Best St. Patrick's Day recipes

St. Patrick's Day is a national holiday in Ireland: It honours Saint Patrick, one of the patron saints of Ireland, and people commemorate Mar. 17 with a feast day.

In North America, we pay tribute to St. Paddy and all his friends by enjoying pub fare and traditional Irish suppers. Whether you're of Irish descent or not, these hot, hearty and delicious meals will warm you up from the inside out!

Best St. Patrick's Day recipes: Soup and appetizers

Leek and Celery Soup
This simple, delicious and warming soup is a wonderful start to a traditional midwinter meal.

Seafood Bar
Fresh oysters and mussels, as traditionally served in the seaside pubs and café-bars of Britain and Europe, make very popular appetizers for a casual party.

Flat Iron Beet Salad
Strongbow cider is imported from the U.K. and is what makes this dish so unique. You can find Strongbow at your local liquor store.

Best St. Patrick's Day recipes: Main course pub fare

Deep-Dish Pub Pies
Take stodgy meat pies to exciting new heights with these individual make-ahead casseroles of beer-braised beef crowned with puff pastry.

Corned Beef Brisket
Adding aromatic vegetables to the water in which corned beef cooks makes for extra flavour. Serve with Buttered Cabbage, boiled potatoes and, of course, mustard for the beef.

Buttered Cabbage
The texture of this cabbage is perfect -- it's deliciously buttery and it couldn't be simpler to make.

St. Patrick's Day Meat Loaf
This hearty meat loaf, surrounded by roast potatoes, is inspired by the flavours of Ireland and pulls added depth and flavour from liver.

Haddock in Cider
Cider is one of the oldest beverages known to man. If pairing it with fish seems an unlikely match, you'll be surprised at how perfectly they work together in this ultra-easy, one-step recipe.

Leeks au Gratin
Related to both onion and garlic, leeks look like giant scallions but are the mildest of all of the three. Leeks figure prominently in recipes of Celtic nations from the earliest times, especially as a flavoring in soups or stews. They are often served as a side dish, as in this gratin.

Rosslare Lamb Shank
Lamb is a perfect spring meal. Look for local lamb at your grocery store, then prepare it like the Irish do with this Provencal Rub.

Seafood Pie
If you're entertaining this St. Patrick's Day, these seafood pies will be a hit. They're easy to make and easy to serve because they're portioned out perfectly. Add some green with a fresh side salad. 

Click to continue for our best St. Patrick's Day desserts and more great Irish food ideas...

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