50 St. Patrick's Day Appetizers for Kicking Off Your Irish-Themed Party

St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect occasion to break out delicious, Irish-inspired appetizers and celebrate March 17th in style. This article describes the best starter ideas for your St. Patrick’s Day party.

Whether you’re looking for a traditional Irish dish or something more creative, there are plenty of mouthwatering recipes to make your St. Patrick’s Day celebration even more enjoyable. The traditional flavors of Ireland are well represented in many of these recipes, such as corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, Guinness beer, and green accents like spinach, kale, or green food coloring.

Here is a list of the St. Patrick’s Day appetizers described in this article:

• Green eggs and ham snack mix
• Everything bagel cucumber bites
• Guacamole deviled eggs
• Guacamole cups
• Jalapeno popper cups
• Ricotta spinach cups
• Stuffed green peppers
• Cheese-stuffed grilled peppers
• Spinach and artichoke stuffed mushrooms
• Irish cheddar bacon jalapeno potato skins
• Corned beef and cabbage sliders
• Guinness beef burgers
• Oven-roasted Brussels sprouts
• Oven-roasted asparagus
• Bacon-wrapped cabbage wedges
• Grilled prosciutto-wrapped asparagus
• Grilled zucchini rolls with bacon and cheese
• Bacon guac bombs
• Mini Bloody Mary bombs
• Colcannon puffs
• Corned beef leprechaun cheeseballs
• Guinness-glazed meatballs
• Slow cooker corned beef tacos
• Tortilla pinwheels
• Spinach artichoke dip rolls
• Garlic knots
• Reuben egg rolls
• Mini Shepherd’s pies
• Reuben crescents
• Potato scones
• Green fruit salad
• Irish flag salad
• Irish parsnip soup
• Beer cheese soup
• Pea and mint soup
• Irish fish chowder
• Irish nachos
• Irish chips
• Cabbage chips
• Classic Irish Guinness rarebit
• Shamrock cheddar cheese toasties
• Ricotta pesto crostini
• Smoked salmon crostini
• Green shamrock alfredo pizza slices
• Hot Reuben dip
• Cheesy bacon spinach dip
• Pub-style beer cheese dip
• Candied walnut Brussels sprout bites
• Green candied popcorn
• Pot-O-Gold popcorn bites

Read on to discover more about each St. Patrick’s Day starter, including ingredients and recipe sources. Learn more in the FAQs section.

1. Green eggs and ham snack mix

A green egg and ham snack mix is a fantastic St. Patrick’s Day starter, especially for kids joining your party. This mix combines salty pretzels, sweet candy melts, crunchy M&Ms, fluffy popcorn, and mini marshmallows. The idea is to assemble pretzels with white candy melts and green M&Ms on top, creating what looks like green eggs. The recipe requires 5 minutes for preparation, 1 minute for cooking, and 30 minutes for chilling. Head over to Read Housemoms for step-by-step instructions.

2. Everything bagel cucumber bites

Everything bagel cucumber bites are light, crunchy, and flavorful bite-sized starters for St. Patrick’s Day get-togethers, which your family and friends will appreciate. Cut cucumbers into thick slices, top them with a creamy cheese mixture using a piping bag with a star-shaped tip, and sprinkle them with seasoning before serving. It’s best to lightly salt salting each cucumber slice before adding the topping to draw out some of the vegetable’s excess moisture. Prepare the seasoning by mixing poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried minced garlic and onion, crushed caraway seeds, and coarse salt. For the creamy cheese mixture, combine cream cheese, butter, Greek yogurt or sour cream, garlic powder, and a dash of salt. Visit All Day I Dream About Food for complete instructions. The recipe takes 25 minutes to prepare. And you don’t have to worry about serving this appetizer warm since there’s no cooking involved.

3. Guacamole deviled eggs

Guacamole deviled eggs are a delicious and visually-stunning appetizer that livens up any St. Patrick’s Day gathering. They are made from hard-boiled eggs, creamy avocado, and colorful toppings. For example, top the eggs with fresh cilantro, chopped chives, diced tomatoes, or crumbled bacon. Serve these savory treats with tortilla chips on the side so guests will scoop up extra guacamole or make their own unique combo. For an eye-catching presentation, slice off a small piece of an avocado pit and display it upright on the plate. Head over to Simply Recipes for more details.

4. Guacamole cups

Guacamole cups are a light and fresh appetizer for Saint Patrick’s Day that’s easy to pull off. You just need your favorite creamy avocado recipe and wonton wraps. We got this idea from Gimme Some Oven. If you feel that guacamole cups are too simple, add more filling to the wonton wraps, such as diced tomatoes, green onions, jalapenos, black beans, shredded cheese, green chives, or fresh parsley. Arrange the cups on a large platter with multi-colored vegetables and other garnishes as decorations. Serve them with crunchy chips or crudites.

