60 St. Patrick’s Day Food Ideas Perfect for a Party
Updated: Mar. 31, 2024
Make your party the place to be this St. Patrick's Day. These snacks, treats and—yes—drinks will keep the good luck flowing.
St. Patrick’s Day is a celebration of Irish culture through drinks, food and a whole lot of partying. There are so many Irish beers and shots to get your party off to the right start, but the real star of the show is the food. Partake in a traditional Irish feast with shepherd’s pie, boxty and champ. Or just get as much green on the table as possible. Green foods are surely enough to scare off the leprechauns, right?
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Wearing o’ Green Cake
One bite of this moist, colorful cake and you’ll think you’ve found the pot o’ gold at the end of the rainbow. It’s the perfect dessert to round out your St. Patrick’s Day feast. —Marge Nicol, Shannon, IllinoisFrom breakfast to dinner and drinks to desserts, get in the spirit with some green food for St. Patrick’s Day.
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Corned Beef Pizza Swirls
Offer these fun little bites that taste like a Reuben for St. Patrick’s Day. Even better, don't wait—deli meat and cheese make them doable all year long. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, VirginiaThere’s more to Ireland than delicious, set into these classic Irish Recipes and dig in on St. Patrick’s Day or any day.
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Stout & Honey Beef Roast
Here's a heartwarming meal that's ideal for chilly days and hectic nights. Honey, beer and seasonings make the sauce different and oh, so good. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Fudgy Layered Irish Mocha Brownies
My husband and I are big fans of Irish cream, so I wanted to incorporate it into a brownie. I started with my mom's brownie recipe, then added frosting and ganache. These decadent treats are the result, and we really enjoy them! —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
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Pistachio Salad
This fluffy salad is a real treat since it's creamy but not overly sweet. It's easy to mix up, and the flavor gets better the longer it stands. It's perfect for St. Patrick's Day, served in a green bowl. —Pattie Ann Forssberg, Logan, Kansas
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Shamrock Cutout Pound Cake
My son Gabriel loves surprises inside cakes, like seeing a shamrock when this St. Patrick’s Day cake is sliced. Everyone wants to know how it’s done. — Angela Lively, Spring, Texas.
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Rainbow Fruit Salad
When my children were young, I would often dress up fresh fruit in this easy salad. Decades later, my grandchildren and great-grandchildren still love digging in to the fruity layers. The salad goes well with barbecued meats or cold sandwiches. —Jonnie Adams Sisler, Stevensville, Montana
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Cheddar-Veggie Appetizer Torte
A line forms quickly behind this quichelike torte at family gatherings. The wedges are easy to eat as finger food, and it's delicious hot or cold. — Barbara Estabrook, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
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Horseradish Deviled Eggs
People say "Wow!" when they taste these flavorful, tangy horseradish deviled eggs. The bold combination of ground mustard, dill and horseradish is so appealing. The plate is always emptied when I serve these eggs. —Ruth Roth, Linville, North Carolina
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Savory Party Bread
It's impossible to stop nibbling on warm pieces of this cheesy, oniony bread. The sliced loaf fans out for a fun presentation. It's one of the best savory appetizers I've found. —Kay Daly, Raleigh, North Carolina
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St. Patrick’s Day Cupcakes
These St. Patrick’s Day cupcakes go super-quick. The pistachio pudding mix gives them a mild flavor and their pretty pastel color makes them a perfect dessert for this lively holiday. —Kathy Meyer, Almond, WisconsinAlso, add these Irish desserts to your list that will be perfect for St. Patrick’s Day and beyond.
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Reuben Rounds
Fans of the classic Reuben sandwich will go crazy for baked pastry spirals of corned beef, Swiss and sauerkraut. They're so easy to make, and bottled Thousand Island dressing makes the perfect dipping sauce. —Cheryl Snavely, Hagerstown, Maryland
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Chocolate Guinness Cake
One bite and everyone will propose a toast to this silky-smooth chocolate Guinness cake. The cream cheese frosting reminds me of the foamy head on a perfectly poured pint. —Marjorie Hennig, Seymour, Indiana
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Tie-Dyed Cupcakes
Splash some color into your spread with these multi-hued cupcakes. Each is a simple white cake, but tinting the batter all the colors of the rainbow makes them funky and fun!— Gwyndolyn Wilkerson, Kyle, Texas
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Savory Potato Skins
For a simple hot snack that really hits the spot on a cool fall evening, put together a plate of these crisp potato skins. —Andrea Holcomb, Torrington, Connecticut
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Homemade Irish Cream
Add some creamy goodness to your cup of joe with a splash or two of this homemade Irish cream. —Marcia Severson, Hallock, Minnesota
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Fresh Veggie Pizza
There’s no need to bring confetti to your next snack-time gathering. Just carry in this colorful veggie pizza that’s topped with a rainbow of crunchy vegetables! Guests usually don’t even guess this delicious pizza is low-fat. —Brooke Wiley, Halifax, Virginia
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Reuben Dip
This slow-cooked spread tastes just like the popular Reuben sandwich. Even when I double the recipe, I end up with an empty dish. —Mary Jane Kimmes, Hastings, Minnesota
