18 Simple St. Patrick’s Day Recipe Side Dishes to Complete Your Meal

St. Patrick's Day is a fun holiday where we eat yummy food with our family and friends. You're about to find out the secrets of 18 simple St. Patrick's Day recipe side dishes that will make your meal super delicious. These recipes are easy to make and will add a lot of flavor to your dinner.

Get ready to discover a treasure trove of flavors that will make your taste buds happy. Your meal will be complete with these amazing side dish ideas, and you'll feel like you've found a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. With these recipes, you'll have a St. Patrick's Day party that everyone will remember!

1. Classic Colcannon Recipe

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
• 1/2 cup chopped scallions
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender.
2. Drain the potatoes and mash in a bowl.
3. Remove the stems from the kale and chop the leaves.
4. Add the chopped kale to the mashed potatoes.
5. In a pan, heat the milk and butter until the butter melts.
6. Add the milk mixture to the potatoes and kale.
7. Stir in the chopped scallions and season with salt and pepper.
8. Serve the colcannon hot.

2. Irish Soda Bread With Herbs

Traditional Irish Soda Bread infused with fresh herbs for a delicious side dish.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, 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 and pour in the buttermilk, stirring until the dough comes together.
5. Fold in the chopped rosemary and thyme.
6. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently until it forms a round shape.
7. Place the dough in the prepared pan and cut a cross in the top.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before slicing.

3. Roasted Carrots With Parsley Sauce

Roasted carrots paired with a fresh parsley sauce make a delicious side dish.

Ingredients

• 4 large carrots
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Peel and chop the carrots into bite-sized pieces.
3. Toss the carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
4. Roast the carrots in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
5. Blend parsley, garlic, and sour cream in a blender to make the sauce.
6. Serve the roasted carrots with parsley sauce spooned over the top.

4. Braised Red Cabbage With Apples

Sweet and tangy braised red cabbage with apples, perfect for St. Patrick's Day.

Ingredients

• 1 head of red cabbage, shredded
• 2 apples, peeled and chopped
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup of apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until softened.
2. Add the shredded cabbage, chopped apples, apple cider vinegar, and caraway seeds to the pan.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir well to combine.
4. Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and braise for 20-25 minutes or until the cabbage is tender.
5. Serve hot, garnished with additional caraway seeds if desired.

5. Pan-Seared Boxty With Sour Cream

Pan-seared boxty with sour cream is a crispy and delicious Irish side dish.

Ingredients

• 2 large potatoes, peeled and grated
• 1 onion, grated
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine grated potatoes, onion, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Squeeze out as much moisture from the potato mixture as possible using a cheesecloth or paper towels.
3. Divide the potato mixture into 4-6 portions, depending on desired boxty size.
4. Shape each portion into a flat patty.
5. Heat a large skillet with about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
6. Add the boxty patties to the skillet and fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
7. Remove the boxty from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
8. Serve the boxty hot with a dollop of sour cream and a pat of butter on top.

6. Garlic and Rosemary Mashed Potatoes

Creamy garlic and rosemary mashed potatoes perfect for St. Patrick's Day.

Ingredients

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Boil the chopped potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot with butter, salt, and pepper.
3. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or a fork until they're mostly smooth.
4. Add the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and milk to the potatoes.
5. Mash the potatoes until they're smooth and creamy, adding more milk if needed.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
7. Serve the garlic and rosemary mashed potatoes hot.

7. Steamed Green Beans With Lemon Butter

Steamed green beans with lemon butter is a delicious and easy side dish perfect for St. Patrick's Day.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh green beans
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with 2 inches of water and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce the heat to a simmer and place a steamer basket over the water.
3. Add the green beans to the steamer basket and cover with a lid.
4. Steam the green beans for 4-6 minutes, or until tender.
5. While the green beans are steaming, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
6. Add the garlic and lemon zest to the melted butter and cook for 1 minute.
7. Remove the green beans from the steamer and place them on a serving platter.
8. Drizzle the lemon butter over the green beans and season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
9. Serve hot and enjoy.

8. Traditional Irish Champ Recipe

Traditional Irish Champ is a simple and delicious side dish made from mashed potatoes and scallions.

Ingredients

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1/4 cup milk or heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup chopped scallions
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Boil the chopped potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot with the butter, salt, and pepper.
3. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or a fork until they're smooth and creamy.
4. Gradually add the milk, stirring to combine, until the potatoes reach the desired consistency.
5. Stir in the chopped scallions.
6. Serve the champ hot, garnished with additional chopped scallions if desired.

9. Sauteed Spinach With Garlic and Ginger

Quick and flavorful sauteed spinach with garlic and ginger.

