All around the world, 17 March is marked by copious celebrations, complete with free-flowing pints of stout, street parades and dinner parties. So why not gather round your family and friends for a gourmet spread in ode to St Patrick and the emerald isle? We’ve put together a celebratory menu plan to serve six people, with optional drinks suggestions.
Start with a batch of warm Irish soda bread, followed by a hearty Irish stew and creamy colcannon side. Finish with a slice of warming Irish coffee cake, washed down by an Irish coffee and you’ll have yourself one satisfied crowd.
For more Irish-inspired recipes and drinks recommendations, see our guide on how to celebrate St Patrick’s Day.
The recipes
Aperitif
Get the party started with a few glasses of bubbly – but not as you know it. Our black velvet cocktail mixes equal proportions of stout and champagne to make a sparkly celebration drink. So raise a glass to St Paddy and prepare to impress your guests with a medley of Irish-inspired delicacies…
Starter
Soda farls
Kickstart your dinner party menu with these traditional soda farls – an Irish soda bread flattened into a circle and divided into four ‘farls’. Using just five ingredients, and ready in under half an hour, they make a staple dish for St Patrick’s Day celebrations. When you’re ready to serve to guests, split open and eat warm with butter. Another option would be to try our brown butter boxty blinis for an indulgent twist on classic Irish pancakes.
Main
Irish stew
Celebrate St Patrick’s Day with Richard Corrigan’s Irish stew – it’s big on flavour, even bigger if you make it ahead and quite literally, let it stew. Using a cheaper cut of braising meat such as lamb neck fillets or scrag ends means you’ll reduce costs but maximise on flavour. Why not make it ahead and let it stew for a little longer until the lamb is extra tender, or see our slow cooker version of this recipe. For a plant-based main course, check out our showstopping cheesy leek & potato pie or indulgent parsnip, potato & St Gall gratin, featuring one of Ireland’s best cheeses.
Side
Colcannon
The menu wouldn’t be complete without this creamy Irish speciality enriched with melted butter and double cream. Add bacon and shredded cabbage to the mashed potatoes for a super fluffy, luxurious side dish which guests can enjoy alongside the stew.
Dessert
Irish coffee cake
Celebrate the Feast of Saint Patrick with this luxurious twist on classic coffee cake, which takes flavour inspiration from the coffee-based cocktail. The perfect way to treat a crowd and a real win for chocolate-lovers, this cake is decorated with chocolate shavings and chocolate-covered coffee beans, making a stylish and delightful way to wrap up a dinner party. Alternatively, try making our frozen coffee & Irish cream semifreddo wreath or bake our indulgently boozy Guinness chocolate puddings with just five ingredients.
After-dinner drinks
End the evening’s festivities with a classic Irish coffee digestif. This tasty tipple can be whipped up in just five minutes by combining coffee with Irish whiskey and sugar, then topping with whipped cream and nutmeg. After all the celebrations, and perhaps the odd Irish jig, guests are sure to want some time to wind down with a warming drink.
If you’re looking to serve a non-alcoholic substitute, give our non-alcoholic Irish cream liqueur a go. Boasting the creamy flavours of the classic cocktail, plus espresso and spices, it’s all the indulgence, minus the booze.
Get more inspiration for how to throw a St Patrick’s day party and see our St Patrick’s Day recipe collection for more Irish recipes.
Find more ideas for entertaining…
Easy entertaining collection
Dinner party mains
Simple finger food ideas
Top 10 dinner party tips
How to throw a street party
How will you be celebrating St Patrick’s Day? Leave a comment below…
