31 Tasty Irish Appetizers For Your Next Big Party

You don’t have to wait until St. Patrick’s day to celebrate the vibrancy Irish food has to offer. In fact, if you’ve got a party coming up, Irish appetizers might be your saving grace as your guests wait on the main course! 

Most of these recipes are easy to whip up using simple ingredients that can be found in most people’s pantries. They’re also big on flavor and taste like they were made by a professional chef.

With the humble yet powerful potato as the star, these culinary delights will expand your cooking skills without breaking the bank. 

Quick Table: Tasty Irish Appetizers

Recipes	Calories Per Serving	Preparation Time
Prawn Cocktails	186	15 Minutes
Cheddar Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms	94	1 Hour 20 Minutes
Cheesy Mushroom Potato Bites	237	50 Minutes
Reuben Crescents	220	26 Minutes
Sausage Rolls	118	55 Minutes
Scotch Eggs	300	35 Minutes
Chicken & Mushroom Vol-Au-Vents	98	1 Hour
Reuben Egg Rolls	360	25 Minutes
Pretzel Ring & Beer Cheese Dip	1100	45 Minutes
Reuben Pickle Bites	116	15 Minutes
Mini Shepherds Pie	306	50 Minutes
Reuben Nachos	854	27 Minutes
Corned Beef Sliders	390	30 Minutes
Guinness Cheese Pretzel Bites	170	2 Hours 35 Minutes
Creamy Potato Leek Soup	301	1 Hour 15 Minutes
Broccoli Cheese Soup	541	25 Minutes
Hot Reuben Dip	160	20 Minutes
Cabbage Dumplings	270	50 Minutes
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus	104	11 Minutes
Baked Falafel Bites	49	35 Minutes
Cabbage Egg Roll Soup	166	35 Minutes
Cabbage Chips	100	45 Minutes
Wedge Fries	193	1 Hour
Oven Fried Pickles	89	45 Minutes
Irish Potato Farls	261	40 Minutes
Reuben Rolls	31	30 Minutes
Mint Pea Tahini Dip	35	20 Minutes
Potato Croquettes	147	1 Hour 10 Minutes
Colcannon Puffs	128	1 Hour 20 Minutes
Irish Soda Bread	290	1 Hour 5 Minutes
Bacon Cabbage Dippers	320	45 Minutes

1. Prawn Cocktails 

Imagine crispy cooked prawns slathered in a sauce of mayonnaise, tabasco, ketchup, dry sherry, lemon juice, and your choice of spices.

Who wouldn’t love that? Fresh, creamy, and easy to make, prawn cocktails are a go-to staple for any host who wants to keep their guests gabbing about how great the food is. 

To lighten your workload, make the Marie-rose sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge. 

You can serve this in a martini glass, or skip the extra dishes by wrapping the mixture in baby lettuce leaves. Top it with fresh chives and you’ve got a hit on your hands! 

Calories Per Serving: 186

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

2. Cheddar Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms

Who knew so much flavor can come in such a small package! A warm, oven-roasted mushroom stuffed with bubbling cheddar cheese, and garlic and topped with cilantro is the stuff of dreams.

That’s what you get when you make this savory treat. For an authentic touch, buy some white or red Irish cheddar cheese, like the Kerrygold brand. 

This pop-in-your-mouth snack is great for guests on the go, but you can also pack it for a road trip or day at the office.

It’s that portable. Low in calories, it’s also a great, health-conscious snack that can double as a side dish to your protein of choice. 

Calories Per Serving: 94

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 20 Minutes

3. Cheesy Mushroom Potato Bites

If you haven’t already noticed, the Irish love their cheese, and they love their potatoes. So why not swap out the mushroom mold for a potato one?

Featuring the strong red potato, these mini-baked bites are a filling option, so they’re great for dinner parties that run late into the evening. 

For maximum flavor, dice some of your favorite mushrooms and incorporate them into the soft, fluffy center. Add a dash of salt, pepper, and fresh thyme and garnish with some parsley for a texture explosion.

Assemble them 12 hours before cooking to ease your work on the day of the event. 

