Are you looking for a culinary connection to the Emerald Isle? Look no further! As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, what better way to celebrate Irish heritage than gathering ’round the table with friends and family? In this article, we’ll be exploring 18 mouth-watering recipes that are sure to become new favorites at your next potluck gathering.
From classic comfort foods like Shepherd’s Pie and Beef and Guinness Stew to innovative twists on traditional dishes like Cabbage and Bacon Boxty Pancakes and Irish Whiskey Glazed Ham, there’s something for everyone in this collection of delectable Irish recipes. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, these flavorful dishes are sure to bring the luck o’ the Irish to your next get-together.
Stay tuned as we delve into each recipe, sharing stories behind the dishes and tips to help you create the perfect feast for your friends and family.
Irish Shepherd’s Pie with Guinness Gravy
This classic Irish dish gets a rich and creamy twist with the addition of Guinness gravy, making it a perfect comfort food for any occasion. With its layers of tender lamb or beef, vegetables, and mashed potatoes, this shepherd’s pie is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground lamb or beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 cup Guinness stout
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2 cups beef broth
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cups mashed potatoes
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the lamb or beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces.
3. Add onion, garlic, peas and carrots, and Guinness to the skillet; cook until the liquid has reduced slightly.
4. Stir in flour and beef broth to make the gravy.
5. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Top with mashed potatoes and dot with butter.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the potatoes are golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Colcannon Mashed Potatoes with Crispy Bacon
A classic Irish dish gets a delicious twist with the addition of crispy bacon and creamy mashed potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
3. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot with the heavy cream or whole milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth.
4. Meanwhile, cook the diced bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Stir in the chopped onion into the mashed potatoes.
6. Add the cooked bacon to the mashed potatoes and stir until well combined.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or chives if desired.
Cooking Time: About 30-40 minutes
Traditional Irish Soda Bread with Raisins
This classic recipe yields a deliciously moist and flavorful bread, perfect for snacking or serving alongside your favorite soups and stews.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 1 large egg
– 1/4 cup raisins
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in raisins.
6. Turn dough onto a floured surface and gently knead 2-3 times.
7. Form into a round shape and place on prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Irish Beef and Guinness Stew
This classic Irish stew is a perfect blend of tender beef, rich Guinness stout, and vibrant vegetables. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium-sized carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 large potato, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup Guinness stout
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes until browned on all sides (5-6 minutes). Remove from pot.
2. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add sliced carrots, cubed potato, Guinness stout, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Return the beef cubes to the pot, ensuring they are covered in the stew mixture.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours or until the beef is tender.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Cabbage and Bacon Boxty Pancakes
Boxty pancakes are a traditional Irish dish that can be enjoyed at any time of day. This recipe adds a delicious twist by incorporating sautéed cabbage and crispy bacon.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– 1/2 cup sautéed cabbage (see note)
– 4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– Vegetable oil or cooking spray for frying
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg, milk, and melted butter.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Fold in sautéed cabbage and crumbled bacon.
5. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
6. Drop tablespoonfuls of batter onto the skillet or griddle.
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry.
8. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Irish Potato Farls with Herb Butter
Discover a traditional Irish twist on mashed potatoes, infused with the flavors of herb butter and crispy farls.
Ingredients:
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large pot, combine potatoes, flour, salt, and baking powder. Add milk and bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
4. Mash potatoes with a fork or potato masher. Stir in butter, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper.
5. Divide the mashed potatoes into 6 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and then flatten slightly into farls.
6. Place farls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Dot the top of each farl with a small amount of herb butter (see below).
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until farls are golden brown.
Herb Butter:
– Soften 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Mix in 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, 1 clove minced garlic, and salt to taste.
Baked Irish Cheddar and Onion Tart
Baked Irish Cheddar and Onion Tart Recipe
This sweet and savory tart combines the richness of Irish cheddar cheese with the caramelized flavor of onions, all wrapped up in a flaky pastry crust.
- 1 1/2 cups puff pastry, thawed
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup Irish cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
- In a large skillet, cook onion over medium heat until caramelized, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese evenly over the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
- Top with cooked onions, spreading them out in an even layer.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until pastry is golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time:
Approximately 25-30 minutes
Irish Whiskey Glazed Ham
Elevate your holiday gathering with this sweet and savory Irish Whiskey Glazed Ham, featuring the smooth, rich flavors of Jameson Irish Whiskey.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham, trimmed
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup Jameson Irish Whiskey
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, honey, whiskey, mustard, vinegar, cloves, and cinnamon.
3. Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan, scoring the fat layer in a diamond pattern.
4. Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored lines.
5. Roast for 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
6. Baste with pan juices every 20-30 minutes.
Cooking Time: approximately 2-3 hours
Creamy Irish Seafood Chowder
This hearty chowder combines the freshest seafood with a rich and creamy broth, perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb mussels, scrubbed and debearded
– 1/2 lb cod fillet, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add flour and whisk to combine; cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually add heavy cream and whole milk, whisking constantly.
5. Bring mixture to a simmer; reduce heat to low and let cook for 10-15 minutes or until potato is tender.
6. Add mussels and cod; stir gently to combine.
7. Cook until seafood is cooked through, about 3-5 minutes.
8. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Irish Apple and Blackberry Crumble
Irish Apple and Blackberry Crumble Recipe
A classic Irish dessert, this crumble combines sweet apples and tart blackberries with a crunchy oat topping for a deliciously warm treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed apples (Granny Smith and Braeburn), peeled and sliced
– 1 cup fresh blackberries
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together apples, blackberries, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Transfer the mixture to a 9×9-inch baking dish.
