21 Budget-Friendly St. Patrick’s Day Recipes for a Delicious Celebration

St. Patrick's Day is a fun holiday where people like to eat yummy food with their friends and family. You might not know that it's one of the most food-centric holidays, which means people enjoy lots of delicious dishes on this day. It's a time to try new recipes and taste traditional Irish food, and the best part is that you don't have to spend a lot of money to celebrate.

If you're looking for ways to make your St. Patrick's Day celebration special without breaking the bank, you're in luck because we have some great ideas for you. We've put together 21 budget-friendly recipes that are easy to make and fun to eat. These recipes will help you have a fantastic St. Patrick's Day party with your loved ones.

1. Affordable Irish Appetizers

Delicious Irish appetizers to start your St. Patrick's Day celebration.

Ingredients

• 1 package of frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 cup of cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup of chopped scallions
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 loaf of Irish soda bread, cut into 1-inch cubes

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, combine spinach, cream cheese, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, scallions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
4. Arrange the Irish soda bread cubes on a baking sheet.
5. Spoon a small amount of the spinach mixture onto each bread cube.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the bread is toasted and the filling is heated through.
7. Serve warm and enjoy.

2. Budget-Friendly Breakfast Recipes

Delicious Irish breakfast to start St. Patrick's Day.

Ingredients

• 4 eggs
• 4 slices of bacon
• 1 cup of sausage
• 1 cup of shredded potatoes
• 1/2 cup of shredded cheese
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them together.
2. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add the butter.
3. Add the bacon to the pan and cook until crispy.
4. Add the sausage to the pan and cook until browned.
5. Add the shredded potatoes to the pan and cook until they are golden brown.
6. Pour the whisked eggs over the potatoes and cook until the eggs are set.
7. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the eggs and cook until melted.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve hot and enjoy.

3. Classic Corned Beef Dishes

Traditional corned beef dish for St. Patrick's Day celebrations.

Ingredients

• 1 pound corned beef brisket
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon pickling spice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Rinse the corned beef under cold water, then pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a large Dutch oven, combine sliced onion, minced garlic, beef broth, brown sugar, mustard seeds, and pickling spice.
4. Add the corned beef to the pot, making sure it's covered with the liquid.
5. Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven.
6. Braise the corned beef for 3-4 hours, or until tender.
7. Remove the pot from the oven and let it cool slightly.
8. Slice the corned beef against the grain and serve with the cooking liquid spooned over the top.

4. Delicious Desserts Under $10

Indulge in a moist and flavorful Irish Apple Cake perfect for St. Patrick's Day celebrations.

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 cups diced apples
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
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 sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined, then fold in diced apples.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Remove from oven and let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Easy Irish Soda Bread Recipes

Delicious traditional Irish soda bread made with simple ingredients.

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 oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the butter and use a pastry blender to work it into the flour mixture.
4. Make a well in the center 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 comes together.
7. Shape the dough into a round loaf and place on a baking sheet.
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.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.

6. Festive Finger Foods

Irish flag sliders are a festive and delicious finger food perfect for St. Patrick's Day celebrations.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped scallions
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 12 small dinner rolls
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

Instructions

1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Divide the ground beef into 12 equal portions and shape into patties.
3. Grill the patties for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired doneness.
4. Meanwhile, toast the dinner rolls on the grill or in a toaster.
5. Assemble the sliders with a cooked patty, a slice of cheese, a sprinkle of scallions, and a dollop of mayonnaise.
6. Top with a spoonful of shredded cabbage to represent the green in the Irish flag.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy.

7. Hearty Stew Recipes

Hearty Irish stew perfect for St. Patrick's Day celebrations.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds lamb or beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 medium potatoes, 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 pot over medium-high heat, add lamb or beef and cook until browned.
2. Add onion and garlic to the pot and cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Add carrots and potatoes to the pot, cook for 5 minutes.
4. Pour in broth, add thyme, salt, and pepper, stir to combine.
5. Bring stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 1/2 hours.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

8. Inexpensive Irish Main Courses

Hearty Irish stew made with lamb and vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lamb or beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 medium-sized carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup of lamb or beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
3. Add the lamb pieces and cook until browned.
4. Add the garlic, potatoes, carrots, broth, and thyme.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 hours.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

9. Lucky Leprechaun Treats

Lucky Leprechaun Treats are sweet marshmallow snacks dipped in green candy coating.

Ingredients

• 1 bag of marshmallows
• 1 cup of white candy coating
• 1/4 cup of green candy melts
• 1 tablespoon of shortening
• Edible gold coins or sprinkles

Instructions

1. Melt the white candy coating in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
2. Dip each marshmallow into the melted candy coating, using a fork or dipping tool to fully coat.
3. Place the coated marshmallows on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Melt the green candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl in 10-second increments, stirring between each interval.
5. Drizzle the melted green candy over the coated marshmallows.
6. Add edible gold coins or sprinkles on top of the green drizzle before it hardens.
7. Refrigerate the treats for at least 30 minutes to set the candy coating.
8. Serve the Lucky Leprechaun Treats chilled and enjoy.

10. Mouthwatering Meatball Recipes

Savory meatballs in a rich Irish-inspired sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup Guinness stout
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, cheese, onion, garlic, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and parsley.
3. Mix everything together with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined.
4. Use your hands to shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter.
5. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Sprinkle the flour over the meatballs and gently roll them to coat evenly.
7. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the meatballs on all sides.
8. Transfer the browned meatballs to a baking dish and set aside.
9. In the same skillet, add the beef broth, Guinness stout, tomato paste, and brown sugar.
10. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
11. Place the baking dish with the meatballs in the oven and bake for 15 minutes.
12. Remove the meatballs from the oven and pour the sauce over them.
13. Return the meatballs to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cooked through.
14. Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

11. Pocket-Friendly Party Snacks

Delicious and easy-to-make snacks for St. Patrick's Day celebrations.