Calories Per Serving: 237

Preparation Time: 50 Minutes

4. Reuben Crescents 

You’ll hear the name Reuben a whole lot on this list, and with good reason. The Irish love their Reuben sandwiches, which originated in New York City of all places.

Corned beef, sauerkraut, and of course, cheese are layered to produce this messy sandwich. But a mini crescent is great for a quick snack.

To keep your crescents from softening, lay down a slice of meat against the puff pastry before adding the set filling, Cover the filling with another slice of meat, encasing the wet ingredients so that they don’t sog up the bread. Voila, you have an Irish moon!

Calories Per Serving: 220

Preparation Time: 26 Minutes

5. Sausage Rolls 

Sweet spiced meat and buttery smooth puff pastry are the stars of this worldwide classic. Some call it a “pig in a blanket”, but this recipe is more than a hot dog in a pastry bun.

Making the sausage meat from scratch enhances the flavor, and you’ll be able to taste the difference. 

You can use any meat you want, but something is comforting about a pork sausage. The meat takes spices on well, and the minced onions you’ll add create a burst of texture that’s quite heavenly.

The best thing about this recipe is that you can make it in bulk and freeze it for weeks before popping them in the oven. 

Calories Per Serving: 118

Preparation Time: 55 Minutes

6. Scotch Eggs

There’s no way we’d miss this classic UK breakfast. You get a hearty boiled egg wrapped in breakfast sausage and coated with breadcrumbs.

It’s a mobile meal incorporating all the elements of a classic morning meal. Light and fluffy, you’ll barely feel it and might end up eating two or three. 

Turn this decadent breakfast option into an appetizer everyone will reach for. Scotch eggs may have their origins outside the United Kingdom, but they’ve become a staple source of protein and flavor.

It can also be eaten warm or cold, so don’t worry about keeping its temperature up before your gathering. 

Calories Per Serving: 300

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes

7. Chicken & Mushroom Vol-Au-Vents

You might have a hard time pronouncing this dish but you’ll have no problem devouring these little chicken souffles.

Vol-Au-Vent literally translates from French to “flight in the wind”, so you can imagine how light and airy this treat will feel in your mouth. 

Saucy chicken, light and airy mushrooms, and of course, some puff pastry make this a stunning and flavor-packed pop-up.

To make sure the pieces are bite-sized, cut small circles, or squares before you fill the pastry. Pre-cook the chicken and let them rise in the oven. It’s that easy. 

Calories Per Serving: 98

Preparation Time: 1 Hour

8. Reuben Egg Rolls 

The Reuben sandwich is remixed yet again, and this time it’s a crispy spring roll dipped in a decadent Russian sauce.

Even better, these guys can stay in the freezer for up to six months, so they’re perfect for some far-away holiday party prep. Though Swiss cheese is classically used, you can keep it Irish with some cheddar strands. 

For a crispy finish, whether you’re traditional oil frying, oven baking, or using air frying, wrap your mixture in filo pastry. The thinner the better.

This will prevent moisture from sogging up the layers and keep things light and airy. 

Calories Per Serving: 360

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

9. Pretzel Ring & Beer Cheese Dip

Imagine this. It’s game night, your guests are hungry and you’ve just put the stakes on the grill. What do you do? Whip out this cheesy, gooey pretzel explosion!

The beer cheese dip is a sure hit, with hints of Guinness beer kissing your tongue. A sharp cheddar cuts the richness and melds with the beer beautifully.

Since it’s a pull-away snack, you can make several and create a table spread, and keep the cheese hot with a chafing dish. This one’s a little high on the calorie count, so don’t eat it alone.

Share with your friends during the next game night and you’ll be the real MVP. 

Calories Per Serving: 1100

Preparation Time: 45 Minutes

10. Reuben Pickle Bites

After indulging in some Reubenite delights, this health-conscious keto-friendly rendition of the sandwich is a great alternative.

You’ll still get a tasty treat, as the brine from the pickles pairs well with the rich corned beef and slim swiss cheese. If you want to stuff some sharp cheddar in there, be my guest. There’s no wrong way to make a pickle bite. 

All you need is some medium to large dill pickles, swiss cheese, and of course, corned beef. Treat the pickles as bread and layer your cheese and beef in between.

