St. Patrick’s Day is a time for celebration, camaraderie, and of course, delicious food! Whether you’re hosting a gathering of friends or planning a cozy family affair, a well-curated menu can elevate your St. Patrick’s Day party to new heights. Let us now explore a selection of festive dishes and drinks that are sure to impress your guests and make your party a memorable one.
IRISH APPETIZERS AND STARTERS
1. Irish Cheese Platter:
Dubliner Cheese: This semi-hard cheese has a rich, nutty flavor with hints of sweetness. Pair it with slices of crisp apple or pear for a delightful contrast.
Cashel Blue Cheese: A creamy and tangy blue cheese with a mellow flavor profile. Serve it with honey and walnuts for a sweet and savory combination.
Irish Cheddar: Known for its sharp flavor and crumbly texture, Irish cheddar is a versatile cheese that pairs well with hearty crackers and chutney.
Accompaniments: Enhance your cheese platter with an assortment of accompaniments such as artisanal crackers, grapes, figs, and toasted nuts. The combination of flavors and textures will tantalize your guests’ taste buds.
2. Smoked Salmon Canapés:
Smoked Salmon: Choose high-quality smoked salmon with a delicate texture and rich flavor. Top each canapé with a thin slice of smoked salmon for an elegant presentation.
Cream Cheese: Spread a layer of creamy, tangy cream cheese on crisp crackers or thinly sliced cucumber rounds as the base for your canapés.
Fresh Dill: Garnish each canapé with a sprig of fresh dill to add a pop of color and a burst of herbal freshness.
Additional Toppings: For extra flavor, consider adding capers, finely diced red onion, or a squeeze of lemon juice to your smoked salmon canapés.
Related Recipes: Irish Smoked Salmon Canapes | Smoked Salmon Cheese Spread | Irish Potato Cakes With Smoked Salmon
3. Boxty Bites:
Mini Boxty Pancakes: Prepare bite-sized boxty pancakes using a traditional recipe of grated potatoes, flour, and buttermilk. Cook them until golden brown and crispy on the outside, yet fluffy on the inside.
Sour Cream and Chives: Top each mini boxty pancake with a dollop of tangy sour cream and a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives for a burst of flavor and freshness.
Savory Fillings: Get creative with savory fillings such as shredded corned beef and sautéed cabbage, smoked salmon and cream cheese, or caramelized onions and Irish cheddar. These combinations pay homage to traditional Irish flavors while offering a modern twist.
Presentation: Arrange the boxty bites on a platter and garnish with additional chives or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an eye-catching presentation that will entice your guests to dive in.
Related Recipes: Boxty Bites
These appetizers and starters create a diverse and flavorful spread that sets the tone for a memorable St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
HEARTY MAIN COURSES
1. Corned Beef and Cabbage Sliders:
Corned Beef: Slow-cook the corned beef until it’s tender and flavorful, then thinly slice it for the sliders. The rich, salty flavor of the corned beef pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the brioche buns.
Cabbage Slaw: Add a crunchy and tangy cabbage slaw as a topping for the sliders. Toss shredded cabbage with a dressing made from apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey for a refreshing contrast to the savory beef.
Whole Grain Mustard Aioli: Elevate the sliders with a homemade whole grain mustard aioli. Mix whole grain mustard with mayonnaise, minced garlic, and lemon juice for a creamy and flavorful spread.
Pickled Red Onions: For an extra burst of flavor, top each slider with pickled red onions. Quick-pickle thinly sliced red onions in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and salt until they’re crisp and tangy.
Related Recipes: Corned Beef & Cabbage Sliders
2. Shepherd’s Pie:
Meat Filling: Brown ground lamb or beef with diced onions, carrots, and celery until they’re caramelized and fragrant. Season the mixture with Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and herbs like thyme and rosemary for depth of flavor.
