St. Patrick’s Day Food Ideas
Editor’s Note: This article, which originally appeared on usdairy.com, can be found here.
St. Patrick’s Day is a time to celebrate – whether it’s Irish heritage, the coming of spring or just all things green!
From classic recipes to green treats, St. Patty’s Day celebrations wouldn’t be complete without a delicious feast. Corned beef and cabbage is usually what comes to mind when you think of traditional Irish food, but this wasn’t always the case.
Ham and cabbage were eaten in Ireland at the turn of the 20th century and were Americanized when Irish immigrants began substituting ham for a cheaper option, corned beef, creating the now-iconic St. Patrick’s Day dish.
No matter how you celebrate, we’ve got you covered with festive St. Patrick’s Day foods featuring our favorite dairy ingredients. From traditional recipes, like Irish soda bread, to festive green treats, boozy cakes and unique takes on corned beef and cabbage, try these recipes and get in the spirit.
Mains
This classic stew, pictured above, is perfect for a chilly night and pairs well with Irish Soda Bread (scroll on down for that).
While not a traditional recipe, this creamy soup is still a great way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! It has some heat thanks to the poblano chiles and jalapenos, but it complements the bacon, cheese and potatoes perfectly. It’s a comforting, warm-you-right-up soup.
Broccoli, cheese and potatoes create a dreamy flavor combination in this hearty one-pot St. Patrick’s Day soup.
Rustic Corned Beef & Potato Bake
This rustic potato bake can use last night’s corned beef brisket and a sprinkling of Swiss and parmesan cheeses.
This St. Patrick’s Day recipe takes your classic shepherd’s pie to the next level with a cheddar cheese topping to accompany buttery breadcrumbs.
Sides
A St. Patrick’s Day meal isn’t complete without Irish Soda Bread (pictured above)! This recipe is quick to make and comes together easily. If you’re out of buttermilk, try making your own with milk and vinegar or lemon juice.
Super Cheesy Bacon and Onion Potato Gratin
Cheese, bacon and potatoes? Say no more! This ramped-up take on your traditional potatoes gratin is just what you need to warm up after a St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Cheesy Garlic and Kale Mashed Potatoes
Colcannon is a traditional Irish recipe made of mashed potatoes and kale. It’s even better with the addition of mozzarella and parmesan cheese, like in this recipe that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day.
Desserts
We can’t blame you for craving something on the healthier side after indulging in St. Patrick’s Day treats. While keeping with the spirit of the holiday, this smoothie (pictured above) isn’t only green, it’s nutritious and delicious.
Creamy Chocolate Mint Chiffon Pie
It’s minty, it’ chocolatey, and it’s seriously delicious. Go green on St. Patrick’s Day with chiffon pie.
St. Patrick’s Day Mint Chocolate Chip Milkshake
From the mint chocolate chip ice cream to the shamrock sprinkles and freshly whipped cream, what’s not to love about this festive green shake?
Is there anything luckier than a pot of gold? Why, one that doubles as a cupcake! Granted, this cupcake’s treasure is shiny gold candy—which makes it even sweeter in our book.