5. Jalapeno popper cups

Jalapeno popper cups are a spicy appetizer to improve any St. Patrick’s Day party. Each cup is made with a light and flaky phyllo tart shell filled with cream cheese, vibrant jalapeno slices, sharp cheddar cheese, hot pepper sauce and finished off with crispy bacon pieces. Go to All Recipes to get the recipe details.

When prepping the jalapeno popper appetizers for your St. Partick’s Day party, there are several ways to customize them. For example, consider adding diced red bell pepper or honey-glazed bacon pieces for a hint of sweetness. If you prefer a more health-conscious option, try swapping out the cheddar cheese for Parmesan or Asiago. Serve these poppers warm out of the oven with a side of ranch dressing, salsa, or sour cream.

6. Ricotta spinach cups

Ricotta spinach cups are delectable bite-sized hors d’oeuvres for your St. Patrick’s Day festivities. These tasty morsels feature a creamy, cheesy ricotta filling made with spinach, garlic, nutmeg, cayenne, and parmesan, folded into buttery, flaky square wonton wrappers. Bake them until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside for a delightful contrast in textures. Serve these ricotta spinach cups warm or cold with sprinkled grated parmesan and fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, or oregano. Go to Eating Well Living Thin for more details.

7. Stuffed green peppers

Stuffed green peppers are a fun and unique appetizer to serve on St. Patrick’s Day. Make them by hollowing out large, green bell peppers and filling them with various ingredients such as ground beef, cheese, onions, garlic, and herbs. The bell pepper taste combines with the stuffing flavor to create an aromatic medley that will have everyone asking for seconds. Top off these stuffed green peppers with extra ingredients like diced tomatoes, olives, or breadcrumbs before popping them in the oven. This extra step provides a crunchy texture contrasting the softer texture of the stuffing inside. Check out The Southern Lady Cooks for complete instructions.

8. Cheese-stuffed grilled peppers

Cheese-stuffed grilled peppers are easy appetizers to grill on St. Patrick’s Day and serve your guests. The list of ingredients calls for ricotta cheese, cream cheese, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, peppers, baby bell peppers, poblano chiles, and extra-virgin olive oil for rubbing. Simply mix all ingredients to form a cream, fill the peppers, and grill them. Head over to Food and Wine for the cooking directions. The best part about this recipe is that you can fill the peppers with cheese and refrigerate them overnight before grilling to save time when cooking on St. Patrick’s Day.

9. Spinach and artichoke stuffed mushrooms

Spinach and artichoke stuffed mushrooms are a flavorful and healthy addition to any St. Patrick’s Day appetizer table. It’s a savory dish that combines spinach, marinated artichoke hearts, cremini or small white mushrooms, mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, butter, and garlic to create a mouthwatering combination. Get our full recipe details for baking these mushrooms stuffed with spinach and artichokes. Serve them hot out of the oven while still warm and juicy.

10. Irish cheddar bacon jalapeno potato skins

Irish cheddar bacon jalapeno potato skins are an awesome St. Patrick’s Day appetizer with an impressive presentation. They are cheesy, smoky, and spicy snacks to serve as part of a larger spread or turn into the main attraction of the starter table. The secret is baking russet potatoes with their skin still on, cutting them in half lengthwise, scooping out the potato flesh, and broiling the potato shells. Then you fill the shells with cheddar cheese, bacon and jalapeno, baking the entire composition until the cheese melts. Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and garnish with chives or parsley for added color. The entire recipe requires 60 minutes for preparation and 20 minutes for cooking. Head over to Simply Scratch for the recipe details. Use the potato flesh for another meal, like mashed potatoes, potato scones, or colcannon puffs.

11. Corned beef and cabbage sliders

Corned beef and cabbage sliders are tasty St. Patrick’s Day bites that pair the traditional Irish flavors of corned beef and cabbage with a unique slider twist. The list of ingredients calls for a head cabbage cut into small wedges, Guinness beer, ciabatta or potato rolls, dijon mustard, corned beef, and olive oil. Cook the corned beef beforehand and assemble the tiny sandwiches just before your guests arrive to serve the sliders warm and fresh. Head over to Delish for the cooking directions.

