Favorite Flavors from the Emerald Isle
Bacon crackling in the skillet. A hearty stew simmering on the stove. Taking a well-earned sip of whiskey while the sausages fry. All flavors and smells that are quintessentially Irish.
Maybe Nan treated you to a full Irish fry-up when you visited her home for the weekend. Or your friends whipped up the sweetest confections with ginger and cinnamon. Perhaps you stumbled upon a postcard-perfect pub while exploring the countryside. No matter your age or where you come from, we all have memories of our favorite Irish recipes that make us feel as warm and safe as a homemade sweater.
It’s not uncommon to want to return to the classics. That’s why we’ve saved you the trouble of scouring the Internet and collected some of the most beloved Irish recipes all in one place.
Ready to ruffle some feathers? Let’s get started on the definitive list of the best Irish recipes—according to Tommy Moloney’s.
Tommy Moloney’s Irish Breakfast
Let’s begin, as all good days should, with a full Irish breakfast, or fry-up, if you like.
Deeply rooted in Ireland's culinary traditions, this meal is designed to provide a protein-packed start to the day and fuel hard work in the fields. It typically includes a generous combination of fried eggs, Irish sausages (bangers), back bacon (rashers), black and white pudding, grilled tomatoes and sautéed mushrooms. Often, the plate is accompanied by fried potatoes, boxty (a traditional Irish potato pancake), and brown soda bread. Baked beans make frequent appearances, as well.
The beauty of the full Irish breakfast is, not merely a feast for the stomach, it is a cultural experience where the diner gets a taste of Ireland’s hospitality and heritage.
Delicious Dublin Coddle
Dublin is a city known for its massive contributions to the world, from literature to inventions you likely use every day. Which is why it’s such a shame that people often overlook the culinary palate of this global city.
Surprisingly few people outside of Ireland have heard of Dublin Coddle, a traditional Irish stew that epitomizes comfort food in Ireland. This rustic dish is made by slow-cooking layers of sausages and rashers, with chunky pieces of potatoes and onions, in a rich broth seasoned with herbs like parsley. Sometimes, carrots or barley are added for extra heartiness. The ingredients are left to simmer gently, allowing their flavors to meld together into a savory, homely stew that's both nourishing and filling. It’s not uncommon to see a pot cooking all day in a home or restaurant. The dish's simplicity, relying on easily accessible, locally sourced ingredients, and its slow-cooked, tender results, have made it a much-loved meal in Irish homes for generations.
Cravable Corned Beef and Cabbage
Subject to some debate, Corned Beef and Cabbage is a popular choice for Irish Americans on St. Patrick’s Day. Similar to Dublin Coddle, it is made by slow-cooking the meat, but the dish itself is more of an immigrant adaptation than a culinary tradition from Ireland.
Corned Beef and Cabbage consists of corned beef, which is beef brisket that has been cured and brined, making it tender and flavorful. It's typically simmered with spices like peppercorns, bay leaves, and allspice until it reaches a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The beef is served alongside wedges of cabbage, and often with other vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and onions, which have been cooked in the same pot to absorb the rich flavors of the meat and spices.
Noticing there isn’t any corn in the recipe? The name "corned" comes from the large "corns" or grains of salt historically used in the curing process, not the vegetable!
Classic Irish Sausage Rolls
A portable snack or a full meal, Irish Sausage Rolls are a staple of Irish (and hopefully this doesn’t offend anyone…British) cooking, merging the simplicity of pastry with the hearty, rich flavors of seasoned pork.
These delightful rolls consist of a flavorful sausage meat, often mixed with herbs like sage, thyme, and parsley for added depth, encased in a flaky, buttery puff pastry. The sausage meat is shaped into logs, and then wrapped in the pastry before being baked to golden perfection, resulting in a crispy exterior with a juicy, meaty interior. They can be enjoyed hot or cold, making them a versatile treat for any occasion.
Don’t forget the dips! Irish Sausage Rolls are often served with condiments such as ketchup, brown sauce, or mustard, allowing for a personalized taste experience. Do you have a favorite sauce for sausage rolls?
Save Room for Irish Desserts
Well, we’ve explored some pretty hearty and filling comfort food so far, but we hope you’re not full quite yet! No Irish meal (or list of Irish recipes) is complete without a sweet, homemade treat at the end.
At Christmastime, walk into any home and you’ll smell the delightful aromas of mincemeat. Despite the name, these tiny tarts are vegetarian friendly, made from various fruits, seasonings and a healthy helping of brandy and dark rum.
From gingerbread cake to apple cake to coffee cake and even barmbrack (a dark fruit cake served at Halloween), there’s no denying the Irish love their cakes. They’re the perfect accompaniment to a stiff cup of tea in the afternoon.
A Taste of Home with Tommy Moloney’s
Is your mouth watering? With two-day shipping, premium Irish meats will be at your door and ready to cook in your Irish recipes before you can say “James Joyce”.
Order a gift basket of sausages, back bacon and puddings and receive all you need for a classic Full Irish Breakfast in one convenient order!