Mashed Potato Topping: Whip up a batch of creamy mashed potatoes using butter, milk, and seasoning. Spread the mashed potatoes over the meat filling in individual ramekins or a baking dish, creating a golden crust when baked.
Cheesy Variation: For an indulgent twist, sprinkle shredded Irish cheddar or Dubliner cheese over the mashed potato topping before baking. The melted cheese adds richness and a golden brown finish to the dish.
Related Recipes: Shepherds Pie
3. Guinness Beef Stew Pies:
Guinness Beef Stew: Prepare a hearty beef stew using chunks of beef, onions, carrots, and potatoes simmered in a Guinness-infused broth. The dark beer adds depth and richness to the stew, creating a savory filling for the pies.
Puff Pastry Shells: Use store-bought puff pastry sheets to make individual pie shells. Cut the pastry into circles and press them into muffin tins, then fill each shell with the Guinness beef stew mixture.
Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the puff pastry shells with an egg wash made from beaten egg and a splash of water. This will give the pies a glossy, golden finish when baked.
Garnish: Before serving, garnish the Guinness beef stew pies with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or thyme for a pop of color and freshness.
Related Recipes: Steak & Guinness Pie
These hearty main courses are sure to satisfy your guests’ appetites and keep them coming back for more at your St. Patrick’s Day party.
IRRESISTIBLE SIDES
1. Irish Colcannon:
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Start by making creamy mashed potatoes using butter, milk, and seasoning. For an extra indulgent twist, mix in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to enhance the creaminess.
Sautéed Cabbage and Onions: Sauté thinly sliced cabbage and onions in butter until they’re tender and caramelized. This adds a sweet and savory flavor to the colcannon and provides a delightful contrast to the creamy mashed potatoes.
Additional Ingredients: For added flavor and texture, consider incorporating ingredients such as crispy bacon bits, chopped scallions, or shredded Irish cheddar cheese into the colcannon mixture. These additions elevate the dish and add complexity to each bite.
Garnish: Before serving, garnish the colcannon with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and a burst of freshness. This not only enhances the presentation but also adds a subtle herbal note to the dish.
Related Recipes: Colcannon | Colcannon Croquettes
2. Soda Bread Rolls:
Soda Bread Dough: Prepare a classic soda bread dough using flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk. Instead of shaping the dough into a loaf, portion it into small rounds to form individual rolls.
Flavor Enhancements: Add a sprinkle of sea salt or chopped herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or dill to the soda bread rolls before baking. These additions not only enhance the flavor but also add visual appeal to the rolls.
Baking Method: Bake the soda bread rolls until they’re golden brown and crusty on the outside, yet soft and tender on the inside. Serve them warm for the best flavor and texture.
Accompaniments: Serve the soda bread rolls with softened butter or flavored compound butter for spreading. Alternatively, pair them with Irish cheeses and chutney for a delicious pre-dinner snack or appetizer.
Related Recipes: Irish Soda Bread Rolls | Irish Soda Bread Scones | Irish Soda Bread Stuffing | Irish Soda Bread Muffins | Irish Soda Bread Pancakes | Irish Soda Bread French Toast
These irresistible sides complement the main courses perfectly and add a touch of tradition and authenticity to your St. Patrick’s Day feast. Whether served alongside a hearty stew or enjoyed on their own, Irish colcannon and soda bread rolls are sure to be a hit with your guests.
DECADENT DESSERTS
1. Baileys Irish Cream Chocolate Truffles:
Chocolate Ganache: Prepare a smooth and velvety chocolate ganache by heating heavy cream until just simmering, then pouring it over chopped dark chocolate. Stir until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. Add a generous splash of Baileys Irish cream to the ganache for a rich and boozy flavor.
Chilling and Shaping: Once the ganache is mixed, chill it in the refrigerator until firm enough to handle. Use a small scoop or spoon to portion out the ganache, then roll each portion into a ball between your palms. Roll the truffles in cocoa powder, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Presentation: Arrange the Baileys Irish cream chocolate truffles on a decorative platter or in small candy cups for an elegant presentation. Dust them with additional cocoa powder or drizzle with melted chocolate for a finishing touch.
