21 Make-Ahead St. Patrick’s Day Recipes to Save Time and Stress

Hosting a St. Patrick's Day party can be overwhelming, like trying to grab a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. You want to make sure everyone has a great time, but it's easy to feel stressed when you're preparing multiple dishes. You might be worried that something will go wrong or that you'll forget an important detail.

But what if you could make your party planning easier? With some simple tips and tricks, you can simplify the process and have a stress-free celebration. By preparing some dishes ahead of time, you can save time and focus on having fun with your guests.

1. Easy Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe

Traditional Irish comfort food made easy and delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 pound corned beef brisket
• 1 head of cabbage, cut into wedges
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Place the corned beef in a large pot or Dutch oven and cover with cold water.
2. Add the chopped onion, garlic, thyme, and parsley to the pot.
3. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 2 hours.
4. Add the cabbage, carrots, and potatoes to the pot and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Remove the corned beef from the pot and slice it thinly against the grain.
7. Serve the sliced corned beef with the cooked cabbage, carrots, and potatoes.

2. Shepherd's Pie Made Ahead of Time

Traditional Irish dish 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 skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces.
3. Add diced onion, garlic, peas and carrots, beef broth, and tomato paste to the skillet, stir to combine.
4. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Transfer mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
6. Spread mashed potatoes over the top of the meat mixture.
7. Sprinkle grated cheese over the potatoes.
8. Dot the top with butter.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until potatoes are golden brown.
10. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

3. Irish Soda Bread to Bake Ahead

Classic Irish Soda Bread perfect for St. Patrick's Day celebrations.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large mixing 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, egg, and sugar.
5. Mix the dough until it comes together in a shaggy mass.
6. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 1-2 minutes, until it becomes smooth.
7. Shape the dough into a round loaf and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Cut a cross in the top of the loaf with a sharp knife.
9. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

4. Shamrock Cookies for a Sweet Treat

Delicious Shamrock Cookies perfect for St. Patrick's Day celebrations.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Green food coloring
• Shamrock sprinkles

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
6. Add green food coloring to tint the cookies.
7. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
8. Use a cookie cutter to cut out shamrock shapes.
9. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
10. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Decorate the cooled cookies with shamrock sprinkles.

5. Make-Ahead Irish Stew

Hearty Irish Stew filled with tender lamb and vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lamb stew meat
• 2 medium onions
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 medium carrots
• 2 medium potatoes
• 1 large celery stalk
• 1 cup lamb broth
• 1 cup Guinness stout
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Brown the lamb in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onions, garlic, carrots, potatoes, and celery to the pot.
3. Pour in the lamb broth, Guinness stout, and add the thyme.
4. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer.
5. Let the stew cook for 2 1/2 hours, or until the lamb is tender.
6. Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

6. Reuben Dip for a Party Favorite

Creamy Reuben dip with corned beef and sauerkraut is perfect for parties.

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) container cream cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup chopped corned beef
• 1/2 cup sauerkraut, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup shredded Swiss cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, horseradish, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
4. Stir in chopped corned beef, sauerkraut, parsley, and Swiss cheese.
5. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve warm with rye bread or crackers.

7. Colcannon to Prepare in Advance

Colcannon is a traditional Irish side dish made from mashed potatoes and kale.

Ingredients

• 4 large potatoes
• 1 head of kale
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1/4 cup of milk
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Boil the potatoes until they are tender, then drain and mash.
2. Remove the stems from the kale and chop the leaves into small pieces.
3. Sauté the chopped onion and garlic until softened.
4. Add the chopped kale to the onion mixture and cook until wilted.
5. Combine the mashed potatoes, kale mixture, milk, and butter in a large bowl.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot.

8. Boxty to Serve at Your Party

Traditional Irish boxty is a pan-fried potato pancake dish.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine grated potatoes, onion, and garlic.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, pepper, and baking powder.
3. Add the dry ingredients to the potato mixture and stir to combine.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together milk and egg, then add to the potato mixture.
5. Heat a large non-stick skillet or frying pan with about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat.
6. Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, scoop the potato mixture into the pan and flatten slightly.
7. Cook the boxty for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
8. Serve the boxty hot with your choice of toppings, such as sour cream or applesauce.

9. Guinness Beef Stew to Warm Up

Hearty Guinness Beef Stew warms the senses with tender beef and vegetables.

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 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

1. Heat butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
4. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until the onion is translucent.
5. Add the carrots and potatoes to the pot and cook for 5 minutes.
6. Add the Guinness stout, beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot.
7. Return the beef to the pot and bring to a boil.
8. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 1/2 hours.
9. Mix the flour with a little water to make a slurry and stir into the stew.
10. Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the stew has thickened.

10. Leek and Potato Soup to Enjoy

Creamy leek and potato soup perfect for St. Patrick's Day.

Ingredients

• 2 large leeks
• 3-4 large potatoes
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Wash and chop the leeks and potatoes into smaller pieces.
2. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until softened.
3. Add the chopped leeks to the pot and cook until they are tender.
4. Add the chopped potatoes, chicken broth, and salt and pepper to taste to the pot.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
7. Stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
8. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped scallions or chives if desired.