Ingredients

• 1 package of wonton wrappers
• 1/2 cup of corned beef
• 1/2 cup of shredded cabbage
• 1/4 cup of shredded carrot
• 1/4 cup of mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together corned beef, shredded cabbage, and shredded carrot.
3. Lay a wonton wrapper on a flat surface and place a tablespoon of the corned beef mixture in the center.
4. Fold the wonton wrapper into a triangle and press the edges together to seal.
5. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
6. Brush the tops of the wontons with mayonnaise and sprinkle with Dijon mustard.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Serve warm and enjoy.

12. Quick and Easy Colcannon

Traditional Irish side dish made with mashed potatoes and kale.

Ingredients

• 4 large potatoes
• 1 head of kale
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender.
2. Chop the kale and onion, and sauté in butter until softened.
3. Drain the potatoes and mash with milk and salt and pepper.
4. Combine the mashed potatoes with the kale and onion mixture.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.

13. Recipes Under $5

Delicious and affordable Irish-inspired dishes for St. Patrick's Day.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of pasta
• 1 cup of frozen peas
• 1/2 cup of diced ham
• 1/4 cup of grated cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil and add diced ham.
3. Add frozen peas to the pan and cook until thawed.
4. Combine cooked pasta, ham, and peas in a bowl.
5. Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese on top and serve.

14. Saint Patrick's Day Sides

Colcannon is a traditional Irish side dish made from mashed 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 of 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 butter, salt, and pepper.
5. Add the cooked kale and onion mixture to the mashed potatoes and mix well.
6. Serve the colcannon hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.

15. Savory Shepherd's Pie

Savory Shepherd's Pie is a traditional Irish dish made with ground meat and vegetables.

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

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°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.
4. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
6. Spread the mashed potatoes over the top of the mixture.
7. Dot the top of the potatoes with the butter.
8. Bake the Shepherd's Pie in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown.
9. Serve hot and enjoy!

16. Simple Irish Soups

Traditional Irish Potato Soup is a hearty and comforting dish.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups diced potatoes
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup milk or cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the diced potatoes, broth, and salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender.
6. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
7. Stir in the milk or cream and adjust the seasoning as needed.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions or chives if desired.

17. St. Patrick's Day Salads

Lucky kale salad with Irish flair, perfect for St. Patrick's Day.

Ingredients

• 2 cups curly kale
• 1 cup diced apple
• 1/2 cup crumbled Irish cheddar
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, massage the kale with your hands for about 2-3 minutes to make it tender.
2. Add the diced apple, crumbled Irish cheddar, chopped walnuts, and dried cranberries to the bowl with the kale.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and apple cider vinegar.
4. Pour the dressing over the kale mixture and toss to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy.

18. Traditional Irish Tea Sandwiches

Delicate finger sandwiches perfect for a St. Patrick's Day celebration.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of white bread
• 1/2 cup of butter, softened
• 1/2 cup of smoked salmon
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh dill
• 1/4 cup of crumbled Irish cheese
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cut the crust off the bread and cut into small squares or triangles.
2. Butter each bread piece lightly.
3. Top with a small piece of smoked salmon.
4. Sprinkle with chopped fresh dill and crumbled Irish cheese.
5. Drizzle with lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
6. Assemble the sandwiches by placing another bread piece on top.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy.

19. Value-Packed Vegetable Dishes

Colcannon, a traditional Irish dish, combines mashed potatoes with kale and onions.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Boil the potatoes until they are tender, then drain and mash.
2. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened.
3. Add the chopped kale to the onion mixture and cook until wilted.
4. Combine the mashed potatoes, onion and kale mixture, and milk.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot with butter on top.

20. Wallet-Friendly Wine Pairings

Wallet-friendly wine pairings made easy with this simple recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 bottle of white wine
• 1 bottle of red wine
• 1 cup of mixed berries
• 1 orange
• 1 lemon
• 1 lime
• Sparkling water

Instructions

1. Chill the white and red wine in the refrigerator overnight.
2. Cut the orange, lemon, and lime into slices.
3. Combine mixed berries in a small bowl.
4. Pour the chilled white wine into glasses filled with ice.
5. Add a slice of orange, lemon, or lime to each glass.
6. Top the white wine with sparkling water for a revitalizing spritzer.
7. Serve the red wine at room temperature with a side of mixed berries.
8. Offer both options to your guests and enjoy.

21. Deliciously Affordable Dessert Recipes

Indulge in a sweet and creamy Irish cream cheesecake perfect for St. Patrick's Day.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 16 ounces cream cheese
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup Irish cream liqueur

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F and prepare a 9-inch springform pan.
2. Mix crust ingredients and press into the prepared pan.
3. Bake crust for 10 minutes and let it cool.
4. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
5. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
6. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream.
7. Add Irish cream liqueur and mix until well combined.
8. Pour cheesecake batter into the prepared pan.
9. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the edges are set.
10. Let the cheesecake cool completely before serving.

Conclusion

You've struck gold like a leprechaun, discovering these budget-friendly St. Patrick's Day recipes. Now, go ahead and cook up a pot of gold - delicious, affordable dishes that'll make your celebration shine like a rainbow after a Irish spring shower, making your taste buds dance a jig.