12. Guinness beef burgers

Guinness beef burgers are a delicious and savory appetizer to enjoy on St. Patrick’s Day. Prepare them using a blend of ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, onion powder, and most importantly, Guinness beer. These tasty sliders are sure to be a hit among friends and family. Make the burgers extra special by topping them off with slices of Irish cheddar, red onions, and tomatoes. Head over to Wholesomelicious for the recipe.

13. Oven-roasted Brussels sprouts

Roasting Brussels sprouts in the oven creates a healthy snack for St. Patrick’s Day. These veggies are low in carbs and an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber. The thick exterior of the Brussels sprouts provides a nice crunch when roasted in the oven, while the inside remains tender and juicy. At the same time, the fresh vegetable taste perfectly matches the savory and smoky notes created by the oven-roasting process.

Green and Keto shows how to roast Brussels sprouts drizzled with olive oil, which brings out a more intense flavor. There are many ways to serve these St. Patrick’s Day appetizers. For example, top the oven-roasted Brussels sprouts with fresh thyme or rosemary, freshly grated parmesan cheese, or balsamic glaze.

14. Oven-roasted asparagus

Oven-roasted asparagus is a delicious and healthy appetizer recipe for St. Patrick’s Day. This vegetable is low in calories and packed with nutrients like vitamins A and C, dietary fiber, and protein. It takes little effort to prepare, and the oven-roasting really brings out the sweet and nutty flavors of the asparagus while preserving its crisp texture. There are various ways to season the asparagus, such as salt and pepper, garlic, dried herbs, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, or parmesan cheese. Check out Green and Keto for more details.

15. Bacon-wrapped cabbage wedges

Bacon-wrapped cabbage wedges are a delicious appetizer for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. These succulent morsels combine the smoky flavor of bacon with the slightly sweet and crunchy taste of cabbage. Cut a cabbage into small wedges and wrap each edge in a bacon slice, securing it with a bamboo skewer. Then drizzle the cabbage wedges with olive oil and season with paprika, garlic powder, dried basil, grated parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Bake the bacon-wrapped cabbage wedges until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. Serve these treats hot or warm with dips like mustard, ketchup, ranch dressing, sour cream, or honey mustard sauce. Visit Cocktails and Appetizers for more info. The recipe takes 20 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook.

16. Grilled prosciutto-wrapped asparagus

Grilled prosciutto-wrapped asparagus is a fantastic St. Patrick’s Day starter, thanks to the prosciutto’s salty and smoky flavor that complements the asparagus’ crunchy texture. The dish is super easy since you just have to wrap each asparagus spear in a prosciutto slice and grill it with lightly drizzled olive oil. Head over to Skinny Taste for the cooking directions. Serve immediately with a lemon wedge squeezed on top.

To add more variety to the appetizer table of your St. Patrick’s Day party, add different spices or herbs to the oil, wrap the stalks in various types of deli meat, such as ham or turkey bacon, or serve with freshly grated parmesan cheese. Baking the prosciutto-wrapped asparagus is a good alternative to grilling if you don’t wish to fire up the grill just for this appetizer. The only difference is that it loses its smokey flavor.

17. Grilled zucchini rolls with bacon and cheese

Grilled zucchini rolls with bacon and cheese are an ideal appetizer for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, especially if you already planned to fire up the grill. Cut the succulent zucchini lengthwise into thick strips and fill it with a hearty mixture of crispy bacon, cream cheese, and fresh herbs. Then roll and grill these bundles to finish your starter. Each bite is sweet and salty, with the smoky flavors of the bacon merging perfectly with the creamy texture of the melted cheese. Check out BC Tent for the recipe details.

18. Bacon guac bombs

Bacon guac bombs are a tasty snack that makes the perfect appetizer for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration. The core of this recipe is storing guacamole balls in the fridge until they’re firm and rolling them into fried and diced bacon to create delicious snack bombs. Make the guacamole using avocado, cream cheese, garlic, red onion, jalapeno, fresh cilantro, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. To prevent the guacamole from getting too soft, drizzle the red onion pieces with salt and wait 10 minutes before adding them to the mixture. Additionally, run the cream cheese through a cheesecloth before mixing it with the avocado to remove some of its moisture. Check out the complete recipe for these bacon guac bombs at Delish. It takes 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. Unlike other recipes on this list, you can make these bacon guac bombs ahead of time, keep them in the fridge, and serve them on the day of the St. Patrick’s Day party.

19. Mini Bloody Mary bombs

Mini Bloody Mary bombs are a unique, exciting starter that makes for the perfect St. Patrick’s Day-themed snack. This tasty treat has just the right amount of heat since you marinate all ingredients in a vodka-infused hot sauce and assemble them on appetizer skewers. The list of ingredients calls for vodka, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, lemon pepper, cherry tomatoes, celery stalks, sliced bacon, and baby dill pickles or cornichons. Serve these Bloody Mary bombs with other St. Patrick’s Day snacks, such as Irish nachos or potato skins. Go to Delish for the step-by-step cooking instructions.

