Bert Swope
Every year, millions of Americans join the rest of the world in celebrating St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th. Other than wearing green, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations cannot be complete without traditional St. Patrick’s Day foods in America and possibly everywhere in the world. Whether it is a small family gathering or a party filled with friends and family, Irish-inspired foods take center stage in every St Patrick’s day feast.
With many Irish delicacies, you can never be short of meals to prepare for a March 17th party. Below are some traditional St. Patrick’s Day foods in America that are worth trying to add that Irish feel. You don’t have to be in Ireland to indulge in Irish-inspired inspired culinary delights.
Irish Breakfast
- A traditional Irish breakfast consists of a large selection of food. It comprises of fried eggs, bacon, white pudding, and black pudding. You can also include baked beans, tomato slices, and Irish potato bread for a truly Irish feel. Down this hearty meal with tea and begin your St. Patrick’s Day celebration the right way.
Corned Beef and Cabbage
- Corned beef and cabbage are undoubtedly one of the most popular traditional St Patrick’s Day foods in America. You can decide to purchase ready-made corned beef or cure it yourself. The brined brisket and cabbage combination is easy to make and flavorful. Add potatoes and carrots to the corned beef and cabbage. Cut them into large chunks before adding them to your cooking corned beef to prevent them from being mushy.
Soda Bread
- Irish soda bread uses bicarbonate soda to make it rise. Made from only salt, buttermilk, flour, and salt, the traditional Irish soda bread is uncomplicated and can be baked even by beginners. Give the soda bread a twist by adding spices, berries or nuts to give it a unique, distinctive flavor. This traditional Irish classic can be served for breakfast or dinner.
Irish Nachos
- It’s almost impossible to mention Ireland without potatoes coming to mind. Irish nachos are potato chips topped with cheese and bacon and then baked. Add sour cream and tomatoes to it, and you are set. The Irish nachos make for the perfect appetizer or side dish as one of America’s traditional St. Patrick’s Day foods. You can add whatever toppings fits you and your loved ones.
Colcannon
- Colcannon is mashed potatoes with a little twist to it. Colcannon is a creamy delicacy best for a St Patrick’s day feast, prepared by mixing kale or cabbage with butter and mashed potatoes. Substitute butter and cream with low-fat milk and olive oil for a low-calorie dish. Take it a notch higher by adding sautéed onions, chives, and leeks then serve it garnished with parsley.
Shepherd’s Pie
- One of the traditional St Patrick’s day foods in America, the shepherd pie is meat pie topped with mashed potatoes. You can use cauliflower mash for a lighter topping and add a pinch of green in the form of peas and other green vegetables. If you are vegan, you can do away with the meat and opt for lentils or mushrooms.
Chocolate Mint Shamrock Cupcakes
- Add mint and chocolate into your cupcake recipe for a St Patrick’s day celebration. Add shamrock decorations to really bring out the mood of the day.
Cabbage Rolls
- Sautéed cabbage or cabbage soup is a common way most people eat their cabbage. Another way to enjoy a cabbage delicacy is by making it into rolls. Prepare cabbage rolls by stuffing cabbage leaves with vegetables or meat fillings.
Bacon and Cabbage
- The bacon used in this St Patrick’s Day meal is Irish bacon from the loin and comes cured and unsmoked. This dish is prepared by boiling the bacon with cabbage and potatoes. It is then finally topped with cream sauce.
Coddle
- Although they came up as a way of using leftover foods, coddles are Irish comfort food that you can add to your St Patrick’s Day menu. Prepare coddles by boiling sausages and Irish bacon with potatoes and onions. You can also add parsley if it suits your taste.