Irish food has been shaped by history as well as the availability of local ingredients, including seafood, livestock, and local produce as well as familiar staples like potatoes, cheese, and bread. From traditional fare to more modern takes, Ireland has a lot to offer. From hearty soups to delicious breads, there really is something for everyone. But you don’t have to book a plane ticket to explore Irish cuisine! We’ve rounded up our favorite Irish recipes to cook at home. Ready to explore Irish food right from the comfort of your own kitchen? Check out our favorite recipes below!
#1 Classic Irish Stew
Classic Irish Stew is as traditional as it gets. This recipe is made with tender lamb shoulder (or beef), baby potatoes, cipollini onions, baby carrots, peas and fresh tarragon — brothy, hearty, yet not overly heavy. If you're looking to explore Irish cuisine in the kitchen, this is the perfect place to start!
#2 Irish Soda Bread
It wouldn’t be a list of our favorite Irish food recipes without Irish soda bread! Irish soda bread is unique because it uses baking soda and buttermilk as leavening agents in place of yeast. This gives it a one-of-a-kind texture: inside, the bread is soft yet chewy, while the outside bakes to a slighly crunchy, golden-brown and rustic crust. It pairs perfectly with a little Irish butter. If you’re looking for an introduction into the world of bread-making, Irish soda bread is a great place to start!
#3 Colcannon
Another classic Irish food recipe, colcannon is a traditional mashed potato dish that contains dairy (usually Irish butter, but sometimes milk, cheese, and/or cream are included, too), scallions (some versions use leeks or chives instead), kale or cabbage, and sometimes ham or bacon. Affordable, satisfying, and comforting, this versatile Irish dish is perfect for making at home on a chilly evening! Ready to learn how to make it in your own kitchen?
#4 Boxty
Boxty, or Irish potato pancakes, are a bit like a cross between hash browns and pancakes. They are fluffy on the inside and crisply pan-fried on the outside, with a wonderful texture that’s simultaneously light and dense. While they’re traditionally served as a savory accompaniment to a full Irish breakfast, they can also be eaten with a little butter or honey if you’d like. Ready to whip up your own batch of delicious Boxty?
#5 Irish Vegetable Soup
Traditionally made with root vegetables, you can use whatever you have on hand to make this beloved Irish recipe. Stewed with a mixture of vegetable broth, double cream, and herbs, the resulting vegetable soup is hearty, warming, and perfect for pairing with a slice of buttered Irish soda bread. Ready to learn how to make this Irish soup in your own kitchen?
#6 Mushrooms on Toast
Deceptively simple and incredibly delicious, this fancy-looking breakfast is actually very easy to make. Mushrooms are poached in milk, thyme, and garlic, then served on a slice of toasted sourdough bread with wilted spinach and a crispy fried egg on top. This meal makes a great breakfast but can also be enjoyed as a light lunch or dinner, too! Want to learn how to make this Irish classic at home?
#7 Irish-Style Shrove Tuesday Pancakes
Traditionally made right before the start of Lent, these Irish pancakes were originally designed to use up all of the eggs, milk, and butter in the house before the start of fasting, so free to get creative with the fillings and toppings. Delicately flavored, they pair well with almost anything! Ready to learn how to make these Irish-style pancakes at home?
#8 Irish Soda Farls
These yeast-free mini-breads require no kneading and call for just 4 ingredients. Cooked on the stovetop in a cast-iron skillet, they’re ready in just 20 minutes. They make a great breakfast slathered with butter and jam or paired with a fried egg and mushrooms. They’re also perfect for teatime. Ready to learn how to make this traditional Irish recipe at home?
#9 Irish Scones
Smaller, less risen, and a little less sweet than their British counterparts, Irish scones are made with buttermilk, salt, butter, and sultanas (golden raisins). Serve yours with a little butter and jam for a truly authentic Irish treat. Ready to learn how to make these Irish scones at home?
#10 Irish Coffee
We couldn’t make a list of our favorite Irish recipes without including this classic Irish beverage! An authentic Irish coffee is made with just four simple ingredients: hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and whipped cream. It’s the perfect pick-me-up with a kick! And while it will affect the flavor, you can always skip the whiskey if needed. Want to learn how to whip up this drink at home?
Enjoy!