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Irish Recipes (No Green Dye or Kids’ Cereal)

Irish recipes are classic, comforting, and delicious! They are not made with green dye, children’s cereal or four leafed clovers, so get some real Irish recipes right here!

bangers and mash with parsley

Irish recipes are in high demand near St Patrick’s Day, but why limit such marvelous recipes to one day of the year?!

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Irish potato bread on a blue plate

In the US, we sometimes have a distorted view of other countries’ cuisines. I know this because I lived in Scotland and grew up in an Italian household. The recipes that pass as “Italian” are really difficult for me to see, at times. Given that I am Scottish, I feel I need to give a little shoulder hug to the Irish when it comes to American sharing of “Irish” recipes. 

sheep-christinas-cucina
Taken on a trip to Ireland.

I can give that support by telling you a few facts, and sharing some real Irish recipes. I’m not saying that you should only make or eat authentic Irish food on St Patrick’s Day, just don’t think and believe that a little leprechaun characters’ cereal is actually something Irish. That’s General Mills marketing at its best, unfortunately.

St Patrick’s Day Facts

  1. It’s not St. Patty’s Day, but St. Paddy’s Day. If you don’t want to offend the Irish, then never say PATTY
  2. Corned beef and cabbage isn’t eaten for St Patrick’s Day in Ireland; in fact, corned beef isn’t even Irish.
  3. St. Patrick was a Roman born in Scotland, kind of like me! 
  4. Green beer is an American creation for St. Patrick’s Day, along with dying food green.
  5. Shamrocks have 3 leaves, and the symbol relates to the holy trinity from St. Patrick bringing Christianity to Ireland.

So given these facts, enjoy these mostly Irish recipes all year long! Trust me, there is no cereal or green dye in sight. I can’t promise the chocolate Guinness cake recipe or whiskey cake is from Ireland, but the Guinness and Jameson’s whiskey are!

Irish Recipes

Irish Breakfast

Potato Bread or Potato Farls

potato bread on tea towel

Fry these up with your eggs and bacon in the morning, for a classic Irish potato creation.

Irish Soda Bread Scones

Soda Bread

You won’t believe how incredibly delicious soda scones are, especially since they’re so simple to make! Perfect with your Irish breakfast and cup of tea! Here’s a hand painted Belleek china creamer.

Lunch

Irish Rarebit

Irish rarebit with gherkins and salad and bread

This old Irish rarebit recipe creates a delicious lunch idea that everyone will enjoy! It’s a glorified “cheese on toast” recipe; what’s not to like?

The following can be eaten as a lunch or dinner meal, as desired.

Irish Dinner Recipes

Irish Boxty (also served for breakfast)

Irish boxty with cup of tea and soft boiled egg

Boxty are one of the best potato pancakes you’ll ever have. Made with mashed potatoes and raw potatoes, they’re truly unique and can be served with many delicious fillings! If you like the mug, there’s an even more beautiful set of himself and herself Belleek mugs which are made in Ireland.

Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd's Pie

Made with lamb, and topped with soft and fluffy mashed potatoes, this is definitely an authentic Irish dish.

Irish Bangers and Mash

Irish bangers and mash with parsley

One of the easiest Irish meal you can make! If you buy Irish bangers, dinner will be on the table as quick as you can make mashed potatoes. Speedy tip for the delicious gravy, too! I made this in individual 6.5″ cast iron skillets for a lovely presentation which keeps the food super hot, as well.

Guinness Stew

Guinness stew
Courtesy of What a Girl Eats

Meat lovers will be delighted in this stew recipe featuring Guinness!

Cottage Pie

baked cottage pies

Similar to shepherd’s pie, but made with beef, cottage pie is well-loved around the world. Comforting and delicious, it’s super easy to make, too!

Irish Dessert Recipes

Guinness Chocolate Cake

slice of Guinness chocolate cake

This cake is so deep, dark and decadent, and is perfectly complemented with the sweet cream cheese icing, it may just become your favorite cake! No one says you can’t serve it with a glass of Guinness to match!

Irish Whiskey Cake

pouring glaze on whiskey cake as one of the Irish recipes

Triple whiskey flavor is the highlight of this cake! Even non-whiskey fans will want seconds! 

Guinness Stout Chocolate Pudding Cakes

Guinness chocolate pudding cake
Courtesy of What a Girl Eats

Moist and decadent little cakes are served with a caramel sauce; just add cream!

Moss Cake

slice of moss cake

If you just want something green make it naturally colored with this spinach or moss cake recipe! 

And last but not least…

Irish Coffee

a single Irish coffee

These Irish desserts call for an Irish coffee! Enjoy this recipe from an Irish pub in Dublin! Aren’t these Irish coffee mugs beautiful!?

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7 Comments

  1. I LOVE that you’ve kept the record straight about Irish food and away from all the green etc. It’s true – the Scots have strong links with the Irish and last time I was there enjoyed so much wonderful Irish fare. All the recipes here look fabulous, Christina.
    Guinness me – these chocolate cakes look sensational and fancy an Irish coffee! Haven’t had one in years. Great round-up!

  2. DANG!!! What’s not to love in this week’s newsletter! Many are my favs! (Boxty, Guinness Stew, Shepherd Pie, Guinness cake!!!) But that Moss cake….WOWZA…intriguing! I will be making this spring!! And I may through in a few leaves of basil to dance with that orange frosting! Stay tuned Christina!

  3. I didn’t know that people refer to it as “St Patty’s Day”. That’s hilarious! Anyway, what a lovely collection of recipes! I was in Ireland many years ago and picked up a little cookbook in Dublin. Ever since, Guinness Stew has been a part of the regular rotation in our house. I think I may give the Guinness Cake a try soon—it really does sound decadently delicious!

    1. Oh yes, I can just imagine the Irish cringing every time they hear Patty! :( Stew is a critical meal during winter, even here in CA! Hope you try the Guinness cake, I’m sure you’d love it!