These Irish recipes for potluck parties will take your friends to Ireland—right at the table. From shepherd's pie to soda bread, these dishes are perfect for St. Patrick's Day or any day.
1/40
Irish Soda Bread
From the Recipe Creator:
This traditional Irish soda bread can be made with an assortment of mix-ins such as dried fruit and nuts, but I like it with a handful of raisins. —Gloria Warczak, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 210 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 463mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
2/40
Irish Beef Stew
From the Recipe Creator:
Rich and hearty, this Irish beef stew is my husband's favorite. The beef is incredibly tender. Served with crusty bread, it's an ideal cool-weather meal and perfect for any Irish holiday. —Carrie Karleen, St. Nicolas, Quebec
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 301 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 441mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein.
3/40
Colcannon
From the Recipe Creator:
Every Irish family has its own colcannon recipe, since it's a classic potato and cabbage dish. My recipe comes from my father's family in Ireland. It's part of my St. Patrick's Day menu, along with lamb chops, carrots and soda bread. —Marilou Robinson, Portland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 168 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 361mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
4/40
Irish Cream
From the Recipe Creator:
Add some creamy goodness to your cup of joe with a splash or two of this homemade Irish cream. —Marcia Severson, Hallock, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 165 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 53mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
5/40
Irish Stew Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
The only thing more comforting than a hearty bowl of Irish stew is having it baked into a pie! The flavors blend well with lamb, but you can use cuts of beef instead if you wish. —Nicolas Hortense, Perth, Australia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 731 calories, 40g fat (11g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 608mg sodium, 71g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 8g fiber), 24g protein.
6/40
Favorite Irish Bread
From the Recipe Creator:
Serve this classic from the Emerald Isle with butter, jam and a hot cup of tea. Baking this beauty in a 9-in. pan means there is enough to go around. —Sadie Rotondo, Rockland, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 245 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 193mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
7/40
Bubble and Squeak
From the Recipe Creator:
Each year at Christmas, I make sure I have leftovers to make this bubble and squeak on Boxing Day. I like to serve it with cold turkey and salad. This version can be made any time of year, and it's also good served at brunch with sausages. I find it helpful to use an ice cream scoop to divide the potato mixture into portions before flattening them. —Tanya Aggett, Toronto, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
2 patties: 227 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 239mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
8/40
Roasted Red Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
Some fragrant rosemary, fresh or dried, gives these roasted red potatoes a distinctive and subtle taste. This dish is simple to prepare yet elegant in color and flavor. It's a wonderful addition to any menu. —Margie Wampler, Butler, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 114 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 155mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
9/40
Irish Bangers and Mash
From the Recipe Creator:
This traditional meal is hearty and warming right to the core. Mashed potatoes and Irish bangers (sausages) are coated in a thick gravy made from butter, onions and beef stock. —Camille Berry, Glasgow
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 439 calories, 33g fat (13g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 841mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
10/40
Savory Beef & Cabbage Supper
From the Recipe Creator:
My beef and cabbage supper began as an idea for a gluten-free Reuben sandwich. We also make this dish with smoked sausage. It’s comforting on cooler days. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 260 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 671mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 5g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
11/40
Rutabaga Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a variation of a recipe my mom used to make. I changed a few things so it's easier to prepare. My whole family enjoys this hearty main dish. —Patricia Kron, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 394 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 692mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein.
12/40
Scones
From the Recipe Creator:
Making scones is shockingly simple. I learned how when my wife and I hosted an English tea, and I wish I'd tried my hand at it earlier! —Chuck Hinz, Parma, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 scone: 144 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 170mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
13/40
Lamb Stew
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a delicious, nourishing and economical dish. The flavor improves if you make the stew the day before you serve it. —Margery Richmond, Fort Collins, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 360 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 721mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat.
14/40
Guinness Chocolate Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 497 calories, 22g fat (13g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 298mg sodium, 70g carbohydrate (50g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
15/40
Lemon Baked Cod
From the Recipe Creator:
After trying a few baked cod recipes, this was the first fish recipe that got two thumbs up from my picky meat-only eaters. The tangy lemon gives the cod fish some oomph. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 232 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 477mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 fat, 1/2 starch.
16/40
Brown Sugar-Glazed Baby Carrots
From the Recipe Creator:
These delicious glazed carrots come to the rescue when I’m preparing a special meal. They cook while I prepare the other dishes, and the slow-cooker simmering saves me precious oven space. —Anndrea Bailey, Huntington Beach, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 144 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 364mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein.