20. Colcannon puffs

Colcannon puffs are a traditional Irish dish that you can work into vegan appetizer-sized portions for a St. Patrick’s Day party. They have a unique flavor combination of salty, creamy, and sweet. The puffs include potatoes, kale, nutritional yeast, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, pepper, soymilk, or another plant milk, and potato starch or cornstarch. The creamy potatoes provide fantastic comfort food vibes, while the crunchy cabbage adds another dimension of texture. The recipe takes 20 minutes to prepare and 60 minutes to cook. Head over to Fat-Free Vegan for the oven and air fryer instructions. Serve these savory puffs alongside coffee or cold beers and dipping sauces such as garlic mayo or ketchup.

21. Corned beef leprechaun cheeseballs

Corned beef leprechaun cheeseballs are adorable St. Patrick’s Day appetizers for kids that need a lot of decorating work. These flavorful little gems combine tangy cream cheese, deli-corned beef, green onions, pecans, horseradish, dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce before rolling them into bite-sized balls and making them look like leprechauns. Use green, yellow and red bell peppers, black olives, parsnips, and carrots for decorations. One of these cheeseballs is large enough to fit one platter. Serve with crackers, tortilla chips, or a snack mix. But if you want your guests to actually eat the cheeseball without worrying about ruining your presentation, it’s best to make several pieces. Head over to Handmade in the Heartland for complete instructions. According to the recipe, one cheeseball takes 30 minutes to prepare and 60 minutes to assemble. And it’s best to refrigerate it in plastic wrap for 1-2 hours before decorating.

22. Guinness-glazed meatballs

Guinness-glazed meatballs are an awesome St. Patrick’s Day appetizer that you’ll want to make year after year. Bake meatballs made from ground turkey or beef, panko breadcrumbs, Guinness beer, chopped onion, egg, salt, and pepper. Then smother them in a sauce made from Guinness beer, ketchup, honey, molasses, dijon mustard, minced onion, garlic powder, and cornstarch. Serve the meatballs in a large bowl, with the sauce, along with bamboo skewers and plenty of napkins. Since your guests are likely to make a mess, it’s best to reserve this appetizer idea for an outdoor St. Patrick’s Day party. The recipe takes 15 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook. Visit Lemon Tree Dwelling to get the full details.

23. Slow cooker corned beef tacos

Slow cooker corned beef tacos are a great addition to the St. Patrick’s Day appetizer table, particularly if you have a crockpot and wish to make the most of it. The recipe calls for corn tortillas, corned beef, Guinness beer, avocado, red cabbage, Irish cheddar cheese, and Guinness cream sauce. After cooking the corned beef with Guinness beer in the crockpot, shred the meat, add it to the tortillas, and top the tortillas with the remaining ingredients. The secret lies in the Guinness cream sauce, which is a combination of Guinness beer, sour cream, honey, salt, and pepper. Garnish the tortillas with lime wedges, chopped cilantro, and chopped parsley. Check out Shared Appetite for step-by-step instructions. It takes only 10 minutes to prepare everything, but the slow cooker requires 8-10 hours, so it’s best to start working on this appetizer the night before your St. Patrick’s Day party.

24. Tortilla pinwheels

Tortilla pinwheels are one of those St. Patrick’s Day appetizers that look elaborate but are actually easy to prepare. Combine whipped cream cheese, green onions, and chopped ham slices with flour tortillas. For more flavor, add chopped black olives. Then roll them up, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, refrigerate for a couple of hours, and slice the pinwheels when it’s time to serve. There’s no baking involved, and you don’t have to worry about serving the tortilla pinwheels warm. Make sure to include a dipping sauce or salsa on the appetizer table. Check out All Recipes for more info.

25. Spinach artichoke dip rolls

Spinach artichoke dip rolls are a delicious and delightful finger-food appetizer to serve at St. Patrick’s day celebrations. Crispy phyllo pastry dough is rolled into tubes and filled with a creamy, cheesy spinach and artichoke dip filling. Prepare the rolls using garbanzo bean flour, cooking spray, oat flour, salt, and water. For the creamy spinach dip, use cashew, garlic cloves, lemon juice, artichoke hearts, spinach, salt, and water. Check out our cooking directions for artichoke spinach dip rolls.

