20 Irish Appetizers to Kick Off St. Patrick's Day
These sham-rockin' starters will disappear fast.
Planning a big party for St. Patrick's Day? There are a few things to keep in mind. For starters, you'll want to have plenty of green and gold decorations. Next, you'll need to stock up on a case of your favorite Irish beer, and plan a hearty dinner of corned beef and cabbage and other traditional Irish foods. But before you dig into the main event, kick things off with a few of these Irish appetizers!
If you're craving classic Irish flavors in the form of finger foods and party dips, this list has all the inspiration you need. Try the Reuben-inspired egg rolls that are filled with corned beef and sauerkraut or the Irish nachos made with potatoes in place of tortilla chips. If comfort food is on your mind, you'll find cozy homemade soups, hoppy recipes like beer-battered fish, and potato appetizers in every form: fried, mashed, and baked into fluffy rolls served with Irish butter. Just remember to prepare a batch or two—no one will be able to stop at eating just one! With these easy Irish appetizers (and a few Irish desserts to end the night on a sweet note), everyone at your party will be feeling lucky... and well fed!
Irish Brown Bread
There are so many ways to enjoy traditional Irish brown bread as an appetizer! Serve warm slices with plenty of butter, use it for dipping into hearty soup or stew, or top it with sharp Irish cheddar and toast until bubbly.
Get Ree's Irish Brown Bread recipe.
Reuben Egg Rolls
Get all the flavors of the classic sandwich—wrapped and fried! these crunchy egg rolls are stuffed with corned beef, sauerkraut, and gooey cheese, then served with a Russian dressing dipping sauce for good measure.
Get the Reuben Egg Rolls recipe.
Clam Chowder
Seafood chowders are a staple in Ireland, which is no surprise with the brisk, rainy climate and coastal bounty. Packed with clams, potatoes, and a velvety cream broth, this one practically begs for a slice of Irish brown bread for dipping.
Get the Clam Chowder recipe.
Slice-Baked Potatoes
This twist on twice-baked potatoes is the perfect size for serving as an party appetizer. It has all the flavor of a loaded baked potato in one single bite.
Get Ree's Slice-Baked Potatoes recipe.
Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
Ham and cheese toasties are a go-to snack in Ireland—and these pinwheels also pair cheese and ham. These little pinwheels capture that same warm, pub-style comfort in party-friendly portions, making them easy to pass around.
Get the Ham and Cheese Pinwheels recipe.
Reuben Dip
This dip delivers all the best parts of the sandwich: corned beef, Swiss, sauerkraut, and a swirl of Thousand Island dressing. Pair it with crunchy rye bread chips, and you've got an instant Irish appetizer spread.
Get Ree's Reuben Dip recipe.
Homemade Potato Chips
Potato chips are just as popular in Ireland as they are here in the States. Making them from scratch feels special for a celebration. Just make sure to call them "crisps" like they do!
Get Ree's Homemade Potato Chips recipe.
Garlic Shrimp
Even if you can't get your hand on some Dublin Bay prawns, you can make a very similar version to their popular appetizer by using jumbo shrimp. Sop up all that garlicky goodness with some toasted bread.
Get the Garlic Shrimp recipe.
Pea Salad
You'll often find some version of pea salad in Ireland. Ree Drummond's version uses cheddar cheese just like they would, too! Plus, the green just feels right for the holiday.
Get Ree's Pea Salad recipe.
Mashed Potato Pancakes
Creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes are transformed into a whole new dish with this recipe that gives them a crispy coating. You can serve them up as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce or opt for a traditional condiment like sour cream.
Get the Mashed Potato Pancakes recipe.
Potato Rolls
Flaky, soft potato rolls are an instant crowd pleaser. You can serve them in a bread basket with Irish butter on the side or turn them into mini corned beef sliders!
Get the Potato Rolls recipe.
Potato Skins
We love potato skins any which way! You can keep these simple with melted cheese and bacon or load them up with shredded corned beef. Either way, they’ll be a hit!
Get the Potato Skins recipe.
Beer Cheese Dip
Stout beers are a popular choice on St. Patrick's Day, but their dark color might change the way this cheesy dip looks. Instead opt for a hoppy IPA and save the stout for drinking.
Get the Beer Cheese Dip recipe.
Cabbage Soup
Soup is always a welcome appetizer, particularly if it's still cold outside. We love this warming cabbage version, which you can load with whatever veggies and beans you've got on hand.
Get the Cabbage Soup recipe.
Irish Nachos
Irish nachos are a must-have at any St. Patrick's Day party. Crispy potatoes in place of chips? Yes, please.
Get the Irish Nachos recipe.
Corned Beef Sandwich
These sandwiches are full of flavor thanks to thin slices of fork-tender corned beef, cabbage, and mustard. You can cut them into quarters and use a toothpick to secure each bite-sized sandwich.
Get the Corned Beef Sandwich recipe.
Potato Pancakes
Since potatoes are so popular in Ireland, you probably shouldn't be surprised that potato pancakes are, too. These latkes will be a little crisper but still irresistibly potatoey.
Get the Potato Pancakes recipe.
Beer Battered Fish
Skip the frozen fish sticks and make this beer battered fish instead! You can serve it with an easy homemade tartar sauce for dipping.
Get the Beer Battered Fish recipe.
Potato Soup
Potatoes are a staple in Irish cuisine—and this warming soup is one of the best and most beautiful ways of presenting them to your guests at a St. Patrick's Day party.
Get Ree's Potato Soup recipe.
Irish Soda Bread
You can't go wrong with slices of this classic Irish loaf, especially if you serve it with a good-quality Irish butter.
Get the Irish Soda Bread recipe.
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