17/40
Date Pecan Tea Bread
From the Recipe Creator:
Packed with dates and pecans, this sweet bread is excellent on its own and even better topped with the chunky cream cheese spread. We enjoy it during the holiday season, but also for after-school and late-night snacks. —Carole Resnick, Cleveland, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece with 1-1/2 teaspoons spread: 312 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 154mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (35g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
18/40
Corned Beef and Cabbage
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 510 calories, 24g fat (8g saturated fat), 124mg cholesterol, 1497mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 28g protein.
19/40
The Best Shepherd’s Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the best shepherd's pie recipe I've ever tasted. It's very quick to make, and I usually have most—if not all—of the ingredients already on hand. —Tirzah Sandt, San Diego, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 472 calories, 23g fat (12g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 802mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 24g protein.
20/40
Chunky Apple Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
After taste testing lots of apple cakes, I've found this apple cake recipe the best. Full of old-world comfort, the yummy brown sugar sauce really makes the cake special. For a festive occasion, top with a dollop of whipped cream. —Debi Benson, Bakersfield, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece with 1 tablespoon sauce: 339 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 209mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (39g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
21/40
Braised Corned Beef
From the Recipe Creator:
You’ll need a bit of time to prepare this braised corned beef, but the end results make all that time worth it. Cook this for your St. Patrick’s Day celebration or for an extra-special meal. —Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked beef: 194 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 938mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 31g protein.
22/40
Potato Rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
After I discovered this recipe, it became a mainstay for me. I make the dough ahead of time when company is coming, and I try to keep some in the refrigerator to bake for our ranch hands. Leftover mashed potatoes are almost sure to go into these rolls. —Jeanette McKinney, Belleview, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 106 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 136mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
23/40
Triple Mash with Horseradish Bread Crumbs
From the Recipe Creator:
Why settle for traditional mashed potatoes when you can enjoy three times the flavor? Combine spuds with rutabaga and parsnips, along with the zip of horseradish, for a taste treat. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 199 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 240mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
24/40
Baked Custard
From the Recipe Creator:
I first made this baked custard recipe as a teenager and still enjoy it as a winter warm-up. My dad says it's the best custard he's ever eaten! —Deb Brass, Cedar Falls, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 208 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 156mg cholesterol, 292mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
25/40
Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
There's no better way to use up leftover St. Patrick's Day corned beef, cabbage and potatoes than to make a hearty soup. This second-time-around soup is one of my best. —Deborah McMirtrey, Estes Park, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 132 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 818mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
26/40
Favorite Irish Soda Bread
From the Recipe Creator:
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
Nutrition Facts:
1 wedge: 227 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 447mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
27/40
Mini Pork Pies
From the Recipe Creator:
As a child, I discovered my love of pork pies. I used to help my father deliver oil on Saturdays, and we would stop at a local place to have the meaty pastries for lunch. —Renee Murby, Johnston, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts:
2 pies: 561 calories, 35g fat (14g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 776mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 21g protein.
28/40
Irish Onion Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
The inspiration behind this recipe came from my father, who owned a restaurant and created the original dish. This version stars contemporary ingredients but still serves the same popular robust flavor. —Theresa Miller, Sault St. Marie, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup soup with 1 slice cheese toast: 347 calories, 21g fat (11g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 1119mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein.
29/40
Stout & Shiitake Pot Roast
From the Recipe Creator:
Mushrooms, onions and a bottle of Guinness add excellent flavor to my pot roast. This one-dish wonder may taste even better the next day. —Madeleine Bessette, Coeur d Alene, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked beef with 1 cup vegetables: 441 calories, 21g fat (7g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 293mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 33g protein.
