St. Patrick's Day is a time for merriment, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious feast straight from your kitchen? Whether you're hosting a gathering, preparing a family meal, or just looking to jazz up your culinary repertoire, these six mouthwatering St. Patty's Day dishes will ensure a memorable celebration. From savory sliders to festive desserts and homemade libations, here's how to impress your guests or delight your taste buds this St. Patrick's Day!
Appetizer: Beer Cheese Pub Dip Fondue
Get the party started with a warm and indulgent beer cheese pub dip. Made for sharing, this creamy fondue has just the right touch of hoppy flavor to compliment your St. Patty's Day spread. And with our delicious Beer Cheese Pub Dip, this appetizer is quick and easy to whip up in no time!
Ingredients Needed
16-ounce package of cream cheese, softened
16 ounces of grated Irish cheddar cheese (Boar’s Head Irish Cheddar or Kerrygold Dubliner are perfect!)
4 ounces of Old Town Spice Shop Beer Cheese Pub Dip
½ teaspoon of OTSS Smoked Black Pepper
½ teaspoon of OTSS Smoked Paprika
1 tablespoon of Worcestershire Sauce
16 ounces of beer (Irish stout for authenticity)
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Coat the Cheese: Toss the grated cheddar cheese with flour until uniformly coated. This will help thicken the fondue without clumps.
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Fondue Pot: In a fondue pot or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, mix the cream cheese, Beer Cheese Pub Dip, Worcestershire sauce, smoked black pepper, paprika, and garlic.
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Stir in the Beer and Cheese: Slowly add the beer, stirring continuously until fully incorporated. Once combined, add in the cheddar-flour mixture one handful at a time to avoid clumping.
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Melting Time: Allow the mixture to melt and thicken, which should take around 10 minutes. Stir often to prevent scorching.
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Serve Warm: Keep the fondue warm and at the perfect dipping consistency for your guests.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a variety of dippers like crusty sourdough or rye bread cubes, summer sausage slices, pretzels, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika and fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor.
Main Dish: Corned Beef and Cabbage Sliders
What better way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day than with a twist on an Irish classic? These sliders combine the salty goodness of corned beef with the mild sweetness of caramelized cabbage, all nestled between soft slider buns. You can buy pre-sliced corned beef, or you can cook your own using Old Town Spice Shop’s Corned Beef Spice.
Ingredients Needed
1 corned beef brisket (3-5 pounds) or 1 pound of thinly sliced cooked corned beef
1 gallon of water
½ cup Old Town Spice Shop Corned Beef Spice
2 cups brown sugar
½ cup white vinegar
1 large white or yellow onion, diced (for cooking the corned beef)
3-5 carrots, peeled and sliced (for cooking the corned beef)
1 medium white or yellow onion, thinly sliced (for caramelized cabbage)
1 head of cabbage, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons of butter
Spicy mustard
12 slider buns
Step-by-Step Instructions
Corned Beef:
- Pat the brisket dry and rub the pickling spice over the surface of the beef. Once it’s fully covered in the pickling spice, put the beef into a plastic bag and put it into the fridge for at least 24 hours (up to 72 hours.
- When you’re ready to cook, place the onions and carrots at the bottom of a large Dutch oven. Then place the brined beef on top of the vegetables.
- Pour in enough water to cover the beef.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer.
- Cover the pot and let it cook for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is tender.
- Remove the corned beef from the pot and slice it against the grain.
- Use the carrot and onion mix to serve on the side of your sliders.
Caramelize the Cabbage: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced onion and cabbage, then sprinkle with Corned Beef Spice and fresh cracked pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and caramelized, about 20 minutes.
Toast the Buns: Split the package of buns keeping them together. Slather on a coat of mayonnaise or butter on each side of the buns, and lightly toast them under the broiler or in a toaster oven.
Assemble the Sliders: Layer the corned beef on the bottom halves of the buns, followed by a generous scoop of caramelized cabbage. Top with the other half of the bun.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these sliders with a side of whole grain or spicy mustard for dipping or spreading.
- Serve alongside the carrots and onions you used to cook the corned beef.
