Are you an Irish person living in the U.S.? This Thanksgiving holiday will likely be your first time experiencing Thanksgiving in its native form.
Although many foods are shared between Ireland and the U.S., such as stuffing, mashed potatoes, ham, turkey, and cranberry sauce, Irish people have their own exceptional Irish Thanksgiving food, including bacon, cabbage, Colcannon, and more!
Meanwhile, in honor of this particular meal with family and friends, we’ve created a list of authentic Irish Thanksgiving foods you’ll love!
1. Colcannon
This creamy mashed potato recipe uses kale or cabbage, onion, and butter. It’s a simple yet delicious way to enjoy potatoes, perfect for a chilly fall day.
Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some greens into your diet. Another traditional Irish Thanksgiving food is Colcannon. This dish is hearty and filling, and it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
2. Coddle
Coddle is a traditional Irish Thanksgiving food made of potatoes, onions, sausage, and bacon. It’s hearty and filling, making it the perfect comfort food for a cold winter’s night.
Also, Coddle is easy to make, so it’s perfect for those who don’t have much time to cook.
3. Champ
Champ is a creamy mashed potato dish that is popular in Ireland. It is made with potatoes, butter, milk, and onions.
Champ is usually served with boiled ham or bacon. This hearty and filling dish is a perfect choice for a cold winter day.
4. Corned Beef & Cabbage
Corned beef and cabbage are classic Irish Thanksgiving food, perfect for any holiday meal.
The meat is cooked in a flavorful broth with onions, carrots, and spices, then simmered until tender.
The cabbage is added at the end and cooked until it’s slightly wilted. You can serve this dish with boiled potatoes and some crusty bread for a complete meal.
5. Whole Baked Salmon
Salmon is a hugely popular fish in Ireland and is often served whole at big family gatherings.
This Irish Thanksgiving food is simple but looks impressive, tastes delicious, and is a healthy option!
To make a whole baked salmon, you will need the following:
- Whole salmon, about 2-3 pounds
- Lemon, sliced
- Tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper
6. Black Pudding (Blood Sausage)
Black pudding is a popular blood sausage in Ireland. It is made with pork blood, oatmeal, and spices.
Meanwhile, Black pudding is often served as part of a traditional Irish breakfast or as an appetizer.
It’s also a great addition to your Irish-themed feast. Irish Thanksgiving food is so well-loved in Ireland that even restaurants are dedicated to serving it!
7. Boxty
Boxty is a traditional potato pancake from Northern Ireland. There are two types: griddle-cooked and pan-fried.
The pancake is made from flour, mashed potatoes, buttermilk, baking powder, salt, and boiling water. It is thick and soft and can be eaten plain or topped with butter, sugar, and treacle (molasses).
Interestingly, BoxtyBoxty was initially invented by farmers. They used up all their leftover potatoes at the end of the harvest season before they spoiled. Now, it’s eaten year-round!
8. Barmbrack
Barmbrack is a fruitcake famous in Ireland around Halloween and harvest time. It’s an ancient Irish Thanksgiving food dating back to the 16th century.
Meanwhile, the cake is made with flour, baking soda, salt, butter, sugar, eggs, currants, raisins, and mixed peel. It’s usually served with tea or coffee.
9. Whiskey Pancakes
Whiskey pancakes are a popular Irish breakfast food, but they make a delicious and unique addition to your Thanksgiving feast.
Made with whole wheat flour, buttermilk, baking soda, and, of course, whiskey,
These pancakes are sure to please. Serve them with maple syrup or honey for an exceptional treat.
10. Bailey’s Cake/Pudding
Bailey’s Cake/Pudding is a delicious and easy dessert perfect for any occasion. Made with just a few simple ingredients, it is moist, fluffy, and full of flavor.
Best of all, it can be made and stored in the fridge for up to a week. So, if you’re looking for authentic Irish Thanksgiving food that your guests will love, try Bailey’s Cake/Pudding.
11. Colcannon Cupcakes
Who says cupcakes are just for dessert? These Colcannon Cupcakes from The Little Green Spoon are savory, satisfying, and perfect for a fall feast.
They are made with mashed potatoes, kale, and sharp cheddar cheese. They’re sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. And what’s more authentically Irish Thanksgiving food than that?
12. Irish Lamb Stew
This hearty and filling stew is the perfect dish to warm you in winter. The lamb, potatoes, carrots, and herbs pack it with flavor.
In addition, it’s easy to make! Toss all the ingredients into a slow cooker and let it cook.
13. Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s Pie is a flavorful and hearty dish perfect for a chilly fall day. The traditional recipe calls for ground lamb, but you can also use beef.
The filling is simmered in a gravy made with onions, carrots, and peas and then topped with a creamy mashed potato crust. This Irish Thanksgiving food will please any crowd, and it’s even better the next day.
14. Irish Apple Crumble
This dish is the perfect mix of sweet and tart and easy to make. Combine apples, sugar, flour, butter, and cinnamon in a baking dish. Bake until the topping is golden brown.
Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a truly delicious treat.
15. Classic Irish Coffee
Why not switch things up this year and try a classic Irish coffee for your Thanksgiving feast? Irish coffee is a delicious Irish Thanksgiving food, a mixture of coffee, whiskey, and cream.
And it’s the perfect way to warm up on a cold autumn day. Plus, it’s sure to please all of your guests, no matter what their drink of choice may be.
Here’s how to make it: 1) Boil 4 cups of water and 2) Pour the water into a pot. Then add three tablespoons of ground coffee beans (medium grind) 3) Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat 4) Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup dark brown sugar until dissolved; let cool for about 5 minutes before adding two tablespoons dark rum or whiskey (your preference!) 5) Pour 6 ounces heavy cream into your mug or serving cup; pour coffee mixture into the mouth with heavy cream. Garnish with cinnamon sticks, if desired.