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Irish Creme Chocolate Trifle
I was given a bottle of Irish cream liqueur as a gift and had leftover peppermint candy, so I created this delicious trifle. It's always rich and decadent. —Margaret Wilson, Sun City, California
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Soft Beer Pretzels
I'm always looking for new ways to combine fun flavors, and what goes together better than beer and pretzels? Not much that I can think of. That’s why I put them together into one delicious recipe. —Alyssa Wilhite, Whitehouse, Texas
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Garlic-Herb Salmon Sliders
The fresh flavors of the salmon and herbs are just unbeatable. I serve these as full-size burgers on kaiser rolls, too. —Margee Berry, White Salmon, Washington
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Malted Chocolate & Stout Layer Cake
If you want a dessert that will take the cake at a St. Patrick's Day celebration, look no further! The rich chocolate cake is incredibly moist and has a nice malt flavor that's perfectly complemented by the Irish cream frosting. —Jennifer Wayland, Morris Plains, New Jersey
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Cheddar Ham Cups
When a college classmate and I threw a party for our professor, a friend contributed these savory appetizers. Everyone in the class requested the recipe before the party was done. Try the cups with chicken instead of ham if you'd like. -Brandi Ladner Gulfport, Mississippi
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Loaded Baked Potato Dip
I never thought of using waffle-cut fries as a scoop for dip until a friend of mine did at a baby shower. They’re ideal for my cheesy bacon and chive dip, which tastes just like a baked potato topper. —Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota
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Chocolate-Covered Bacon
It's a hit at state fairs everywhere, but you can make this chocolate-covered bacon at home. Some say bacon is perfect as is, but chocolate makes everything better! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen chocolate-covered bacon
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Salmon Mousse Cups
I make these tempting little tarts frequently for parties. They disappear at an astonishing speed, so I usually double or triple the recipe. The salmon-cream cheese filling and flaky crust will melt in your mouth. —Fran Rowland, Phoenix, Arizona
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Zucchini Patties with Dill Dip
These crisp-tender patties are a nice alternative to crab cakes and taste very similar, thanks to the seafood seasoning. They always get gobbled up! —Kelly Maxwell, Plainfield, Illinois
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Marinated Cheese
This special appetizer always makes it to our neighborhood parties and is the first to disappear from the buffet table. It's attractive, delicious—and so easy! —Laurie Casper, Coraopolis, Pennsylvania
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Mini Spinach Frittatas
People can't get enough of these pop-in-your-mouth mini frittatas. They're a cinch to make, freeze well and the recipe easily doubles for a crowd. —Nancy Statkevicus, Tucson, Arizona
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Green Flop Jell-O
Get ready for fluffy lemon-lime goodness. My family calls it "flop Jell-O" because most of the time a clear gelatin layer that tastes like lemon-lime soda falls to the bottom of the dish. Try it with any flavor gelatin! —Michelle Gauer, Spicer, Minnesota
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Baked Onion Dip
Some people like this cheesy dip so much that they can't tear themselves away from the appetizer table to eat their dinner. But can you blame them? With two kinds of cheese and sweet onions in the mix, this ultra creamy dip is unforgettable. —Mona Zignego, Hartford, Wisconsin
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Leprechaun Lime Drink
You won't need the help of lucky little elves to ready this refreshing lime concoction. Cheery garnishes can be fixed in a wink to dress up each guest's glass. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Shamrock Cookies
A handy cookie cutter shapes these sensational sweets. With a hint of mint flavor, these shamrock cookies are especially yummy with cocoa or chocolate milk. —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana
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Favorite Irish Soda Bread
My best friend, Rita, shared this irresistible Irish soda bread recipe. It bakes up high, with a golden brown top and a combination of sweet and savory flavors. —Jan Alfano, Prescott, Arizona
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Pistachio and Coconut Cake
This coconut cake is good any time of the year, but the color is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day. The secret is adding instant pistachio pudding mix into the cake mix and the frosting. —Dora May Meredith, Rockford, Illinois
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Shrimp & Cucumber Rounds
I always make these appetizers for our get-togethers. They’re easy to prepare and a snappy addition to any St. Patrick’s Day party. —Kelly Alaniz, Eureka, California
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Reuben-Style Pizza
This homemade pie has all the goodness classic Reuben sandwich in a form that will feed a crowd. It has a cheesy sauce, and smells so wonderful coming out of the oven. —Tracy Miller, Wakeman, Ohio
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Rainbow Cake with Clouds
Some cakes stand on their own without icing. For this bright Rainbow Cake, use a little whipped cream to make fluffy clouds. —Janet Tigchelaar, Jerseyville, Ontario
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Turkey & Swiss Biscuit Sliders
One of my favorite things to whip up in the kitchen is homemade buttermilk biscuits. Simple sandwiches are a wonderful way to showcase these melt-in-your-mouth treats. —Cindy Esposito, Bloomfield, New Jersey
