30+ St. Patrick’s Day Food Ideas

5 from 3 votes
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When it comes to St. Patrick’s Day, there’s no better way to get into the spirit than with a feast of traditional Irish food and green food, drink, and dessert ideas.

Stack of Green Pancakes for St. Patrick's Day with whip cream and rainbow sprinkles
Table of Contents
  1. St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Ideas
  2. St. Patrick’s Day Side Dishes
  3. St. Patrick’s Day Desserts and Drinks
  4. St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast Ideas
  5. Frequently Asked Questions
  6. How to Make Green Pancakes
  7. St. Patrick’s Day Food Ideas: Green Pancakes Recipe

We’ve rounded up some of our favorite Irish-American recipes for you to try this year. Whether you’re looking for a traditional Irish dinner, brunch or just some kid-friendly treats for your next party, we’ve got everything you need to make this St. Patrick’s Day even more memorable. Also, don’t miss our bonus recipe for our bright Green Pancakes below!

Here is a list of some of our favorite Irish foods that will make for a day full of good luck from breakfast to dinner. You will also find tasty side dish, dessert, drink recipes and more to liven up your celebrations.

St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Ideas

Wondering what to make for your St. Patrick’s Day dinner? You can go crazy and dye everything green (because that’s totally what they do in Ireland.. not really). Or you can try something a little more authentic like these recipes below. If you absolutely need some green just sprinkle on a little parsley.

  • Irish Pasties – An authentic Irish favorite in our family. Beef and potatoes in a flaky crust topped with gravy.
  • Corned Beef and Cabbage – A classic dish from Ireland with flavored beef and veggies.
  • Irish Beef Stew – An Irish stew of beef, potatoes, carrots and herbs in a rich beef base made in the slow cooker. A Guinness free version.
  • Potato Leek Soup – A creamy Irish potato soup loaded with potatoes, leeks, fresh herbs and fennel. Source: onceuponachef.com
  • Easy Shepherd’s Pie – Meat and veggies and topped with mashed potatoes and cheese.
  • Corned Beef Sandwiches – A tasty Irish sandwich, especially with our homemade Russian dressing!
  • Sunday Pot Roast – Tender beef roasted to perfection with garlic, potatoes and carrots. Pure comfort food.
  • Beef Pot Pie – This yummy beef and veggie pot pie cooks up fast in the instant pot.
  • Dublin Coddle – a one-pot feast consisting of potatoes, pork sausage and onions in a flavorful broth.

St. Patrick’s Day Side Dishes

Ok so you have decided what St Patrick’s Day food you want to make for your main course. But what about an Irish-inspired side dish? We have several easy side dishes that will go great with your favorite St Patrick’s Day dinner!

St. Patrick’s Day Desserts and Drinks

I have to admit, sometimes our St Patrick’s Day food consists of green Jell-O for dessert. Though there is nothing wrong with that, these St Patrick’s Day desserts are MUCH better! They may take a little more time than Jell-O but it’s totally worth it! We are also including our favorite non-alcoholic St. Patrick’s Day drinks. I know, I know “Non-Alcoholic St Patrick’s Day Drink” sounds like an oxymoron. But since we don’t drink beer or other alcoholic beverages, we have to improvise sometimes.

  • Shamrock Shakes – This McDonalds copycat is even better than the fast food version.
  • Mint Juleps – A yummy green drink that is a favorite from New Orleans.
  • Irish Cream Soda – A creamy refreshing soda made with real fruit. Source: dailydishrecipes.com
  • Mini Grasshopper Cheesecakes – cute little green mini cheesecakes with Oreo cookies mint flavor.
  • Mint Chocolate Fudge Swirl – This mint and chocolate swirled fudge is a tasty green treat.
  • Bread Pudding – This apple bread pudding with caramel sauce is sure to be a favorite. Top with whipped topping or vanilla ice cream.
  • Cake or Cupcakes – make them with Green frosting!

St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast Ideas

Stack of Green Pancakes for St. Patrick's Day
Green Pancakes (scroll down for recipe)


Irish recipes for St Patrick’s Day breakfast can be a nice change of pace from your normal morning meal. While these aren’t all traditional Irish breakfasts, they are green and a fun way to kick off the holiday. Serve up some green pancakes with green eggs and ham on the side for a breakfast the whole family will love.

  • Green Smoothie – A naturally green drink loaded with healthy fruits and veggies.
  • Avocado Toast – This healthy toast will keep you full until lunch. Of course, you can add an egg for an extra protein kick.
  • Breakfast Casserole – This overnight hash brown casserole is great for feeding a big group.
  • Corned Beef Hash – Corned beef, diced potatoes, and eggs make up this tasty savory breakfast. Source: dinnerthendessert.com
  • Green Eggs and Ham – this fun breakfast based off the popular book is green and free of dye. Source: eatingrichly.com
  • Rainbow Waffles – a magically delicious way to start off a happy day. Source: mommysfabulousfinds.com
  • Green Pancakes – a fun and colorful breakfast better than a pot of gold that kids will love. See recipe below!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is traditional St. Patrick’s Day food?

On Patrick’s Day, the most popular meal is corned beef and cabbage, often served with a green beer or two. If you don’t drink, leave those out of course.

What are some green food items?

If you want to go all green on St. Patty’s day, a few green foods you can serve are: green beans, green peppers, kale, spinach, avocado or asparagus.

Why do we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?

St. Patrick’s Day observes of the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. The day has really evolved into more of a celebration of Irish culture, with parades, food, dancing, drinking and a LOT of green.

How to Make Green Pancakes

Stack of Green Pancakes for St. Patrick's Day with whip cream and rainbow sprinkles

St. Patrick’s Day Food Ideas: Green Pancakes

5 from 3 votes
These Green Pancakes for St. Patrick's Day are sure to be a hit with your little ones and start your lucky day off right.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine Irish
Servings 6

Video

Equipment

  • Griddle or skillet

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, and vanilla and 3 to 4 drops of green food coloring – more or less to your taste.
  • Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
  • Heat a griddle to medium heat and spray with cooking spray.
  • Pour ¼ cup of pancake mixture onto the griddle.
  • Once the sides start to dry and the top is bubbling, flip the pancake using a large spatula.
  • Cook until both sides of the pancake are golden brown and the middle is cooked through (you can check by inserting a toothpick into the middle of the pancake – if it comes out dry it is done).
  • Remove from heat and serve with whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles on top.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 148kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 5gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 34mgSodium: 353mgPotassium: 114mgFiber: 1gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 139IUCalcium: 76mgIron: 1mg

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About the author

Emily Walker

Emily lives in Meridian, Idaho, with her husband, Beau, a physician assistant, and her three incredible children: a son and two daughters. Travel is one of her favorite ways to experience new cultures and cuisines, and she has a love for all things Disney.

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  1. 5 stars
    Such a great list of awesome recipes! I am showing this to my kids and letting them pick what they want! Thanks for collecting these in one spot!