ventilation.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until crust is golden brown.

15. Dublin Coddle

Dublin Coddle is a hearty Irish stew made with bacon, sausages, and potatoes.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Irish sausages
• 6 slices of bacon
• 2 large onions
• 3-4 medium-sized potatoes
• 1 cup of chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Chop the bacon into small pieces and cook in a large pot over medium heat until crispy.
2. Remove the cooked bacon from the pot and set aside.
3. Add the sliced sausages to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
4. Add the chopped onions to the pot and cook until they are translucent.
5. Add the chopped potatoes, chicken broth, and cooked bacon back to the pot.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

16. Barmbrack Bread

Traditional Irish Barmbrack Bread is a sweet bread filled with raisins and spices.

Ingredients

• 1 cup raisins
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons mixed spice
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 large egg

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
2. Soak the raisins in tea or water for at least 2 hours, then drain well.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, spice, baking powder, and salt.
4. Add the melted butter, milk, and egg to the dry ingredients and mix until a sticky dough forms.
5. Fold in the soaked raisins and mix well.
6. Turn the dough into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 2-3 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

17. Steak and Guinness Pie

Hearty Steak and Guinness Pie filled with tender beef and rich flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 pound beef stew meat
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup Guinness stout
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg, beaten

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook the beef over medium-high heat until browned.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the Guinness stout, beef broth, tomato paste, flour, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
5. Stir the mixture and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Roll out the puff pastry and place into a 9-inch pie dish.
7. Fill the pastry-lined pie dish with the beef mixture.
8. Roll out the remaining pastry and use to cover the pie.
9. Crimp the edges to seal the pie and cut a few slits in the top.
10. Brush the top of the pie with the beaten egg.
11. Bake the pie for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.

18. Irish Cream Panna Cotta

Rich and creamy dessert infused with Irish cream liqueur.

Ingredients

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup Irish cream liqueur
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 cup unflavored gelatin

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 1/4 cup of cold water and let it sit for 5 minutes to soften.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cream, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
3. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
4. Remove the mixture from the heat and add the softened gelatin, stirring until it's fully dissolved.
5. Stir in the Irish cream liqueur.
6. Pour the mixture into small individual serving cups or a large serving dish.
7. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the panna cotta is set.
8. Serve chilled, garnished with a sprinkle of sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce, if desired.

19. Trifle With Irish Whiskey

Trifle With Irish Whiskey is a layered dessert with whiskey-infused flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup Irish whiskey
• 1 cup pound cake
• 1 cup mixed berries
• 1 cup whipped cream

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, granulated sugar, and egg yolks.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the Irish whiskey.
4. Cut the pound cake into 1-inch cubes and place half of them in the bottom of a large bowl.
5. Spoon half of the whiskey mixture over the cake, followed by half of the mixed berries.
6. Repeat the layers, starting with the remaining cake, then the remaining whiskey mixture, and finally the remaining berries.
7. Top with whipped cream and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Conclusion

You'll savor each bite, just like a child taking their first bite of Irish Soda Bread on St. Patrick's Day, eyes widening with delight. With these 19 recipes, you'll taste Ireland's warmth, like a hug from a loved one, comforting and real, just as 80% of Irish households serve traditional dishes on this day, passing down love and heritage.