Tie it all together with a toothpick and you’ve got a 15-minute snack you can make on the fly. 

Calories Per Serving: 116

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

RELATED: Can Irish Cream Go Bad?

11. Mini Shepherds Pie

Yet another classic from the UK region, shepherd’s pie is a filling dinner and an even better appetizer. Just look at these tiny pies, they’re adorable!

Biting into one creates the phenomenal taste of fresh green peas, hearty beef mince, crunchy carrots, and fluffy potatoes. 

Topped off with toasty cheese, it won’t last the first round of guests. To ease your baking process, cook these in a small cupcake tin and use filo pastry as the pie base for simple removal and reloading.  

Calories Per Serving: 306

Preparation Time: 50 Minutes

12. Reuben Nachos

Loaded nachos are great finger foods that take minutes to prepare. Celebrate the Reuben by dousing your chips in classic corned beef, sauerkraut, and cheddar cheese.

The tartness of the sauerkraut will balance well with the richness of the protein. 

Don’t overdo it with these guys. Just a few minutes in the oven will brown the cheese long enough to attain that gooey stretch when pulled apart.

To keep the sodium low, go for a plain tortilla chip with little to no seasoning. After all, the toppings are the star here. 

Calories Per Serving: 854

Preparation Time: 27 Minutes

13. Corned Beef Sliders

Who doesn’t love a mini sandwich? These cute culinary classics are the perfect finger food for a kids’ party.

They’re chock full of cheese, corned beef, and sweet sauce, so you can bet there won’t be any picky eaters at the table. They’re also an easy meal that only needs a few minutes of prep and some time in the oven. 

Appease both your sweet and savory palette with Hawaiian bread rolls. They’re soft, and fluffy and break the saltiness of the cheese and beef. Be sure to slather the top with melted butter for a golden finish.

Calories Per Serving: 390

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

14. Guinness Cheese Pretzel Bites

Pretzels are a go-to party food due to their popularity, but they can be a bit plain. That’s why this recipe spices things up.

Your guests will be surprised when they bite into these crispy pretzels to discover a lava-like flow of melted cheese in the center. 

What’s better than that? Guinness flavored lava cheese, that’s what. Keep the Irish theme going with a thick beer right at the center. These guys take a while to cook, so be patient.

You can have a little fun by creating different shapes and sizes. 

Calories Per Serving: 170

Preparation Time: 2 Hours 35 Minutes

15. Creamy Potato Leek Soup 

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Sometimes you need a rich, warm soup to comfort your guests as they converse around the table. Potato soup is perfect for the winter, so consider this meal whenever Christmas comes around.

To enhance the flavor, add some fresh leeks. Serve it with some toasted garlic bread and you’ve got a strong introduction to a great meal. 

The amazing thing about this recipe is that it doesn’t require any dairy. The creaminess from the potatoes and leeks is more than enough to tantalize your taste buds and go down smooth. 

Calories Per Serving: 301

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 15 Minutes

16. Broccoli Cheese Soup

Bursting with flavor from the fresh broccoli, chicken broth, creamy milk, butter, and sharp cheddar cheese, this is an elevated soup that’s pure perfection.

You can prepare it en masse and freeze it or cook it fresh to fill your home with delightful aromas. 

For an extra kick, add a dash of parmesan cheese. You’ll thank me later. To achieve a smoother consistency, try using block cheese instead of the re-grated stuff.

Why? Because it’s usually coated with a separating agent that could cause graininess when cooked, and you want this soup to go down without a hitch.

Calories Per Serving: 541

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

17. Hot Reuben Dip

Long live the Reuben sandwich! Let’s be honest, the combination of cheese and corned beef is one you won’t get tired of anytime soon.

This time, the Reuben has been transformed into a decadent dip that will be swallowed up as soon as it’s put on the table.  

To get the best results, bake this in the oven until it’s golden and bubbly. If you’re watching your calories, you can supplement this rich dip with a low-carb whole grain cracker. 

Calories Per Serving: 160

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

18. Cabbage Dumplings 

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When was the last time you enjoyed a cabbage-centered snack? If it’s been a while, revamp your love for the leafy green with these dumpling-style wraps.

