St Patricks Day Appetizers: Get Your Party Started With A Bit 'O Irish Flavor!

There are hundreds of St Patricks Day appetizers to be found on the Internet, but trust us, they are not all created equal!  Adding green food coloring is fun, but we prefer to serve dishes that have some true connection to Irish history and culture.

Enjoy these, and if you want more, click here to visit our main section on Irish recipes!

St Patricks Day Appetizer #1:  Roasted Potato Wedges

While the Cheddar sauce suggested below may not be the most authentic Irish flavor, the potato has been a staple of the Irish diet for centuries!

Roasted Potato Wedges: Ingredients

• 3 baking potatoes (large), slice into 8 pieces
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or similar oil
• ½ tsp salt (optional)
• ¼ tbsp black pepper (freshly ground)
• 2 tbsp oil
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1.25 cups milk
• 1.25 cups sharp cheddar
• 2 tbsp green onions (finely chopped)
• 1 tbsp bacon bits (real)
• 1/4 tbsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Roasted Potato Wedges: Preparation

Prepare the Potatoes

1. Heat the oven to 425 degrees.
2. Put the seasonings in a bag with a seal, insert the potato wedges and toss.
3. Then arrange the wedges on a baking pan and cover the whole pan with foil.
4. Bake the potatoes for 30 minutes.
5. Remove the foil and turn the potatoes
6. Leave the wedges uncovered and bake for another 10 minutes until lightly browned

While the wedges are browning, prepare the sauce:

1. Heat the oil over medium heat
2. Add in the flour and stir for 30 seconds.
3. Add the milk and let the mixture thicken, stirring occasionally.
4. Reduce the heat from medium to low, stir in the cheese and all other ingredients.
5. Season the sauce to taste.

St Patricks Day Appetizer #2:  Red Potato Colcannon

Another appetizer featuring ingredients well suited to the Ireland countryside.  With a hint of butter and seasoning, this dish can be served with crackers on the side.

Red Potato Colcannon: Ingredients

• 1 pound red potatoes, cut in half
• 1 tbsp butter
• 6 cups cabbage (green)
• ½ cup onion (preferably white or yellow)
• 1 cup milk
• .25 tsp white pepper
• 1 tsp salt (optional)

Red Potato Colcannon: Preparation

1. Add an inch of water to a steamer or Dutch oven and bring to a boil
2. Add the potatoes and steam for about 15 minutes
3. Then remove the potatoes from heat and cover them to keep warm.
4. In nonstick skillet, melt the butter on medium heat.
5. Add in the onion and stir 2 minutes or until it becomes translucent.
6. Add in the cabbage, stirring occasionally for 2 minutes or until it starts to brown.
7. Reduce heat to low then add in the milk and white pepper.
8. Cook 8 minutes, stirring gently until the cabbage is tender
9. While the cabbage is cooking, mash the potatoes to desired texture
10. Mix the cabbage with the potatoes and stir to desired consistency
11. Let the mixture cool, then serve alone or with crackers on the side

St Patricks Day Appetizer #3:  Whole Wheat Irish Soda Bread

Soda bread has long been a staple of the Irish diet. It makes a great St Patricks Day appetizer since you can serve it cold or warm, with butter, jelly or dips.   For the whole wheat version, have a look below. 

For other variations, check out our section on Irish soda bread here!

Whole Wheat Irish Soda Bread:  Ingredients

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2.25 cups buttermilk

Whole Wheat Irish Soda Bread: Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
2. Coat a baking sheet with oil and flour.
3. Dust a clean flat surface with flour to prepare the dough.
4. Combine the two flours and baking soda in a large bowl.
5. Make a well in the mound of flour and baking soda, then add in the buttermilk.
6. Stir until all the flour is mixed in so you have dough that is not sticky or wet.
7. Knead the dough on a flat, dusted surface.
8. Create a round shape, flip and flatten it until it is 2 inches thick.
9. Put the loaf on the baking sheet. Deep cross it with a knife then prick the four sections.
10. Bake 20 minutes.
11. Reduce oven heat to 400 degrees F and bake for another 30 to 35 minutes till brown on the top.

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