A festive St. Patrick’s Day menu
Traditional Irish recipes & drink pairings.
St. Patrick’s Day isn’t just about parades and shamrocks, it’s a celebration of Irish heritage, history, and culture. One of the best ways to honor this festive occasion is through food and drink, a beloved way to connect people and create memories. A traditional St. Patrick’s Day menu goes beyond the usual corned beef and cabbage, offering an authentic taste of Ireland and a modern twist on some classic dishes.
If you’re planning a festive St. Patrick’s Day gathering or simply looking to craft the perfect Irish-inspired meal, this four-course menu is just what you need. With everything from hearty Guinness-Braised Beef Stew to indulgent Bailey’s Irish Cream Chocolate Mousse, we’ve got your celebration covered. Plus, don’t miss our drink pairings to elevate the experience!
Starter: Irish soda bread with smoked salmon
Kick off your feast with a light yet flavorful appetizer. Irish soda bread, rustic and hearty, is the perfect base for silky smoked salmon and a tangy chive cream cheese spread.
Ingredients
1 loaf of Irish soda bread (store-bought or homemade)
6 oz smoked salmon
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
1 tbsp lemon juice
½ tsp black pepper
Capers & thinly sliced red onions for garnish
Instructions
Mix cream cheese, chives, lemon juice, and black pepper in a bowl until smooth.
Lightly toast slices of Irish soda bread.
Spread the chive cream cheese on each slice and top with smoked salmon.
Garnish with capers and red onions, then serve immediately.
Why it works
Irish soda bread offers a dense, earthy texture, which pairs beautifully with the fresh, buttery salmon. This appetizer balances rich flavors while setting the tone for the hearty courses to come.
Main course: Guinness braised beef
St. Patrick’s Day wouldn’t be complete without a hearty, comforting stew. This Guinness-Braised Beef Stew is the epitome of Irish soul food, slow-cooked and brimming with tender beef, root vegetables, and the rich, malty flavors of Guinness.
This Guiness beef stew is a variation of the traditional Irish stew.
Side Dish: Colcannon
No Irish meal is complete without colcannon, a traditional combination of creamy mashed potatoes and sautéed cabbage (or kale). This beloved dish highlights Ireland’s humble but flavor-packed culinary roots.
Why it’s special
This budget-friendly dish is a versatile staple that pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of Guinness-Braised Beef Stew.
Dessert: Bailey’s Irish cream chocolate mousse
Finish your meal with an indulgent flourish. This classic Bailey’s Irish cream chocolate mousse is silky, rich, and irresistibly decadent, a perfect finale for your Irish feast.
Drink pairings & Irish-Inspired Cocktails
No St. Patrick’s Day celebration is complete without a toast! Here are some drink pairings designed to complement each course of your menu.
Starter: Irish whisky sour — adds a zesty kick to balance the creamy chive spread.
Main course: Guinness draught — a natural choice to mirror and enhance the flavors of the stew.
Side dish: Irish mule — whiskey, ginger beer, and lime for a refreshing twist to contrast the richness of colcannon.
Dessert: Bailey’s Irish cream espresso martini — smooth yet bold, perfect with chocolate mousse.
Non-alcoholic options: Sparkling lemonade with ginger or dark root beer for guests who prefer alcohol-free choices.
Best drinks to celebrate St. Patrick's Day
Bringing it all together
Host an unforgettable St. Patrick’s Day dinner by highlighting Ireland’s rich culinary heritage through flavor, texture, and storytelling. A festive table setting with green accents, Irish tunes playing softly in the background, and cheerful toasts will take your celebration to the next level.
Go ahead and try out this menu, we guarantee your guests will be raving about it for weeks to come. To close with a traditional Irish blessing, “May your troubles be less and your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness come through your door.” Sláinte! 🍀
