We don’t often think of St. Patrick’s Day as a food-focused holiday, but there are many ways to incorporate the holiday’s theme through the food you serve. From classic, hearty Irish staples to foods that incorporate the trademark green of St. Patrick’s Day, there are plenty of ways to enhance your St. Patrick’s Day gathering through the joy of food.
If you’re hosting a St. Patrick’s Day party and are in need of some easy party food ideas, we have some great recipe suggestions to enhance your party. From finger foods for adults as well as kids, main courses and desserts, these quick and easy recipes are sure to be a hit!
Convenience is Key
When you’re planning a party, you want recipes that are a hit with guests but don’t take too much time to prepare. Convenience is a priority so you can spend time with your guests, enjoying the day and the delicious food you made, not stuck in the kitchen.
Minute Rice is an excellent pantry staple to have on hand and works as a base for hundreds of recipes across different cuisines. Minute Instant Rice is ready in just 10 minutes, making it a great staple ingredient for quick and convenient recipes. For even quicker preparation, Minute Rice Cups are ready in just one minute. They also come in a variety of delicious flavors to expand the possibilities in many different recipes.
Check out these St. Patrick’s Day-inspired recipes to help you get inspired to make your celebration one to remember.
Irish Classics
Irish food is beloved by many for being hearty and comforting. Classic Irish ingredients like sausage, cabbage, corned beef and Irish cream are a great way to incorporate a sense of nostalgia for your guests on the holiday.
Corned Beef Irish Stew
This classic Irish meal is hearty and satisfying, packed with veggies and savory beef to fill up your guests.
Just prepare some Minute Instant White Rice, then sauté corned beef and classic Irish vegetables like cabbage, carrots and mushrooms. Gravy and beef broth add depth of flavor to make this Corned Beef Irish Stew taste hearty and wholesome in just 20 minutes!
Sausage and Peppers
The classic duo of Sausage and Peppers is sure to be a hit with guests, and by using your favorite Irish sausage you can incorporate a taste of Ireland into the dish. Just brown the sausage, add in onions and peppers, then serve over Minute Brown Rice Cups. Thanks to the speed of Minute Rice, this dish can be ready in under 10 minutes!
Packed with nutritious, whole grain brown rice and vegetables, this recipe is a great option for your St. Patrick’s Day feast.
Irish Cream Rice Pudding
This Irish Cream Rice Pudding is a unique spin on a classic dessert that your guests are sure to love. While desserts can be time-consuming to make, this one delivers decadent, rich flavor in just 20 minutes. With homemade Irish cream, this rice pudding is a perfect way to incorporate Irish flavors into your St. Patrick’s Day offerings.
While milk is simmering with Minute Instant White Rice, whisk together heavy whipping cream, chocolate syrup, vanilla extract, almond extract and egg yolk to make an Irish cream. Stir the mixture and the rice together and simmer, letting the pudding thicken as it cools.
Be sure to top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings before serving to make your rice pudding look as good as it tastes!
Go Green
What St. Patrick’s Day party is complete without the color green? From clothing to decorations and even green libations, the color is a key part of the holiday.
Incorporating the color green into your St. Patrick’s Day foods is an excellent way to stay on-theme while offering a wider array of cuisines to your guests beyond classic Irish foods.
Arroz Verde
Bring the classic green theme to your St. Patrick’s Day spread with this quick and easy Arroz Verde! Cook poblano pepper, spinach, onion, and garlic in a pan, then add the mixture to a blender to create the classic, colorful sauce. Combine with a Minute Cilantro & Lime Rice Cup to add a great burst of flavor with aromatic Jasmine rice, lime juice, cilantro and sea salt that helps bring this rice dish to the next level. In just minutes you’ll have delicious green rice perfect for St. Patrick’s Day that’ll be sure to delight your guests.
Rice Florentine
Another green dish perfect for St. Patrick’s Day is this Rice Florentine, a comforting and creamy side that’s sure to be a hit. Simmer milk, creamed spinach, black pepper and nutmeg in a saucepan to create a flavorful green sauce. Stir in Minute Instant White Rice and some grated parmesan cheese to make this a creamy, comforting side dish that comes together in under 15 minutes.
Jalapeño Rice Spinach Bread Bowl
With jalapeño heat and plenty of cheesy richness, this bread bowl will be a crowd-pleaser on St. Patrick’s Day. Decadent ingredients like cream cheese, sour cream, ranch dressing and parmesan make this Jalapeño Rice Spinach Bread Bowl a fantastic holiday treat, with a great mildly spicy kick from the Minute Jalapeño Rice Cup. Plus, spinach and green onion add a fun pop of green perfect for St. Patrick’s Day.
The dish comes together by baking these deliciously decadent ingredients in a hollowed-out sourdough loaf until it’s melty and golden brown. Cut the inside of the sourdough loaf into cubes and bake for a convenient dipping utensil for your guests. If your guests like a bit more spice, try garnishing the top of the dip with sliced fresh or pickled jalapeño peppers.
Shrimp & Rice Stuffed Avocados
These Shrimp & Rice Stuffed Avocados offer a unique spin for your St. Patrick’s Day appetizers. With a Minute Cilantro & Lime Rice Cup, zesty ranch dressing and seafood seasoning, this dish brings out complex flavors that will make your guests think it took you hours—but it can be made in just 10 minutes!
Toss a Minute Cilantro & Lime Rice Cup with cooked shrimp, cucumber, ranch dressing, green onion and seafood seasoning to make a deliciously flavorful filling, and combine with avocado. Add the mixture into the scooped avocado halves for a pop of green color on your St. Patrick’s Day table.
The great part of this recipe is that it can be incredibly versatile. Try substituting chili powder or creole seasoning for seafood seasoning to bring out a different flavor profile, or make the dish vegetarian by omitting the shrimp or substituting with a meat-free alternative. If your guests aren’t seafood fans, you can even swap out the shrimp with shredded chicken. The possibilities are endless, and you’ll enjoy experimenting with this fun appetizer.
Setting the St. Patrick’s Day Scene
With all the time you save in the kitchen with these quick and convenient St. Patrick’s Day recipes, you can take some time to focus on the party’s atmosphere as well. Below are some tips beyond the menu that can help bring your St. Patrick’s Day party to life.
- There’s no such thing as too much green on St. Patrick’s Day! Decorate your space with green decorations and throw in some shamrocks and pots of gold as well.
- Encourage your guests also to go green with a costume contest offering a prize for the best dressed.
- Set up an Irish music playlist to play throughout the party.
- If you’re expecting children at the party, plan some kid-friendly activities such as St. Patrick’s Day coloring pages or a treasure hunt for chocolate coins.
Save Time and Stress
The most important part of hosting a party is to have fun and enjoy the celebration with your guests. These convenient recipes are a great way to help you save time and stress, so you can relax and enjoy yourself while still impressing your guests with unique dishes that pack great flavors.