30/40
Rhubarb Fool with Strawberries
From the Recipe Creator:
A fool is a classic British and Irish dessert that's usually made with whipped cream and cooked fruit. Try my quick version with rhubarb and berries. —Cheryl Miller, Fort Collins, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 213 calories, 15g fat (9g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 42mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
31/40
Potato Leek Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
My family and I crave a steaming bowl of potato leek soup on a cold winter evening, but we don't want the butter and fat content of regular soup recipes. So I created this lighter version. I have shared it with many folks, and everyone who has tried it loves it for the robust, satisfying flavor. —Christine Frye, Odessa, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 193 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 593mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
32/40
Bread Pudding with Nutmeg
From the Recipe Creator:
I always make this bread pudding recipe for my dad on his birthday and holidays. He says it tastes exactly like the bread pudding he enjoyed as a child. —Donna Powell, Montgomery City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 419 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 118mg cholesterol, 534mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (40g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
33/40
Guinness Float
From the Recipe Creator:
That very first sip of a Guinness is what inspired this quick and easy dessert. The rich, creamy foam that gathers on the top of a freshly poured draft made me think of vanilla ice cream. At that point, I knew I had to combine the two in a Guinness float. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 286 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 68mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
34/40
Blueberry Scones
From the Recipe Creator:
I love serving this blueberry scone recipe to visiting friends and family. I always make sure a have a few in the freezer. Just pop a frozen scone in the microwave for 20 seconds or so. —Joan Francis, Spring Lake, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 scone: 221 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 281mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
35/40
Ham and Leek Pies
From the Recipe Creator:
I've been making these pies for years, so lots of friends and family now have the recipe. If you can't find leeks, a sweet or mild onion works just as well. —Bonny Tillman, Acworth, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
Nutrition Facts: 1 pie equals 713 calories, 37g fat (15g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 1,461mg sodium, 72g carbohydrate, 9g fiber, 25g protein.
36/40
Lemon Roasted Fingerlings and Brussels Sprouts
From the Recipe Creator:
My trick to roasting veggies is to choose ones that cook in the same amount of time. Other combinations to try? Cauliflower florets with baby carrots or okra with cherry tomatoes. —Courtney Gaylord, Columbus, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 167 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 256mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
37/40
Browned Butter Roasted Cauliflower
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was growing up, my mother (who insists on loving some of the least popular vegetables) always raved about how deliciously sweet and tender cauliflower can be. Here, the briny capers, lemon juice and sweet raisins allow the caramelized, nutty cauliflower to shine. —Gina Myers, Spokane, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 148 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 260mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
38/40
Beer-Braised Roast with Root Vegetables
From the Recipe Creator:
I like the combination of seasoned vegetables and lean meat in this recipe, and my wife likes how the seasonings complement the meat. I serve the roast with a garden salad and crusty multigrain bread. —Malcolm Cieszko, Washington, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked beef with 1 cup vegetables and 3/4 cup gravy: 539 calories, 26g fat (9g saturated fat), 147mg cholesterol, 615mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 4g fiber), 47g protein.
39/40
Homemade Irish Soda Bread
From the Recipe Creator:
Some people consider bread to be the most important part of a meal—and this Irish bread satisfies! This recipe is by far the best soda bread I've ever tried. With plentiful raisins, it is moist and delicious! —Evelyn Kenney, Trenton, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 223 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 326mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
40/40
St. Patrick’s Irish Beef Dinner
From the Recipe Creator:
A variation on shepherd's pie, this hearty St. Patrick's Irish beef dinner brings together saucy beef, mashed potatoes, parsnips and other vegetables. It's always the star of our March 17th meal. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 369 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 849mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 8g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 vegetable.
Irish Recipes for Potluck FAQ
What are some easy Irish recipes for a crowd?
Easy Irish recipes for a crowd take 20 minutes or less of prep time, such as Irish soda bread, beef or lamb stew, scones, shepherd’s pie, creamy mashed potatoes and potato leek soup. Though light on prep, a few of these may need to slow-cook for a few hours, so be sure to read the recipe ahead of time. For something sweet, apple cake or a hearty bread pudding is a crowd-pleaser and easy to transport.
What can I make ahead of time for an Irish-themed potluck?
The best dishes to make ahead of time for an Irish-themed potluck are Irish desserts, soups or sides. Basically, anything that can be served cold or at room temperature, or reheats easily, is your best bet. As far as Irish soups and stews go, potato soups or stews packed with tender chunks of beef or lamb will taste even better if made a day ahead of time and reheated before serving.
For side dishes, mashed potatoes, glazed carrots and cabbage recipes hold well overnight in the fridge and can be easily reheated before serving. For desserts, a gorgeous Guinness cake, buttery shortbread cookies, Irish mocha brownies and mint Bailey’s bars can be made ahead and refrigerated or stored at room temperature without becoming dry.
What are popular Irish side dishes for potlucks?
Popular Irish side dishes for potlucks often include potatoes or cabbage, whether boiled and tossed with butter (we think Irish Kerrygold is one of the best butters!), turned into a pot of colcannon or shaped into patties and pan-fried for bubble and squeak. Irish soda bread, even though it includes dried fruit, is a classic and popular side that goes with just about any main dish you can think of.