26. Garlic knots

Garlic knots are an Italian-American snack that many people enjoy on an appetizer platter, especially around St. Patrick’s Day. Make them by twisting small pieces of dough into the shape of a knot and brushing them with garlic parsley butter.

Garlic knots are versatile. For instance, stuff them with sausage or cheese to improve these bite-sized appetizers on St. Patrick’s Day. Go to Delish for the cooking directions.

27. Reuben egg rolls

Reuben egg rolls are a delightful St. Patrick’s Day appetizer that will please everyone at your party. Make these snacks by folding the classic flavors of a Reuben sandwich into neat and tidy egg roll wrappers: corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, egg white, and a Thousand Island dressing. The cheese brings out the corned beef’s salty notes, the sauerkraut adds the right amount of acidity and tanginess to balance out the flavors, and the Thousand Island dressing creates an indulgent creamy finish. This recipe takes 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook. The best part is that you can prepare the Reuben egg rolls ahead of time and heat them up right before serving them at your party. Check out Will Cook for Smiles for more details.

28. Mini Shepherd’s pies

Mini Shepherd’s pies are a tasty and easy-to-make appetizer for St. Patrick’s Day. The secret is using the classic cottage pie recipe and adapting it to a muffin tin to create miniature pies. The recipe calls for refrigerated pie crust, all-purpose flour, cooking spray, extra-virgin olive oil, onion, carrots, garlic, ground beef, peas, corn, butter, beef broth, mashed potatoes, and fresh parsley. Cut refrigerated pie crust into rounds that fit the muffin tin holes and fill it with the beef and vegetable mixture, and broil until golden. Garnish the tiny pies with fresh parsley. Twelve servings take 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook. Head over to Delish for the complete recipe.

Serve these mini Shepherd’s pies warm with a dollop of ketchup or HP sauce on top. For an extra kick of flavor, add chili powder or Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture before cooking. To make this St. Patrick’s Day appetizer vegetarian, substitute the beef with mushrooms.

29. Reuben crescents

Reuben crescents are another appetizer idea for St. Patrick’s Day that wraps and bakes classic Reuben ingredients in crescent rolls. This awesome presentation makes the Reuben crescents look like a beefy dessert. The list of ingredients calls for deli-sliced corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, refrigerated crescent rolls, poppy seeds, and Thousand Island dressing. Prevent the crescent rolls from getting soggy by layering them with corned beef, sauerkaut and dressing, and corned beef again. The recipe takes 10 minutes to prepare and 16 minutes to cook. Visit Plain Chicken for the assembly instructions. Serve the Reuben crescents hot or cold with a creamy dip like ranch or tzatziki or a light-tosed salad like arugula with thinly-sliced apples and olives dressed in a tangy vinaigrette.

30. Potato scones

Potato scones, also known as tattie scones or potato pancakes, are a traditional Irish appetizer, ideal for St. Patrick’s Day. Make them by kneading dough from a mixture of mashed potatoes, flour, salt, baking powder, and milk. Then cut the dough into triangles and fry them on both sides until golden grown. Serve the potato scones with a dab of butter. Visit Noshing with the Nolands for step-by-step instructions. To make the potato scones more flavorful, add shredded cheese, chopped onions, or dried herbs like rosemary or parsley to the dough. For more serving ideas, top the potato scones with cream cheese, bacon bits, or chives, and add sour cream or crème fraiche as dips.

31. Green fruit salad

A green fruit salad is a refreshing and colorfully festive appetizer for St. Patrick’s Day. It features crisp apples, sweet honeydew melon, juicy grapes, luscious pears, exotic kiwi, and tart starfruit tossed in a light lemon-honey dressing. Add a dash of freshly squeezed orange juice for a kick. To make this salad even more special, add crunchy toasted almonds or walnuts. Serve it with freshly baked scones or muffins for an Irish-inspired experience. Check out Morgan Manages Mommyhood for more details.

32. Irish flag salad

An Irish flag salad is a lovely appetizer to kickstart your St. Patrick’s Day activities. It’s patriotic since it features Ireland’s national flag colors, thanks to green spinach, orange fruit, and white cheese. Make the salad using fresh baby spinach, pears, oranges, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped pistachios. Serve it with a dressing made of canola oil, orange juice, lemon juice, honey, grated orange zest, and salt. The recipe takes 20 minutes to prepare. Check out Taste of Home for the complete instructions. Prepare the dressing in advance to save time when assembling this appetizer for serving.

