St. Patrick’s Day is a time for celebration, good company, and of course, great food. Traditional Irish dishes and festive green treats make the day even more special. Whether you’re planning a cozy meal at home or a lively gathering with friends, preparing themed recipes adds fun and flavor to the occasion. Farmer Joe’s has some ideas to help.
Cooking for this holiday doesn’t have to be complicated. With a mix of classic Irish meals and creative desserts, you can bring a touch of Ireland to your table. These recipes are simple, satisfying, and perfect for St. Patrick’s Day.
Classic Irish Soda Bread
Irish soda bread has been a staple in Irish households for generations. It requires no yeast, making it quick and easy to prepare. The combination of baking soda and buttermilk gives the bread its signature rise and slightly tangy flavor.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ¾ cups buttermilk
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Mix the flour, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
- Gradually add the buttermilk, stirring until a dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead briefly.
- Shape into a round loaf and place on a baking sheet.
- Cut a deep cross into the top of the dough.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Serve warm with butter or alongside a hearty stew.
Hearty Guinness Beef Stew
Guinness beef stew is rich, comforting, and full of deep flavors. The dark stout tenderizes the beef while adding a slight sweetness to the dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.9 oz) Guinness stout
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
Instructions:
- Toss the beef in flour, salt, and pepper.
- Heat oil in a large pot and brown the beef. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté onions and garlic in the same pot.
- Add carrots and potatoes, then pour in Guinness and beef broth.
- Return the beef to the pot and add thyme.
- Simmer on low heat for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Serve with warm Irish soda bread for a complete meal.
Traditional Colcannon
Colcannon is a creamy mashed potato dish mixed with cabbage or kale. It’s simple but packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup milk
- 2 cups chopped cabbage or kale from Farmer Joe’s Produce Department
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Boil potatoes until soft, then drain.
- While potatoes cook, sauté cabbage or kale in 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Mash potatoes with the remaining butter and milk.
- Stir in the sautéed greens, salt, and pepper.
Colcannon pairs well with corned beef or sausages.
Corned Beef and Cabbage
While not originally an Irish dish, corned beef and cabbage became a St. Patrick’s Day tradition in America. It’s flavorful, easy to prepare, and perfect for a holiday meal.
Ingredients:
- 3-pound corned beef brisket
- 1 onion, quartered
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 1 small cabbage, cut into wedges
- 4 potatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions:
- Place the brisket in a large pot and cover with water.
- Add onion, mustard seeds, peppercorns, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 2 ½ hours.
- Add potatoes and carrots, cooking for 20 minutes.
- Add cabbage and cook for another 10 minutes.
Slice the corned beef against the grain and serve with mustard or horseradish.
Festive Green Desserts
No St. Patrick’s Day feast is complete without something sweet. These fun, green-themed desserts add a festive touch to any meal.
Shamrock Sugar Cookies
Make a batch of classic sugar cookies and decorate them with green icing. Check the Farmer Joe’s Bakery.
Mint Chocolate Brownies
Add mint extract and green food coloring to brownie batter for a festive twist.
Pistachio Pudding Parfaits
Layer pistachio pudding with crushed graham crackers and whipped cream for a simple but delicious dessert.
St. Patrick’s Day Drinks
For those looking to raise a glass in celebration, these drinks fit the occasion.
Classic Irish Coffee
A warm blend of coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and topped with whipped cream.
Shamrock Shake
A homemade version of the famous green milkshake, made with vanilla ice cream, mint extract, and a few drops of green food coloring.
Green Beer
Adding a drop of green food coloring to a light beer creates a festive drink for the holiday.
Non-Alcoholic Options
A green smoothie made with spinach, banana, and apple juice offers a healthy way to celebrate. Sparkling limeade with fresh mint is another refreshing choice.
Enjoy a Flavorful St. Patrick’s Day
Cooking traditional Irish dishes and festive treats makes St. Patrick’s Day even more enjoyable. Whether you stick with classics like soda bread and beef stew or try a fun green dessert, there’s something for everyone.
At Farmer Joe’s, we love celebrating with fresh ingredients and home-cooked meals. Try one of these recipes for your holiday feast and bring the spirit of Ireland to your table. Do you have a favorite St. Patrick’s Day dish? Share it with us—we’d love to hear about it!