St. Patrick’s Day: A Brief History and Festive Recipes

March 4, 2025

Saint Patrick’s Day or the Feast of Saint Patrick is celebrated on March 17th every year. The holiday’s purpose is to honor the patron saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick, and his accomplishments. Although starting in Ireland, the holiday was brought over to the United States with the many Irish Immigrants who settled in places like New York and Chicago. Irish soldiers in the British Army brought the holiday to America as early as 1762 when the first St. Patrick’s day parade was held in New York City.

What started as a religious holiday has become a celebration of Irish culture. All things green, shamrock, and Guinness can be attributed to this festive holiday. Many Americans use it as an excuse to party, dressing up in green and hosting get-togethers isn’t uncommon for people across the country.

The excitement and unity of this holiday can be encompassed by the traditional foods enjoyed on the day. In addition to some great items for your St Patrick’s Day shopping list, we’ve also thrown in some great recipes for your celebrations:

Irish Soda Bread

Irish Soda bread is a staple food in Irish culture, deeply connected to the country’s history, particularly during times of famine. Its quick and affordable preparation using readily available ingredients like baking soda and buttermilk made it a crucial source of sustenance; it is often baked in large quantities around St. Patrick’s Day, symbolizing celebration and tradition, and is typically served with hearty stews and tea.

Check out our spin on the classic recipe with our Irish Soda Bread Pudding. Topped with a Baileys Whipped Cream, the sweetness kicks up another level. And of course while you’re at it, add some Baileys to your morning cup for a silky Irish Coffee.

Ingredients

1 loaf Cleo & Leo Irish Soda Bread
4 tbsp. Stater Bros. Unsalted Butter, melted
2 cups Stater Bros. Half & Half
1 cup Stater Bros. Granulated Sugar
3 Stater Bros. Large Eggs
1 tsp. Full Circle Market Organic Pure Vanilla Extract
½ tsp. Stater Bros. Salt

For Whipped Cream

2 cups Stater Bros. Heavy Whipping Cream
½ cup Baileys Irish Cream
½ cup Stater Bros. Powdered Sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Cut Irish soda bread into 1-inch cubes and place into a baking dish. Drizzle over the melted butter.
In a bowl whisk half & half, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and salt. Pour over the bread, being sure all pieces are soaked in the custard. Let sit for 10 minutes.
Bake for 40 minutes or until golden on top.
To make the whipped cream add heavy cream, Bailey’s and powdered sugar to a bowl and mix until it becomes airy and whipped.

Did you know we serve a number of traditional offerings for St. Patrick’s Day?

Check out our Service Deli for Irish Soda Bread, Corned Beef, and ready-to-eat Corned Beef Sandwiches!

And our Bakery is filled with all kinds of sweetly green cakes and baked goods!

Guinness Pot Roast

Whether you plan on drinking it or adding it to your recipes, you absolutely cannot forget to pick up some Guinness Beer for your St. Patrick’s Day festivities. Guinness is a famous Irish stout beer, with its history deeply rooted in Dublin, Ireland, its importance lies in being a globally recognized symbol of Irish culture, and is renowned for its distinctive dark color and creamy texture.

Try out our Guinness Pot Roast Recipe: Slow-cooked to perfection, this tender beef roast is infused with the malty richness of Guinness beer, creating a luxurious gravy that’s perfect for drizzling over buttery mashed potatoes or crusty bread.