33. Irish parsnip soup

Irish parsnip soup is a creamy, hearty dish that makes a wonderful St. Patrick’s Day starter. It’s made with sautéed parsnips, apples, and onions mixed with curry powder, cumin, and coriander. Simmer this mixture with chicken or vegetable stock, blend it to create a cream soup, mix the cream soup with heavy cream, and heat everything until warm. The apple variety will impact the soup’s taste. Use Granny Smith apples for a savory taste or Fuji or Gala apples for a mildly sweet soup. Avoid super-sweet apples like Pink Lady or Honey Crisp unless you want an overly sweet soup. The recipe takes 5 minutes to prepare and 35 minutes to cook. Head over to Curious Cuisiniere for the full details.

To add more flavor and depth to this Irish parsnip soup, add leeks, celery, and garlic. Garnish the soup with freshly chopped herbs like chives or cilantro. Serve it with Irish soda bread slices and cooked bacon bits stirred in for a smoky flavor. Furthermore, you can make this St. Patrick’s Day appetizer ahead of time and reheat it just before serving.

34. Beer cheese soup

Beer cheese soup is a delicious and hearty appetizer for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. This creamy soup combines the flavors of pilsner beer ale with different types of cheese and bacon to produce a warm and comforting dish. The main ingredients are bacon, onion, red bell pepper, jalapeno, fresh thyme, flour, butter, pilsner beer, chicken stock, heavy cream, sharp cheddar cheese, medium cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, salt, and pepper. Check out The Modern Proper for details. Make the soup more interesting by garnishing it with extra bacon, extra cheese, croutons, chives, green onions, flat-leaf parsley, Worcestershire sauce, or paprika. It tastes best when served in bread bowls or paired with toast points for dipping.

35. Pea and mint soup

Pea and mint soup is a traditional dish for St. Patrick’s Day you can easily whip up for the appetizer table. It’s a creamy, thick soup that uses onion, garlic, peas, fresh mint, vegetable stock, and lemon juice. Make it thinner by using more vegetable stock. Serve the pea and mint soup warm or chilled with crème fraiche or plain yogurt swirled on top. The combination of flavors is light yet flavorful, with the freshness of peas coming through alongside the slight bitterness of the onions. The mint provides a nice herby flavor and adds color to the bright green soup. For more texture, sprinkle croutons or crispy bacon bits before serving. To plan your St. Patrick’s Day better, make this soup up to three days in advance and keep it stored in the fridge. Check out Irish American Mom for more details.

36. Irish fish chowder

Irish fish chowder is a classic dish you can present to your guests for the St. Patrick’s Day appetizer table. It’s a hearty soup made from a variety of fish: smoked haddock, haddock or cod, salmon, and mussels. You also need onions, smoked bacon, potatoes, butter, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and fish or light stock. For more flavor, add leeks or celery. The key to creating an authentic Irish fish chowder is the cooking method: low and slow. This helps ensure that all flavors have time to meld together while retaining the integrity of each ingredient. Serve the Irish fish chowder with heavy cream and parsley. Visit Caroline’s Cooking for complete step-by-step instructions.

37. Irish nachos

Irish nachos are a festive St. Patrick’s Day appetizer that everyone is sure to love. They are an excellent alternative to classic tortilla chips for those looking to add some Irish flair to their party spread. Irish nachos consist of thick, crispy potato slices deep-fried in oil until golden and crunchy. The potatoes are then covered in a blend of melted cheese, diced onions, and jalapenos for a bit of spice. Serve the nachos with sour cream, bacon bits, corned beef, chopped chives, or peas for an extra-rich flavor. Visit The Wanderlust Kitchen for step-by-step cooking directions.

38. Irish chips

Irish chips, also known as potato crisps, are a quintessential appetizer of any St. Patrick’s Day feast. These delightful snacks consist of thinly-sliced potatoes that have been boiled, dried, and deep-fried until they become crunchy and flavorful. Visit Irish American Mom for a simple recipe with russet potatoes, salt, and canola oil. It requires 20 minutes for preparation and 25 minutes for cooking. Serve Irish chips plain or with a condiment dip, such as ketchup or tartar sauce. For more flavor, lightly season the Irish chips with salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley.

39. Cabbage chips

No party would be complete without chips, so you can wow your guests on St. Patrick’s Day using cabbage chips as part of the appetizers. Cabbage chips are crunchy and in theme with the Irish celebration. Simply drizzle thinly-sliced cabbage pieces with olive oil and salt and bake them until they are dry and the edges become golden brown. To make this appetizer more exciting and keep your guests guessing at every bite, add diverse seasonings before putting the cabbage slices in the oven. For example, use garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, curry powder, chili powder, nutritional yeast, basil, oregano, thyme, or Italian seasoning. The cabbage chips will have a wonderfully crispy texture and a mild flavor that pairs nicely with dips and sauces. Make them ahead of your St. Patrick’s Day party and keep them stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The recipe takes 5 minutes to prepare and 35 minutes to cook. Visit Power Hungry for more info.