Ingredients

• 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cook for 1 minute.
3. Add spinach to the skillet, stirring constantly.
4. Cook until spinach is wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

10. Boiled Potatoes With Dill and Chives

Simple boiled potatoes infused with fresh dill and chives.

Ingredients

• 4 large potatoes
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with enough cold water to cover the potatoes and add a pinch of salt.
2. Bring the water to a boil and carefully add the potatoes.
3. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
4. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
5. Add the butter, dill, and chives to the potatoes and toss to combine.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot.

11. Creamy Leek and Potato Gratin

Creamy Leek and Potato Gratin is a rich and flavorful side dish perfect for St. Patrick's Day.

Ingredients

• 2 large leeks, sliced
• 3-4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large saucepan, combine the sliced leeks and enough cold water to cover them, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until tender.
3. In a separate saucepan, combine the heavy cream and butter, heat over low heat until the butter has melted.
4. In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, create a layer of overlapping potato slices.
5. Add a layer of cooked leeks on top of the potatoes, then pour some of the cream mixture over the leeks.
6. Sprinkle a third of the grated cheese over the cream layer.
7. Repeat steps 4-6 two more times, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender.

12. Pan-Fried Cabbage With Bacon and Onions

Pan-Fried Cabbage With Bacon and Onions is a savory side dish.

Ingredients

• 1 medium-sized cabbage
• 6 slices of bacon
• 1 large onion
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Chop the bacon into small pieces and cook in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy.
2. Remove the cooked bacon from the skillet and set aside.
3. Add the olive oil to the skillet and sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Chop the cabbage into thin strips and add to the skillet, cooking until it starts to soften.
6. Return the cooked bacon to the skillet and stir to combine with the cabbage and onion mixture.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot.

13. Irish-Style Roasted Root Vegetables

Hearty Irish-Style Roasted Root Vegetables perfect for St. Patrick's Day.

Ingredients

• 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 large parsnips, peeled and chopped
• 2 large Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the chopped carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated.
3. Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned.
5. Remove from the oven and serve hot.

14. Whipped Colcannon With Scallions and Chives

Creamy whipped colcannon infused with scallions and chives.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Boil the chopped potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender.
2. Drain the potatoes and mash in a large bowl.
3. Add milk, butter, scallions, and chives to the mashed potatoes.
4. Whip the mixture with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional scallions and chives if desired.

15. Baked Parsnips With Honey and Thyme

Sweet and earthy parsnips baked to perfection with honey and thyme.

Ingredients

• 4 large parsnips
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Peel and chop parsnips into 1-inch pieces.
3. In a bowl, mix together honey, olive oil, and thyme.
4. Add the parsnip pieces to the bowl and toss to coat with the honey mixture.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Spread the parsnips on a baking sheet in a single layer.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until tender and caramelized.

16. Simple Irish Potato Cakes Recipe

Crispy Irish potato cakes, a classic St. Patrick's Day side dish.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine grated potatoes, onion, and garlic.
2. In a separate bowl, mix flour, salt, pepper, and baking powder.
3. Add the dry ingredients to the potato mixture and stir until combined.
4. Add the beaten egg and melted butter to the mixture and stir until a dough forms.
5. Divide the dough into 4-6 portions, depending on desired size.
6. Shape each portion into a flat cake.
7. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and cook the cakes for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!

17. Wilted Kale With Garlic and Lemon Juice

Wilted kale with garlic and lemon juice is a delicious side dish.

Ingredients

• 1 bunch kale, stems removed and discarded, leaves coarsely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add chopped kale to the skillet, in batches if necessary, and cook until wilted.
4. Pour in lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges if desired.

18. Creamy Parsnip and Potato Puree

Creamy Parsnip and Potato Puree is a delicious side dish perfect for St. Patrick's Day.

Ingredients

• 2 large parsnips
• 3-4 large potatoes
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Peel and chop the parsnips and potatoes into large chunks.
3. Place the parsnip and potato chunks on a baking sheet, dot with butter, and roast for 45 minutes.
4. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let it cool slightly.
5. Transfer the roasted parsnips and potatoes to a blender or food processor.
6. Add heavy cream, salt, and pepper, and blend until smooth.
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
8. Serve the Creamy Parsnip and Potato Puree hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.

Conclusion

You've got a plethora of tasty side dishes to complete your St. Patrick's Day meal - what more could you ask for? Savor the flavors of colcannon, soda bread, and roasted carrots, and don't forget the creamy parsnip puree. Can you resist the allure of these delicious dishes? They'll perfectly complement your festive celebration, leaving you and your guests craving more.