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Five-Spice Pecans
Talk about a sugar-and-spice treat! Just try to stop eating these toasty, roasty snack nuts. They’re also great sprinkled on all kinds of salads. —Anne Leslie, Chandler, IN
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Favorite Corned Beef and Cabbage
It may be the most famous dish to eat on St. Patrick’s Day, but this Irish-American corned beef recipe is a favorite at our table all year long. This is how to make corned beef and cabbage. —Evelyn Kenney, Trenton, New Jersey
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Striped Chocolate Popcorn
For a bake sale last year, I wanted to try something different. I’d seen chocolate popcorn in a candy shop and thought I’d try making it. This recipe was a great success. —Mary Schmittinger, Colgate, Wisconsin
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Catherine's Guacamole
Get the scoop on making a standout guacamole. A handful of chopped celery adds some fun crunch in this avocado dip—everyone’s favorite fiesta starter. —Catherine Cassidy, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Mushroom & Leek Strudel
This elegant hors d'oeuvre is almost effortless. Use fresh herbs if possible, and feel free to sub in whole wheat phyllo. —Lisa Diehl, Edina, Minnesota
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Broccoli-Cheddar Tassies
Our family adores broccoli casserole. I wanted to try it as an appetizer, so I used a pecan tassie recipe for the crust. The result? We’re talking scrumptious. —Gail Gaiser, Ewing, New Jersey
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Slow-Cooker Cheddar Bacon Beer Dip
My tangy, smoky dip won the top prize in our office party recipe contest. Other beers can work for this, but be sure to steer clear of dark varieties. —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
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Clover Rice Crispy Bars
These sweet snacks are like the pot of gold at the end of your family’s feast. With their yummy peppermint and marshmallow flavor, they’ll make even those without Irish hearts happy. These rice crispy bars will have the cook smiling, too, because they’re so easy to assemble. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Minty Ice Cream Shamrocks
With a soft, chewy chocolate cookie and festive mint shamrock ice cream, these fun desserts are a sweet delight on St. Patrick’s Day. You can cut out the cookie wafers in any shape you choose and use any flavor ice cream. Try heart shapes for Valentine’s Day filled with strawberry ice cream. —Beverly Coyde, Gasport, New York
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Pea Soup Shooters
Appetizers really don’t get any easier than this. These shooters can be made ahead, they’re colorful, and they won’t weigh you down. Top with a small dollop of yogurt for a little more tang. —Jacyn Siebert, San Francisco, California
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Reuben Calzones
I love a Reuben sandwich, so I tried the fillings in a pizza pocket instead of on rye bread. This hand-held dinner is a big winner at our house. —Nickie Frye, Evansville, Indiana
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Beef and Blue Cheese Crostini
These little gems are easy, impressive and delicious. They are ridiculously easy and inexpensive to make. Seriously, you will look like a total rock star when you serve these! —Mandy Rivers, Lexington, South Carolina
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Party Franks
These tiny, tangy appetizers have broad appeal. I prepare them often for St. Patrick’s Day. They’re convenient to serve at parties since the sauce can be made ahead and then reheated with the franks before serving. —Lucille Howell, Portland, Oregon
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Party Spinach Spread
This appetizer is delicious, easy and pretty, too! Everyone who tries it asks for the recipe. The spread keeps for several days, so it’s great for making in advance for a St. Patrick’s Day party. But once you put it out, it won’t last long! —Maire Macy, Fort Collins, Colorado
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Ricotta Puffs
Roasted red peppers and ricotta cheese give these pastry puffs delicious flavor, while parsley and oregano add a little spark. —Maria Regakis, Somerville, Massachusetts
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Apricot-Glazed Bacon Spirals
Here’s a real crowd-pleaser for St. Patrick’s Day party. A whole piece of crispy bacon is rolled into each spiral. It’s so good with the apricot preserves, which make it a sweet-and-salty treat. —Kellie Mulleavy, Lambertville, Michigan
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Brie Appetizers with Bacon-Plum Jam
Among my friends I'm known as the pork master, because I love to cook just about every cut there is. These appetizers combine soft, mild Brie cheese with a sweet-sour bacon jam that has a touch of Sriracha sauce. —Rick Pascocello, New York, New York
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Reuben Waffle Potato Appetizers
I love Reubens, so I turned the classic sandwich into a fun appetizer with corned beef and sauerkraut on waffle fries. —Gloria Bradley, Naperville, Illinois
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Cheddar-Pecan Crisps
Lots of holiday treats are sweet. For a change of pace, I fill goodie bags with my cheese crackers. The recipe has a large yield, but you can freeze the dough logs to bake later. —Heather Necessary, Shamokin Dan, Pennsylvania
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Bacon & Sun-Dried Tomato Phyllo Tarts
Frozen mini phyllo tart shells are so convenient and easy to use. Just add a savory filling featuring sun-dried tomatoes and bacon, then pop them in the oven.—Patricia Quinn, Omaha, Nebraska
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Creme de Menthe Cupcakes
We use creme de menthe liqueur (the term means "mint cream" in French) to add a cool touch to these impressive mascarpone-frosted cupcakes. —Keri Whitney, Castro Valley, CaliforniaOriginally Published: February 14, 2019