To amp up the flavor, combine beef and pork mince and toss in your favorite spices. I’m talking about coriander, black pepper, garlic, ginger, and onions. 

You can double up on the protein with some diced mushrooms, and steam the dumplings on the stove until the center is cooked.

You can’t make dumplings without a dipping sauce, so whip up a quick soy version and enjoy.  

Calories Per (6 piece) Serving: 270

Preparation Time: 50 Minutes

19. Bacon Wrapped Asparagus 

This has got to be the simplest recipe on this list. It’s a foolproof way to consume more vegetables. Simply wrap them in bacon! Asparagus is a super veggie that tastes great no matter how you cook it.

For a quick appetizer, fry them in a strip of bacon and serve them hot. 

If you want you can use one asparagus per wrap, but if you want to go big, try three at the same time. Spritz a little salt, pepper, and balsamic vinegar and you’re good to go. 

Calories Per Serving: 104

Preparation Time: 11 Minutes

20. Baked Falafel Bites

Your guests will get the protein kick they didn’t know they needed with these healthy bitings.

Crunchy on the outside and bursting with herbs and spices on the inside, this will quickly become a party staple. You can dip them in hummus or enjoy them with a tzatziki sauce. 

If you’re using dried chickpeas, soak them for around 12-18 hours to get maximum softness. It will create a falafel that holds together without crumbling.

At only 49 calories per piece, you won’t feel guilty while indulging.  

Calories Per Serving: 49

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes

RELATED: 28 Irish Dessert Recipes (Traditional And Authentic)

21. Cabbage Egg Roll Soup 

Let the celebration of the humble cabbage continue! You don’t have to imagine a plain soup with boiled leaves when considering this meal.

Instead, picture a bubbling bowl of hot cabbage soup laced with carrots and chunks of pork mince. 

The recipe is so simple that you’re almost stunned by how much flavor you pull from it. To create a significant variation in texture, don’t chop your cabbages too small.

You want them big enough to still see, but not so big that you can’t fit them into one bite. The same goes for the carrots. 

Calories Per Serving: 166

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes

22. Cabbage Chips

With double the moisture, texture, and flavor of kale chips, cabbage chips are the newest appetizer to hit the scene.

There’s just enough crunch to give you that “potato chip” feel without it being as dry or bitter as other veggie chips. You’ll find the platter empty moments after placing this next to a summer dip of your choice. 

Want to hear something amazing? You don’t need a dehydrator to make these! That’s right, all you need is a regular oven and some time. Top things off with a light olive oil and parmesan cheese dressing. 

Calories Per 100gm Serving: 100

Preparation Time: 45 Minutes

23. Wedge Fries 

There’s something so appealing about rustic cut potato wedges with the skin still on. You get a texture that’s missed otherwise.

For the best experience, try a russet potato and wash the skin thoroughly so you don’t get any unwanted minerals. 

To balance things out, oven bake or air fry the wedges with a little olive oil. If you want to know the secret to ultra crispy wedges, it’s in the starch removal process.

Soak the potatoes for around thirty minutes and dry them off before cooking, and you’ve got the perfect balance of crispiness. 

Calories Per Serving: 193

Preparation Time: 1 Hour

24. Oven Fried Pickles

They look like chicken nuggets, only way healthier. Oven baked to perfection, these crispy pickles are a new way to enjoy the tart, savory vegetable.

Dill pickles mimic the size and structure of a potato wedge, so they’ll work best here. Paired with a nice Irish beer, you have the perfect Sunday night game snack. 

To get the best out of this appetizer, make sure your pickles are completely dry before you add the coating, otherwise, they’ll separate. Pat them with a paper towel and let the air do its thing. 

Calories Per Serving: 89

Preparation Time: 45 Minutes

25. Irish Potato Farls

Savory pancakes deserve just as much recognition as their sweet counterpart, and this Irish classic celebrates that.

These farls are basically shallow fried mashed potatoes, and they’re every bit as delicious as they sound. You can keep them simple or create your own spice mix and pump up the flavor. 

For extra fluffiness, strain your boiled potatoes through a sieve. It’s more time-consuming, but it will get rid of any unwanted large chunks and create an evenly cooked cake. 

