Christmas is just around the corner and if there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that Irish food at this time of year is hard to beat.
Think succulent roast dinners, indulgent cakes, creative cocktails, and lots of sweets. Irish festive food is something truly special. We are presenting ten incredible Irish Christmas foods everyone needs to try at least once.
There are a few things we love about this time of year: frosty weather, warming up by the fire, exchanging gifts, and indulging in delicious, flavourful dishes that warm us from the inside out.
So, if you’re visiting the Emerald Isle for the festive period and want to know what you need to try while you’re here, we’ve got you. Read on to discover the top ten best Irish Christmas foods everyone needs to try.
10. Baileys Irish Cream – an iconic Irish drink
In classic Irish fashion, we’re kicking off our list of Irish Christmas foods everyone needs to try with an alcoholic beverage. However, you can’t visit Ireland at this time of year without indulging in a classic Baileys Irish Cream.
This sweet and creamy drink is the perfect after-dinner treat or accompaniment for a tasty mince pie. Christmas in Ireland isn’t complete without Baileys.
9. Stuffing – the perfect accompaniment for your Christmas meats
Traditionally flavoured with sage and onion, stuffing is a breadcrumb mixture that is used to stuff the turkey when it’s being cooked.
You can, however, get various kinds to suit your tastes, from fruit and nut varieties to chestnut stuffing to sausage meat stuffing.
8. Sherry trifle – the perfect indulgent dessert
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you need to try a classic Irish sherry trifle, which makes for the perfect way to end your Christmas meal – if you have room left in your stomach.
This tasty layered dessert features a thin layer of sponge soaked in sherry, fresh fruit or jelly, custard, and whipped cream.
7. Bread sauce, gravy, or cranberry sauce – perfect for added flavour
Roast turkey on its own can be pretty dry. So, here in Ireland, we like to add some moisture and flavour by adding various tasty sauces.
Some of the most common sauces you’ll see served with an Irish Christmas dinner include a buttery bread sauce, gravy made from meat stock, or a fruity cranberry sauce.
6. Christmas cake – fruit-filled and flavourful
It’s hard to beat an Irish Christmas cake. Stodgy and heavy this delicious cake is prepared with Irish whiskey, dried fruit, and citrus zest.
A real show-stopper, Christmas cake can either be served plain or covered in a delicious layer of marzipan or icing.
5. Festive fries and Christmas burgers – something a little different
If you’re dining out during the festive period, some Irish Christmas foods everyone needs to try are festive fries and Christmas burgers.
Loaded with turkey, ham, stuffing, cranberry sauce, brussels sprouts, and more, these indulgent treats can be found across the country.
Chains like Handsome Burger, Supermacs, and Abrekebabra, as well as local chippies and restaurants, step up the game at this time of year with epic Christmas flavour.
4. Mince pies – the perfect afternoon or mid-morning snack
Often left out for Santa by Irish children, mince pies are a delicious and indulgent snack that can be enjoyed with a cup of tea, a Baileys, or even a glass of milk.
Filled with sweet mincemeat that features a mix of dried fruit, suet, and spices, and covered in a layer of buttery pastry, this delicious sweet treat is the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit.
3. Irish coffee – add a splash of something special to your coffee
Irish coffee is popular all throughout the year. However, there’s no better time to sip on this delicious delight than during the festive season.
The perfect way to end a meal or warm up on a cold winter’s day, Irish coffee is made up of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, brown sugar, and finished with a thick layer of whipped cream. Absolutely delicious!
2. Roast turkey and honey roast ham – two icons of an Irish Christmas dinner
When most people in Ireland think of Christmas dinner, the first thing that will come to mind is roast turkey and honey roast ham accompanied by all the trimmings (most of which are listed above!).
No Christmas spread is complete without a succulent and golden roast turkey with soft, perfectly cooked meat and a crispy outer skin. Served alongside the turkey, a honey roast ham offers an extra element of flavour that is like nothing else.
Sometimes, mustard or citrus juice is also added for an extra dimension of flavour that is truly exquisite.
1. Potatoes in various forms – it wouldn’t be Ireland without potatoes
Topping our list of Irish Christmas foods everyone needs to try are all the various kinds of potatoes that make an appearance at this time of the year.
You can expect mashed potatoes, goose-fat roast potatoes with rosemary, colcannon, riced potatoes, dauphinoise potatoes, and much more.
SEE ALSO:
- Christmas foods to experience in Dublin, from festive fries to mince pies
- Christmas foods to experience in Galway, from festive fries to mince pies
- Christmas foods to experience in Belfast, from festive fries to mince pies
