16 Elegant St. Patrick’s Day Recipes for a Sophisticated Gathering

Elevating traditional Irish cuisine can be a fun challenge. You can make yummy dishes like Guinness Glazed Salmon or Boxty, but what if you could make them even better? This can be a great way to impress your friends and family on St. Patrick's Day.

You can try new ingredients and cooking methods to make these dishes special. By doing so, you can turn simple Irish food into a fancy meal that everyone will love. This way, you can have a sophisticated gathering that your guests will remember for a long time.

1. Irish Appetizer Recipes

Colcannon bites are crispy Irish appetizers filled with mashed potatoes and kale.

Ingredients

• 2 large potatoes
• 1/4 cup kale
• 1/4 cup onion
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup grated cheese
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Boil the potatoes until tender, then mash.
3. Add kale, onion, and butter to the mashed potatoes and mix.
4. In a separate bowl, mix flour, cheese, and egg.
5. Combine the potato and flour mixtures to form a dough.
6. Shape the dough into small balls and flatten slightly.
7. Place the colcannon bites on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
8. Serve warm and enjoy.

2. Beer Braised Short Ribs

Tender short ribs slow-cooked in a rich beer sauce.

Ingredients

• 4 pounds beef short ribs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beer
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 potatoes, peeled and chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the short ribs until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per side.
4. Remove the short ribs from the pot and set them aside.
5. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until it's browned, about 5 minutes.
6. Add the garlic, beer, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot.
7. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
8. Return the short ribs to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.
9. Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
10. Braise the short ribs for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until they're tender and falling off the bone.
11. Add the chopped carrots and potatoes to the pot and continue to braise for another 30 minutes, or until they're tender.
12. Remove the pot from the oven and let it cool slightly.
13. Serve the short ribs with the braising liquid spooned over the top.

3. Emerald Isle Cocktail

A revitalizing green cocktail perfect for St. Patrick's Day celebrations.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 ounces gin
• 1/2 ounce green Chartreuse
• 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup
• 1/2 ounce heavy cream
• Ice
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the gin, green Chartreuse, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10-12 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Slowly pour the heavy cream into the glass, creating a layered effect.
6. Garnish with a fresh mint leaf and serve immediately.

4. Classic Irish Soda Bread

Traditional Irish soda bread is a classic St. Patrick's Day 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 oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
3. Add butter and rub into flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Make a well in the center and pour in buttermilk.
5. Mix until dough comes together in a shaggy mass.
6. Turn dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently.
7. Shape into a round loaf and place on a baking sheet.
8. Cut a cross in the top of the loaf.
9. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack.

5. Guinness Glazed Salmon

Pan-seared salmon with a rich Guinness glaze, perfect for St. Patrick's Day.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1 cup Guinness stout
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small saucepan, combine Guinness, brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic.
3. Bring the glaze to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Brush the salmon fillets with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and ginger.
5. Place the salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Brush the Guinness glaze over the salmon fillets.
7. Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
8. Serve the salmon hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

6. Shamrock Shaped Foods

Delicious shamrock shaped foods perfect for St. Patrick's Day celebrations.

Ingredients

• 1 package of puff pastry
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon of water
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 cup of shredded cheese
• 1/4 cup of chopped ham
• 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
3. Use a shamrock-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the pastry.
4. In a small bowl, mix the beaten egg and water to create an egg wash.
5. Brush the egg wash over the pastry shamrocks.
6. Sprinkle the shredded cheese, chopped ham, and parsley over the pastry shamrocks.
7. Place the shamrocks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

7. Shepherd's Pie With Twist

Shepherd's Pie With Twist is a creative take on the classic dish.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1 cup mashed potatoes
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook ground beef in a pan until browned, breaking into small pieces.
3. Add onion and garlic to the pan and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Stir in frozen peas and carrots, and cook until thawed.
5. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
6. Spread mashed potatoes over the top of the mixture.
7. Sprinkle cheddar cheese and parsley over the potatoes.
8. Drizzle olive oil over the top.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown.

8. Contemporary Irish Cuisine

Contemporary Irish cuisine showcases a dish like pan-seared Irish salmon.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Sear the salmon fillets for 2-3 minutes on each side.
5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes.
6. Remove from the oven and drizzle with lemon juice.
7. Serve hot and enjoy.

9. Whiskey Infused Desserts

Indulge in rich whiskey infused desserts this St. Patrick's Day.

Ingredients

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons whiskey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup melted chocolate
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
3. In another bowl, mix sugar, whiskey, and vanilla extract.
4. Fold sugar mixture into whipped cream until well combined.
5. Melt chocolate and fold into cream mixture.
6. Stir in chopped nuts and pour into individual serving cups.
7. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

10. Boxty Stuffed With Bacon

Boxty stuffed with bacon is a traditional Irish dish with crispy potato pancake exterior.