11. Irish Cream Cheesecake for Dessert

Indulge in a rich Irish Cream Cheesecake for a decadent dessert.

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 Irish cream liqueur
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and prepare a springform pan.
2. Mix the crust ingredients and press into the pan.
3. Beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Stir in the Irish cream liqueur and vanilla extract.
6. Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared pan.
7. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until the edges are set.
8. Let the cheesecake cool completely before refrigerating.
9. Top with whipped sour cream and serve.

12. Baileys Irish Cream Brownies to Indulge

Rich, fudgy brownies infused with Baileys Irish Cream.

Ingredients

• 1 and 1/2 sticks of unsalted butter
• 2 cups of sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup of Baileys Irish Cream
• 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 and 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
2. Melt the butter and sugar in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the cocoa powder until well combined.
4. Let it cool slightly, then stir in the Baileys Irish Cream and vanilla extract.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, stirring vigorously after each addition.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
7. Add the flour mixture to the saucepan and stir until just combined.
8. Stir in the chocolate chips.
9. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
11. Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.

13. Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Vegetables

Tender corned beef and vegetables cooked to perfection in a slow cooker.

Ingredients

• 1 pound corned beef brisket
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 large cabbage, cut into wedges
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Place the sliced onion at the bottom of a slow cooker.
2. Add the corned beef brisket on top of the onion.
3. Add the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and cubed potatoes around the corned beef.
4. Place the cabbage wedges on top of the other vegetables.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown sugar, and dried thyme.
6. Pour the broth mixture over the corned beef and vegetables.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
9. Slice the corned beef against the grain and serve with the cooked vegetables.

14. Lucky Charms Marshmallow Treats for Kids

Lucky Charms Marshmallow Treats are a fun and easy dessert for kids on St. Patrick's Day.

Ingredients

• 2 cups Lucky Charms cereal
• 1 cup marshmallows
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• Green food coloring
• Whipped cream and sprinkles for topping

Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a large pot over low heat.
2. Add the marshmallows and stir until they are completely melted.
3. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the Lucky Charms cereal.
4. Add a few drops of green food coloring to tint the treats.
5. Press the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch pan.
6. Let the treats cool and harden before cutting into bars.
7. Top with whipped cream and sprinkles, if desired.

15. Traditional Irish Scones to Bake

Traditional Irish scones are a classic treat.

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. Brush the tops with a little extra heavy cream.
11. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

16. Cabbage and Noodle Skillet to Prepare

Hearty Cabbage and Noodle Skillet combines sautéed cabbage and noodles.

Ingredients

• 1 medium onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 medium cabbage
• 8 oz noodles
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Chop the onion and garlic, then sauté in olive oil until softened.
2. Add shredded cabbage to the skillet, cooking until it starts to wilt.
3. Cook the noodles according to package instructions, then set aside.
4. Combine cooked noodles, sautéed cabbage mixture, and season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve the Cabbage and Noodle Skillet hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.

17. Guinness Chocolate Cake for a Crowd

Rich, moist Guinness chocolate cake perfect for a St. Patrick's Day crowd.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup Guinness stout
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together Guinness, cocoa powder, and milk.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
5. Whisk in the vanilla extract.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the Guinness mixture, whisking until smooth.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once the cakes are cool, you can frost and decorate them as desired.

18. Mini Shepherd's Pies for a Party

Mini Shepherd's Pies are individual servings of traditional shepherd's pie perfect for a party.

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 all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, frozen peas and carrots, beef broth, tomato paste, flour, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet and stir to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Stir in the butter until melted.
6. Spoon the meat mixture into 12 mini cast-iron skillets or ramekins.
7. Top each skillet with a spoonful of mashed potatoes and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
9. Serve hot and enjoy!

19. Dublin Coddle to Cook Ahead

Hearty Irish dish made with bacon, sausage, and potatoes.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Cut the bacon into small pieces and cook in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced sausage to the pot and cook until browned.
3. Add the chopped onions to the pot and cook until they are translucent.
4. Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, salt, and pepper to the pot.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
6. Serve the coddle hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or chives.

20. Irish Apple Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting

Irish Apple Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist and flavorful dessert.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups diced apples
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then beat in the vanilla extract.
5. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture and beat until just combined.
6. Stir in the diced apples.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. To make the cream cheese frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
11. Beat in the vanilla extract, then gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until smooth and creamy.
12. Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a thick layer of frosting on top.
13. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.

21. Make-Ahead St. Patrick's Day Punch

Invigorating and fruity, this punch is perfect for St. Patrick's Day celebrations.

Ingredients

• 2 cups lemon-lime soda
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1 cup ginger ale
• 1/2 cup green Kool-Aid
• 1/4 cup simple syrup
• Sliced fruit for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large pitcher, mix together lemon-lime soda, pineapple juice, and ginger ale.
2. Add green Kool-Aid and stir until dissolved.
3. Add simple syrup and stir to combine.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Serve the punch cold, garnished with sliced fruit.

Conclusion

You'll save a million hours of stress with these make-ahead St. Patrick's Day recipes! They're a game-changer for a hassle-free celebration. By prepping ahead, you'll have tons of time to enjoy the festivities with family and friends, and that's truly priceless. Your guests will love the delicious food, and you'll be the host with the most!