40. Classic Irish Guinness rarebit

A classic Irish Guinness rarebit is an easy and savory St. Patrick’s Day appetizer. It starts with grilling thick slices of sourdough bread on one side and sprinkling the untoasted side with a golden brown cheesy concoction made of mature cheddar, egg yolk, Worcestershire sauce, Guinness stout, and English mustard. The stout beer adds a distinctive texture and earthy flavor to the rarebit, complemented by the mild sharpness of mature cheddar. Meanwhile, the egg yolk provides a silky smooth base for the cheese sauce; the Worcestershire sauce and mustard add bright pops of acidity to create balance in each bite. Serve them hot. The whole recipe takes 5 minutes to prepare and 5 minutes to cook. Go to The Spruce Eats for all the details.

41. Shamrock cheddar cheese toasties

Shamrock cheddar cheese toasties are a cute appetizer to serve kids at your St. Patrick’s Day party. To make these tasty treats, you will need green peppers, English muffins, and cheddar cheese. They are one of those starters all about presentation. The idea is to take advantage of the shape of green peppers sliced crosswise, which turns into a shamrock shape when adding a stem. Toast muffin slices topped with melting cheddar cheese and add the shamrocks to complete the look. Visit Food for the complete instructions.

For extra flavor and texture variations to this St. Patrick’s Day appetizer, blend the melted cheese with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives. Or fill the empty shamrocks with caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, guacamole, or roasted red or yellow peppers for a pop of color.

42. Ricotta pesto crostini

Ricotta pesto crostini is a simple-to-make starter that goes well with St. Patrick’s Day, thanks to the green pesto. The base is crunchy and lightly toasted ciabatta baguette slices drizzled with olive oil. Top off with creamy ricotta cheese, pesto sauce, and thinly-sliced prosciutto. Garnish with balsamic syrup and fresh basil sprigs. For a more beautiful presentation, add cherry tomatoes or olives to the serving platter. Visit The Dairy Alliance for the ingredient measurements and step-by-step instructions. It shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes to prepare 24 servings. Ricotta pesto crostini pairs exceptionally well with a glass of white wine or light beer.

43. Smoked salmon crostini

Smoked salmon is always a fantastic choice for a sophisticated party, so serve it on Irish soda bread crostini to create lovely St. Patrick’s Day appetizers that your guests will adore. Make the Irish soda bread using oatmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, raising, caraway seeds, and buttermilk. For the crostini, use butter, chives, smoked salmon, and fresh dill for garnish. The recipe takes 65 minutes to prepare and cook. Visit Food for step-by-step instructions. You can also spread crème fraiche on the soda bread slices instead of butter. Add a hint of horseradish to the spread for extra heat. Best served cold, make these smoked salmon crostini ahead of time to enjoy your party without worrying about last-minute appetizers. Serve these tasty treats with cold Guinness beer or sparkling white wine for an authentic Irish experience.

44. Green shamrock alfredo pizza slices

Baking a giant green shamrock alfredo pizza is a fantastic way to create St. Patrick’s Day appetizers in the form of pizza slices. The trick is to make the pizza dough green using food dye and shape it like a giant shamrock. Cut it into slices and have your guests dig in. Make the alfredo sauce using butter, flour, cornstarch, milk, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, salt, white pepper, and green food dye. Top the pizza with cubed chicken breasts, green onions, garlic, thick-cut bacon, mushrooms, spinach, artichoke hearts, mozzarella, and parmesan. Visit Ashlee Marie to get the cooking measurements and directions.

45. Hot Reuben dip

Hot Reuben dip is a decadent and flavorful starter to serve on St. Patrick’s Day or any other occasion. It’s a creamy dip that pairs the classic Irish flavors of corned beef and fermented cabbage (sauerkraut) with cream cheese, Swiss cheese, sour cream, and Thousand Island salad dressing. Together, these ingredients create a delectable appetizer that your guests are sure to love. Serve the dip warm with crackers or rye chips. Get the cooking measurements and directions from Culinary Hill.

46. Cheesy bacon spinach dip

No St. Patrick’s Day appetizer table would be complete without a dip, and this cheese bacon spinach dip nails it. It’s a richly flavored dip with the perfect balance of heat and subtle sweetness. Make this dip using bacon, cream cheese, sour cream, freshly grated parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, chopped baby spinach leaves, shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese, fresh parsley leaves, salt, and pepper. The recipe takes 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook. Check out Damn Delicious for the recipe details. Add a hint of garlic or cayenne pepper for extra zing. Serve this cheesy bacon spinach dip with crunchy tortilla chips or crackers.