4. In a separate bowl, combine rolled oats, brown sugar, and cold butter. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to work the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Spread the crumb topping evenly over the fruit mixture.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is tender.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.
Irish Lamb Stew with Root Vegetables
This traditional Irish stew is a comforting blend of tender lamb, root vegetables, and rich broth, perfect for a cozy night in. With its warm, aromatic flavors, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lamb shoulder or neck, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup lamb broth or beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the lamb in a little oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, potatoes, and garlic; cook until the vegetables are tender.
3. Add the lamb broth, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour or until the lamb is tender.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Classic Irish Barmbrack Tea Cake
A traditional Irish tea cake that’s moist, flavorful, and perfect for afternoon gatherings or special occasions. This recipe yields a deliciously tender cake with a lovely texture and subtle spices.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Raisins and currants for decoration (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or a 12-cup muffin tin.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Gradually add buttermilk, mixing until just combined (do not overmix).
5. Pour batter into prepared pan or muffin tin. If desired, add raisins and currants on top for decoration.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes for a loaf or 20-25 minutes for muffins.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes for a loaf, 20-25 minutes for muffins
Irish Smoked Salmon and Dill Tartlets
Add a touch of Irish flair to your gathering with these bite-sized tartlets, featuring smoked salmon, fresh dill, and creamy cream cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 6 oz Irish smoked salmon, flaked
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into 12 equal squares.
3. In a small bowl, mix together flaked salmon, softened butter, and cream cheese until well combined.
4. Place a small spoonful of the salmon mixture onto one half of each pastry square, leaving a 1/2 inch border around edges.
5. Top with chopped fresh dill and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Fold other half of pastry over filling to form a triangle or shape of your choice. Press edges to seal.
7. Place tartlets on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch space between each.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Irish Oatmeal and Honey Scones
Irish Oatmeal and Honey Scones Recipe
These tender and flavorful scones are infused with the warmth of Irish oatmeal and the sweetness of pure honey, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 3/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons pure honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add cold butter to the dry ingredients and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to work it into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Pour in heavy cream, egg, and honey. Mix until a dough forms.
5. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead 2-3 times.
6. Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick.
7. Cut into 8 wedges and place on prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Irish Chicken and Leek Pie
A hearty and flavorful pie that combines tender chicken, caramelized leeks, and creamy mashed potatoes, perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 large leeks, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 2 cups mashed potatoes
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook chicken, leeks, onion, and garlic in butter until the chicken is cooked through and the leeks are caramelized.
3. In a separate pot, boil potatoes until tender, then mash with salt and pepper.
4. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, combine cooked chicken mixture, mashed potatoes, and flour. Mix well.
5. Top with heavy cream and cheddar cheese.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Irish Coffee Chocolate Truffles
Elevate your dessert game with these rich and decadent truffles that combine the flavors of Irish coffee with velvety chocolate.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
– 1 teaspoon instant coffee powder
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– 1 tablespoon Irish whiskey (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar. Mix until smooth.
3. Add the instant coffee powder and ground cinnamon to the butter mixture. Mix well.
4. Fold the whipped cream into the butter mixture until combined.
5. Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
6. Let the melted chocolate cool slightly before folding it into the coffee mixture.
7. Use a spoon to form the truffle mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
8. Chill the truffles in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: None
Irish Parsley and Thyme Dumplings
These tender dumplings are infused with the bright flavors of Irish parsley and thyme, making them a perfect accompaniment to a warm, comforting stew.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup Irish parsley leaves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped
– 1/4 cup whole milk
– 1 large egg
– Butter or vegetable oil for greasing
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
3. Add chopped parsley, thyme, and cold milk. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Beat in the egg until well combined.
5. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes.
6. Cut into small pieces (about 1-inch/2.5 cm).
7. Grease a baking sheet with butter or oil and place dumplings.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Irish Cream Cheesecake with Baileys Glaze
Rich and creamy cheesecake infused with the smooth flavors of Irish cream, topped with a velvety Baileys glaze. Perfect for special occasions or as a decadent dessert to impress your friends.
Ingredients:
For the crust:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake:
– 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 3 large eggs
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup Irish cream liqueur (such as Baileys)
– 1 cup sour cream
For the glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons Baileys Irish Cream liqueur
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Prepare crust by mixing crumbs, sugar, and melted butter; press into a 9-inch springform pan.
3. Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add eggs one at a time, followed by sugar, vanilla extract, and Irish cream liqueur.
4. Pour cheesecake batter into prepared pan and bake for 55-60 minutes or until set.
5. Prepare glaze by whisking powdered sugar and Baileys; drizzle over cooled cheesecake.
6. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
Summary
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these 18 mouth-watering Irish recipes perfect for potluck gatherings! From classic Shepherd’s Pie with Guinness Gravy to creamy Seafood Chowder and sweet Apple Crumble, there’s something for everyone. Try innovative dishes like Cabbage and Bacon Boxty Pancakes or Baked Cheddar and Onion Tart. Or, go traditional with Soda Bread with Raisins or Irish Coffee Chocolate Truffles. Whatever your taste buds desire, these recipes are sure to impress at any gathering. So gather ’round the table and let the feast begin!
