Bring a taste of the Emerald Isle home this St. Patrick's Day with our selection of Irish recipes made with our finest authentic ingredients and no corned beef in sight.
St Patrick’s Day Food in America
For many Irish-Americans, St. Patrick’s Day is more than just a holiday; it’s a celebration of heritage, family, and, most importantly, real Irish food. If you’re looking to skip the green beer and the tired corned beef and cabbage this year, Jolly Posh Food have got you covered with our selection of traditional Irish food and recipes.
St Patrick’s Day Recipes
Discover traditional Irish food in America with recipes that we have designed to honour Ireland with meals that are comforting, flavourful, and deeply rooted in Irish culinary tradition. Whether you’re hosting family and friends or just fancy a good, hearty Irish dish for yourself, take your pick from one of our favourite St Patrick’s Day recipes:
Colcannon: A creamy, comforting Irish staple of buttery mash potatoes and cabbage that makes the perfect hearty side for any meal.
Full Irish Breakfast: Start your St Patrick’s Day (or any day!) the authentic Irish way with a glorious fry-up; a satisfying platter piled high with eggs, sausages, back bacon, and the essential black and white puddings.
Dublin Coddle: This classic slow-cooked Irish stew features all of the staples: Irish sausages, rashers of back bacon and potatoes in a flavorful broth to give a true taste of Dublin.
Irish Mac and Cheese: The ultimate American comfort food dish made with an Irish twist! Add Irish sausages and back bacon to your macaroni to create the perfect meal or side dish.
Smoked bacon and potato soup: The perfect soup for a chilly day, this velvety soup made with Irish back bacon and potatoes is best served with some Irish soda bread to help you mop up every last bit.
St Patrick’s Day Food FAQs
Are there any St Patrick’s Day food traditions?
Whilst there isn’t one specific Irish food associated with the holiday, Irish Americans enjoy a full range of traditionally Irish and Irish American foods on St Patrick’s Day. This includes trusted traditional favourites such as Guinness Beef Stew, a full Irish fry up, beef Shepherds Pie, bacon and cabbage dishes, homemade soda bread, scones and tea, and (of course) corned beef and cabbage.
St Patrick's Day season in the USA is also uniquely marked by a wave of green-colored foods that are definitely not traditionally Irish. During February and March, American grocery stores, bakeries, and restaurants transform into a sea of emerald treats: McDonald's Shamrock Shake milkshakes make their annual return, bakeries offer green-frosted cupcakes and cookies, bagel shops serve bright green bagels, and breakfast tables feature green pancakes, waffles, and even green milk poured over Lucky Charms cereal. Bars across the country pour green beer, and creative home cooks dye everything from mac and cheese to mashed potatoes in celebration.
While these vibrant green creations might make any Irish grandmother raise an eyebrow, they've become a beloved part of how Americans celebrate their Irish heritage and the arrival of spring. It's a fun, festive tradition that's uniquely Irish-American, even if you won't find green bagels in Dublin!
What is traditional Irish food?
Traditional Irish food is focused around cupboard staples and creating hearty, warming, comforting dishes that sustain you through the day. Think potatoes, meats, and bread that are turned into stews, soups, and the famous full Irish breakfast with rashers, sausages, black and white pudding, eggs, and fried tomatoes.
Sweet teatime treats are also an important part of Irish food culture. Homemade Irish scones served with clotted cream and jams and a big pot of Irish tea are a staple at any Irish table, perfect for afternoon tea or unexpected visitors.
Irish cakes like traditional raisin soda bread - with its distinctive crusty exterior and soft, raisin-studded interior - are beloved for their simplicity and satisfying sweetness. Other favourites include Irish Soda Scones flavoured with caraway seeds and sweet cream.
The beauty of traditional Irish cooking lies in its simplicity: quality ingredients prepared without fuss, meant to bring people together around the table. Whether it's a pot of bacon and cabbage simmering on the stove, a thick slice of soda bread still warm from the oven, or scones fresh from the griddle, Irish food is all about comfort, tradition, and the warmth of home.
Where can I get Irish food near me?
Irish-Americans and ex-pats will be happy to know that they can buy their favourite Irish foods from Jolly Posh Foods and we deliver all of your Irish staples across the US.