Related Recipes: Irish Cream Truffles | Irish Whiskey Truffles
2. Irish Coffee Cheesecake Bars:
Graham Cracker Crust: Start by making a buttery graham cracker crust by crushing graham crackers and mixing them with melted butter and a pinch of sugar. Press the mixture into the bottom of a baking dish to form the base of the cheesecake bars.
Irish Coffee Cheesecake Filling: Prepare a creamy cheesecake filling by beating cream cheese, sugar, and eggs until smooth and fluffy. Add a splash of Irish whiskey and instant coffee granules to the filling mixture for that classic Irish coffee flavor. Pour the filling over the graham cracker crust and smooth the top.
Baking and Cooling: Bake the cheesecake bars in the oven until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden. Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before refrigerating them to chill and firm up.
Optional Toppings: Before serving, garnish the Irish coffee cheesecake bars with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder or grated chocolate. Alternatively, drizzle them with a coffee-infused caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.
Related Recipes: Irish Coffee Cheesecake Bars | Irish Cream Cheesecake
These decadent desserts are the perfect way to end your St. Patrick’s Day feast on a sweet and satisfying note. Whether you prefer the rich and creamy Baileys Irish cream chocolate truffles or the indulgent Irish coffee cheesecake bars, these treats are sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more.
EXPANDING ON THIRST-QUENCHING DRINKS
1. Classic Irish Coffee:
Quality Coffee: Start by brewing a strong pot of high-quality coffee. Irish coffee is traditionally made with hot brewed coffee, so choose a bold roast to stand up to the other flavors.
Irish Whiskey: Select a smooth and flavorful Irish whiskey to add to your coffee. The whiskey provides warmth and depth of flavor to the drink. Pour a shot of Irish whiskey into each serving glass.
Brown Sugar: Add a touch of sweetness to the Irish coffee by stirring in brown sugar to taste. The sugar not only enhances the flavor but also helps to balance the bitterness of the coffee and the strength of the whiskey.
Whipped Cream Topping: Top each glass of Irish coffee with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream. The cream adds a creamy texture and helps to mellow the intensity of the coffee and whiskey. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle the whipped cream with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or grated chocolate.
2. Shamrock Shake Cocktails:
Vanilla Ice Cream Base: Start by blending creamy vanilla ice cream until smooth and creamy. Use a high-quality vanilla ice cream for the best flavor and texture.
Green Crème de Menthe: Add a splash of green crème de menthe liqueur to the blender to give the shake its signature green color and minty flavor. Adjust the amount to taste, depending on how strong you want the mint flavor to be.
Irish Cream Liqueur: Pour in a generous splash of Irish cream liqueur to add richness and creaminess to the shake. The Irish cream complements the vanilla and mint flavors perfectly, creating a decadent and indulgent drink.
Green Sugar Rim: For a festive touch, rim the serving glasses with green sugar before pouring in the Shamrock Shake cocktail. Simply moisten the rim of each glass with water or simple syrup, then dip it into green sugar to coat. This adds a pop of color and whimsy to the presentation of the drink.
Garnish: Finish off each Shamrock Shake cocktail with a dollop of whipped cream and a maraschino cherry on top. For an extra touch of Irish flair, garnish with a small sprig of fresh mint to resemble a shamrock.
These thirst-quenching drinks are sure to delight your guests and add a touch of Irish charm to your St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Whether you’re sipping on a classic Irish coffee or indulging in a festive Shamrock Shake cocktail, these beverages are the perfect way to toast to the luck of the Irish.
With these mouthwatering dishes and drinks, your St. Patrick’s Day party is sure to be a hit! Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or an intimate affair, these recipes will delight your guests and create lasting memories of a festive celebration filled with Irish charm and hospitality. Sláinte!