47. Pub-style beer cheese dip

Pub-style beer cheese dip is an appetizer that brings out the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, ideal for enjoying with an ice-cold pint. This delicious dish combines two classic pub ingredients, beer and cheese, creating a creamy, flavorful dip. You need sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, dijon mustard, garlic, paprika, salt, and beer. Choose pale beer for a light sweet flavor or a dark ale for a more robust, bitter taste. If there are kids joining your St. Patrick’s Day party, make a separate dip using apple cider instead of beer. The recipe takes only 5 minutes to prepare. Go to Tidy Mom for the ingredient measurements and instructions.

48. Candied walnut Brussels sprout bites

Candied walnut Brussels sprout bites are an irresistible appetizer for St. Patrick’s Day gatherings. The idea is to bake the Brussels sprouts tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper, toast walnuts, make candied walnuts and top the Brussels sprouts with brie, candied walnuts, and hot honey on a serving platter. Prepare the candied walnuts using California walnuts, honey, granulated sugar, chili powder, salt, and pepper. The outside of each bite is lightly crispy from being baked in olive oil while the inside remains tender and juicy. The sweet yet tangy glaze is what makes these bites pop. Meanwhile, the crunchy texture of the Brussels sprouts paired with the nuttiness of the walnuts creates a delightful contrast to the sweet glaze. This recipe takes 5 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook. Head over to Delish for the complete recipe.

49. Green candied popcorn

Green candied popcorn is a delicious and festive treat that works as a St. Patrick’s Day appetizer. It has a sweet and salty flavor with a crunchy texture. Make green candied popcorn by coating freshly popped corn kernels in a sweet syrup made with white sugar, packed brown sugar, light corn syrup, water, white vinegar, salt, butter, and green food coloring. Each piece of popcorn is lightly crunchy and melts away in your mouth due to the sticky candy coating that clings to each kernel. Visit Taste of Home for the full recipe. Make green candied popcorn before the day of your party and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To make the green candied popcorn more flavorful, add vanilla extract or peppermint extract to the sweet syrup. Serve the popcorn in a festive green bowl with sprinkles or edible glitter, especially if there are kids around. Use any leftovers to top cupcakes and other desserts.

50. Pot-O-Gold popcorn bites

Pot-O-Gold popcorn bites are tasty and mesmerizing snacks for your St. Patrick’s Day appetizer table. They feature bite-size popcorn balls coated with a sweet mixture and baked until caramel, golden brown. Make the sweet mixture using honey, butter, salt, and vanilla extract. Serve these popcorn bites on a platter with rainbow candy tape for extra points on presentation. The best part about this recipe is that you can make it up to two weeks ahead of your party; just store the Pot-O-Gold popcorn bites in an airtight container at room temperature. The recipe takes 10 minutes to prepare, 20 minutes to cook, and 5 minutes extra time. Check out Little Cooks Reading Books for more info.

FAQs

Discover more details about St. Patrick’s Day starters.

What are some traditional Irish appetizers for St. Patrick’s Day?

Classic Irish appetizers include potato skins, Irish soda bread with cheese, corned beef and cabbage rolls, shepherd’s pie bites, and mini Guinness pies.

Are there any vegetarian or vegan options for St. Patrick’s Day appetizers?

Yes. For example, make roasted Brussels sprouts with honey mustard sauce, spinach and artichoke dip with green tortilla chips, vegan shepherd’s pie bites with lentils instead of meat, or avocado toast topped with sliced radishes and microgreens.

Can I make St. Patrick’s Day appetizers ahead of time?

Yes. Many St. Patrick’s Day appetizers can be made ahead of time and reheated right before serving. For example, prepare mini quiches filled with corned beef and cabbage a day in advance and bake them just before your guests arrive.

What drinks pair well with St. Patrick’s Day appetizers?

Beer is the obvious choice for St. Patrick’s Day, but you can also serve whiskey cocktails like an Irish sour or a mint julep made with Irish whiskey. Non-alcoholic options include green smoothies made with spinach and pineapple or a refreshing cucumber-lime mocktail.

Conclusion

St. Patrick’s Day is a wonderful time of year to gather with friends and family and enjoy delicious appetizers. From traditional Irish favorites like corned beef and cabbage to lighter options like salads and soups, there are plenty of tasty treats for your guests to enjoy.

To create a complete meal for your party, check out these St. Patrick’s Day food ideas.

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