1. Classic Irish Dishes to Serve at Your St. Patrick’s Day Party

No St. Patrick’s Day food lineup is complete without these traditional favorites:

Corned Beef and Cabbage

This dish is a must-have for St. Patrick’s Day. The key to making it flavorful is using the right corned beef seasoning. Many people swear by Grobbel’s corned beef, which comes pre-seasoned with a delicious blend of corned beef spices like mustard seed, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Slow-cooked with cabbage, carrots, and potatoes, this dish is the ultimate comfort food.

Tip: If you're looking for the best beer for corned beef, go for a dark stout like Guinness—it enhances the flavors beautifully.

Shepherd’s Pie

A hearty and filling dish, shepherd’s pie is another favorite on St. Patrick’s Day food ideas lists. Made with ground beef or lamb, vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes, this dish is comforting, rich, and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Irish Soda Bread

This simple yet delicious bread is a staple at any St. Patrick’s Day celebration. It has a slightly sweet, dense texture and pairs perfectly with butter or jam.

Colcannon

A fun twist on mashed potatoes, colcannon is made with butter, cream, and either kale or cabbage. It’s creamy, rich, and packed with flavor.

Bangers and Mash

This classic Irish dish features sausages served with mashed potatoes and a rich onion gravy. It’s simple, hearty, and always a crowd-pleaser.

2. Fun and Festive St. Patrick’s Day Party Snacks

If you’re looking for small bites that pack a punch, these festive snacks will be a hit at your gathering:

• Guinness Cheese Dip with Pretzels

  This creamy, gooey cheese dip gets a delicious depth of flavor from Guinness beer. Serve it warm with soft pretzels, breadsticks, or even crunchy veggies.

• Mini Reuben Sliders

  A bite-sized take on the classic sandwich. These little sliders are stacked with tender corned beef, Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing on mini rye buns.

• Lucky Shamrock Deviled Eggs

  Give classic deviled eggs a St. Patrick’s Day twist by adding a touch of green food coloring to the filling. Garnish with chives or parsley to make them extra festive.

• Irish Potato Bites

  Think of these as loaded potato skins but mini. Crispy potato rounds topped with melty cheese, crumbled bacon, and a dollop of sour cream.

• Spinach and Artichoke Dip

  A rich, creamy dip packed with spinach, artichokes, and cheese. It’s naturally green and perfect for dipping crackers, pita chips, or fresh bread.

Tip: These snacks pair perfectly with green beer to keep the festive vibes going.

3. Sweet Treats to Complete Your Celebration

No party is complete without dessert. Here are some St. Patrick’s Day sweets to satisfy every craving:

• Baileys Irish Cream Cupcakes - Fluffy cupcakes topped with a rich buttercream frosting infused with Baileys Irish Cream. A little boozy, a lot delicious.
• Shamrock Sugar Cookies - Classic sugar cookies cut into shamrock shapes and decorated with vibrant green icing. Fun to make and even more fun to eat.
• Guinness Chocolate Cake - A moist, decadent chocolate cake with Guinness beer in the batter for a deep, rich flavor. Pair it with a silky chocolate ganache or cream cheese frosting.
• Mint Chocolate Brownies - Fudgy brownies with a cool minty layer and a drizzle of chocolate on top. A perfect balance of indulgence and freshness.
• Irish Apple Cake - A traditional Irish dessert with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and juicy apples baked into a tender cake. Serve it with a dusting of powdered sugar or a side of whipped cream.

Tip: Hosting a St. Patrick’s Day brunch? Try Irish coffee, green pancakes, or Baileys French toast for a festive morning treat.

Also Read: The Best Occasions and Events to Hire a Caterer

4. Drinks to Pair with Your St. Patrick’s Day Feast

No St. Patrick’s Day party is complete without the right drinks. Whether you’re toasting with friends or keeping it cozy, these drinks will set the mood:

• Green Beer – The easiest way to add some Irish spirit to your celebration. Just add a few drops of green food coloring to a light beer like lager or pilsner.
• Irish Coffee – A warm and cozy blend of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, brown sugar, and a dollop of whipped cream. Perfect for sipping on a chilly March evening.
• Guinness Stout – A St. Paddy’s Day classic. This rich, creamy beer is smooth and pairs well with hearty dishes like corned beef and cabbage.
• Jameson and Ginger – A simple yet refreshing cocktail made with smooth Jameson whiskey and spicy ginger ale. Serve it over ice with a lime wedge for a crisp finish.
• Baileys Hot Chocolate – Indulgent, creamy, and just a little boozy. Make your hot chocolate extra special by stirring in a shot of Baileys Irish Cream and topping it with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

Tip: Want a fun drink station? Set up a DIY Irish Coffee bar with whiskey, Baileys, cinnamon, whipped cream, and flavored syrups so guests can mix their perfect cup.

5. Where to Get the Best St. Patrick’s Day Food in Newbury Park

If you’d rather skip the cooking, let a professional handle the feast! Pickle’s Deli & Restaurant in Newbury Park is the go-to place for authentic St. Patrick’s Day party food. Here’s what they’re offering:

• Special Irish corned beef with the perfect corned beef spices.
• Green cabbage cooked to perfection.
• Freshly baked Irish soda bread.
• Cabbage Green beer to keep the party festive!
• Shepherd’s pie and other traditional favorites.

Whether you're looking for takeout or a full St. Patrick’s catering service in Newbury Park, Pickle’s Deli has you covered. You can also check out our other menu if you want more food variety this St. Patrick’s Day!

6. Tips for Hosting a Memorable St. Patrick’s Day Party

Want to make your celebration even better? Here are some extra tips:

• Create a themed menu – Balance savory and sweet dishes for a well-rounded meal.
• Pair food with the right drinks – Stout beer, Irish whiskey, and green cocktails add to the fun.
• Decorate with a green theme – Green table settings, napkins, and shamrock centerpieces set the mood.
• Plan fun activities – Trivia, an Irish music playlist, or even an Irish dance competition can keep guests entertained.
• Set up a photo booth – Provide fun props like leprechaun hats, green beads, and shamrock glasses for memorable pictures.
• Offer a variety of food options – Make sure to include vegetarian or gluten-free dishes for guests with dietary restrictions.

Conclusion

Whether you’re cooking at home or ordering from Pickle’s Deli, having the right St. Patrick’s Day party food will make your celebration unforgettable. From perfectly seasoned corned beef and cabbage to festive sweet treats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

If you’re in Newbury Park, don’t miss out on Pickle’s Deli’s special St. Patrick’s catering service—it’s the easiest way to serve up an authentic Irish feast. Contact Pickle’s Deli at (805) 480-4800 to place your order!