Ingredients

• 2 large potatoes
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 6 slices of bacon
• 1 onion, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Grate the potatoes and squeeze out excess moisture.
2. In a bowl, combine grated potatoes, flour, salt, and pepper.
3. Divide the potato mixture into 6 equal parts and shape each part into a ball.
4. Flatten each ball into a pancake shape.
5. Heat butter in a frying pan over medium heat and cook the boxty for 4-5 minutes on each side.
6. Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a separate pan until crispy.
7. Chop the cooked bacon into small pieces and mix with chopped onion.
8. Once the boxty is cooked, place a spoonful of the bacon mixture in the center of each boxty.
9. Fold the boxty in half to enclose the filling and serve hot.

11. Modern Irish Scone Recipes

Delicious Irish scones perfect for St. Patrick's Day celebrations.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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, egg, and vanilla extract.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
6. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times.
7. Pat the dough into a circle that is about 1 inch thick.
8. Use a biscuit cutter to cut out scones and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
9. Brush the tops with a little extra heavy cream and sprinkle with sugar.
10. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

12. St Patrick's Day Brunch

Delicious St. Patrick's Day brunch to start your day.

Ingredients

• 6 eggs
• 1 cup sausage
• 1 cup bacon
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup diced bell peppers
• 1 cup diced onions
• 2 cups shredded potatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook sausage and bacon in a pan until browned.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and milk together.
4. Add shredded cheese, diced bell peppers, and diced onions to the bowl and mix well.
5. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
6. Add a layer of shredded potatoes to the dish.
7. Pour the egg mixture over the potatoes.
8. Add cooked sausage and bacon on top of the egg mixture.
9. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the eggs are set.
10. Serve hot and enjoy.

13. Colcannon and Kale Gratin

Creamy colcannon and kale gratin, a twist on traditional Irish side dishes.

Ingredients

• 2 heads of kale
• 4 potatoes
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated cheddar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Boil potatoes until tender, then mash.
3. Sauté chopped onion and garlic until softened.
4. Add kale to the pan and cook until wilted.
5. Combine mashed potatoes, kale mixture, and heavy cream.
6. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with grated cheddar.
7. Dot the top with butter and season with salt and pepper.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

14. Dublin Coddle Recipe

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

Ingredients

• 1 pound Irish bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 Irish sausages
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot, cook the Irish bacon over medium heat until browned.
2. Add the sausages to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
3. Remove the sausages from the pot and set aside.
4. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened.
5. Add the sliced potatoes, chicken broth, and cooked bacon to the pot.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
7. Add the cooked sausages back to the pot and season with salt, pepper, and garlic.
8. Simmer the coddle for an additional 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
9. Serve the Dublin Coddle hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or chives.

15. Elegant Irish Tea Party

Delicate finger sandwiches and sweet treats perfect for an Irish tea party.

Ingredients

• 1 cup strong brewed tea
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 package finger sandwich bread
• 1/2 cup smoked salmon
• 1/2 cup cucumber slices
• 1 cup scones
• 1 cup clotted cream
• 1 cup jam

Instructions

1. Brew a cup of strong Irish tea and mix with milk and honey.
2. Prepare finger sandwiches by spreading a small amount of cream cheese on each bread slice.
3. Top the cream cheese with smoked salmon or cucumber slices.
4. Arrange the finger sandwiches on a tiered serving dish.
5. Bake the scones according to package instructions.
6. Serve the scones with clotted cream and jam.
7. Pour the tea into delicate china cups and serve with the finger sandwiches and scones.

16. Bailey's Cheesecake Bites

Rich and creamy Bailey's-infused cheesecake bites perfect for St. Patrick's Day.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup Bailey's Irish Cream
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs and sugar, then stir in melted butter until well combined.
3. Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a mini muffin tin.
4. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth, then add granulated sugar and beat until combined.
5. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
6. Stir in Bailey's Irish Cream.
7. Divide the cheesecake batter evenly among the muffin tin cups.
8. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly jiggly.
9. Allow the cheesecakes to cool completely in the pan.
10. Once cooled, drizzle with powdered sugar and serve.

Conclusion

You'll impress your guests with these elegant recipes, and surprisingly, 40% of Americans claim Irish ancestry, making St. Patrick's Day a widely celebrated event. With refined dishes like Guinness Glazed Salmon and Bailey's Cheesecake Bites, you'll elevate the tradition, catering to discerning palates and creating a truly sophisticated gathering.