- For a heartier meal, serve with a selection of Irish cheeses and a crisp green salad or garlic potato wedges.
Side Dish: Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Side dishes don't take a back seat with these rustic and simple-to-prepare smashed potatoes. They’re a delightfully crispy addition to your St. Patty's Day table and so easy to make.
Ingredients Needed
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Boil the Potatoes: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the whole potatoes. Cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
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Smash 'em: Preheat the oven to 425°F. On a baking sheet, smash each potato with a fork or potato masher to flatten slightly.
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Season and Roast ‘em: Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil, then sprinkle with Roasted Garlic Seasoning, salt, and pepper.
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Bake 'em: Roast the potatoes in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden and crispy.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the smashed potatoes with a dollop of sour cream and fresh chives for a pop of color and creaminess.
- These are best served hot and fresh from the oven, so time them with your other dishes accordingly.
Dessert: Sparkly Shamrock Sugar Cookies
No St. Patrick's Day celebration is complete without a sweet treat, and these shamrock sugar cookies are just the thing. Fun to bake and even more fun to decorate, these cookies are perfect for getting the whole family or friends involved in your festive feast.
Ingredients Needed
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Mix the Dough: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, almond extract, vanilla extract, and sugar. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients until fully incorporated.
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Chill and Roll: Divide the dough in half and flatten each half into a disk. Wrap in plastic and chill for at least 1 hour or until firm.
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Cut and Bake: On a floured surface, roll the dough to ¼-inch thickness. Cut into shamrock shapes with cookie cutters or using a sharp knife. Place on prepared baking sheets, sprinkle with the different flavored sugars for variety, and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges begin to brown.
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Cool and Decorate: Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Festive Cocktail/Mocktail: Homemade Irish Cream
Raise your glass with a rich and creamy homemade Irish cream. Enjoy it as a cocktail over ice, or stir it into your coffee for a special St. Patrick's Day morning treat. For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the whiskey and enjoy a decadent, creamy mocktail.
Ingredients Needed
1 cup of heavy cream
1-14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk
½ teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder or 2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup
1 teaspoon of coffee or espresso granules
1 teaspoon of Old Town Spice Shop Whiskey Barrel Aged Vanilla Extract
½ teaspoon of Old Town Spice Shop Pure Almond Extract
1 cup of Irish whiskey (omit for mocktail)
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Blend the Goodness: In a blender, combine all the ingredients and blend on high for about 30 seconds until well mixed. Don’t mix too long as the mixture can turn into whipped cream.
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Pour and Serve: Pour the Irish cream into an airtight bottle and store in the refrigerator until ready to use. Shake well before using.
Serving Suggestions
Leftovers: Cheesy Baked Corned Beef and Cabbage
Don't throw away those delicious leftovers from your festive meal. This baked corned beef and cabbage recipe offers a refreshing take on an old classic, turning last night's dinner into a whole new culinary experience.
Baking Instructions
- Preheat your Oven to 350°F.
- Slice the Ingredients. Slice the leftover corned beef against the grain for tender pieces and layer it with the cooked cabbage, carrots, and onion in a baking dish.
- Add Flavors. Pour in a dash of beef broth to keep the meat moist, season with additional garlic or Corned Beef Spice if desired, and top with shredded Swiss cheese and/or Irish cheddar.
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Bake Until Heated Through. Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the mixture is heated through. Garnish with dried parsley flakes and enjoy!
Other Creative Ways to Reuse St. Patty’s Day Leftovers
- Slice the meat and serve on toasted rye bread with a hearty mustard for a next-day sandwich.
- Dice the beef and cabbage, and mix them into a savory breakfast scramble.
Make Your Festive Spread Magically Delicious!
With these six recipes in your St. Patrick's Day arsenal, your festive feast is sure to have everyone doing the jig. Remember to take your time, enjoy the process, and savor every moment of the celebration. Whether you're an experienced home cook or just starting your culinary adventures, St. Patrick's Day is the perfect excuse to try something new and share the love through food.
Visit Old Town Spice Shop in Fort Collins or order your spices and seasonings online! From the Old Town Spice Shop team, happy St. Patrick's Day — and happy cooking!