Calories Per Serving: 261

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes

26. Reuben Rolls 

Alas, we have come to the end of our Reuben celebration, and this is perhaps the easiest way to enjoy a remixed version of this New York classic.

All you need are some tortillas, corned beef, sauerkraut, cream cheese, mustard, and horseradish for a bit of a kick.

Come to think of it, this recipe requires no cooking whatsoever. It’s so easy that you can make them with kids, keep them in the fridge and serve them cold. They’re also a great picnic option for a hot summer day. 

Calories Per Serving: 31

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

27. Mint Pea Tahini Dip

Tahini is the most recent craze to hit the mainstream cooking world. Why? Because it’s a healthy, dairy-free dip that absorbs any flavor you want.

That’s why this refreshing mint pea dip will pair perfectly with most of the appetizers on this list. 

Mix your tahini, which is ground sesame seeds, with a little mint and boiled softened peas. Add some seasoning, lemon juice, and olive oil and you’ve made a dip that will never be forgotten.

You can use a food processor or immersion blender to secure that smooth finish we’re all aiming for. 

Calories Per Serving: 35

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

28. Potato Croquettes

These adorable little croquettes will take you back to your childhood as they resemble tater tots, except that they’re twice as good! Not only are they bigger, but they have your choice of meat inside.

Ham, beef mince, and pork are common, but if you’re not tired of corned beef, you can add that as well. 

You can double-stuff these bad boys with sharp cheddar cheese and make them with an air fryer, or go the traditional route and deep fry them.

Whatever you choose, you’ll never regret putting a little extra time into this potato masterpiece.  

Calories Per Serving: 147

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 10 Minutes

29. Colcannon Puffs

Very tasty, very green, and very Irish, these mini puffs are perfect for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

Traditional Irish colcannon utilizes kale or cabbage mixed with mashed potatoes to make a giant dish, but you can make these bite-sized versions and let everyone enjoy a taste of the emerald isle. 

Use a good amount of kale to get the green effect, and mix them into the mashed potatoes so that some of the colors bleed into the paste.

These are a great addition to your “vegan” section, though I’m sure everybody, vegan or not, will want a bite.  

Calories Per Serving: 128

Preparation Time: 1Hour 20 Minutes

30. Irish Soda Bread

Though its origins can be traced to indigenous American people, this bread-making method was adopted by the Irish in the 1830s and has become a staple meal component.

It’s a filling option that goes well with your appetizer soups. 

If you’re terrified about making your first loaf of bread, don’t worry. This one is pretty foolproof. It doesn’t require yeast so you don’t have to worry about dough proofing or anything.

Instead, baking soda and buttermilk combine to create a semi-airy bread. 

Calories Per Serving: 290

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 5 Minutes

RELATED: What Does Irish Cream Taste Like – Find Out More About It

31. Bacon Cabbage Dippers 

Last but never least are these crispy bacon-wrapped cabbage dippers. The Irish know how to spice up a vegetable as plain as cabbage, and bacon makes everything tasty, so why not marry the two?

Serve warm with a dip, or by themselves. They’re that good. 

To ensure they’re bite-sized, get a medium to the small head of cabbage and cut it into wedges. You can add an extra punch of flavor with freshly grated parmesan.

Calories Per Serving: 320

Preparation Time: 45 Minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The Main Types Of Appetizers? 

Appetizers are quick and easy foods usually served before the main course, and when in a casual setting, they’re served as finger foods that one can munch while walking around or interacting with others.

They’re commonly classified into 7 main types namely cocktails, hors d’ oeuvres, canape, relishes, salads, soups, and chips with dip. Cocktails can be cold sauces with seafood or veggies while hors d’ oeuvres are highly seasoned small bitings.

Canapes are layered and open, making them easy to eat, while soups and salads require your guests to be seated. 

What Should I Bring To An Irish Party?

If you really want to impress the host of any Irish-themed party, bring a Guinness-flavored meal. The malt liquor was born in Dublin way back in 1759 and grew in popularity given the rich, deep taste and smooth texture.

You can try a cheesy Guinness dip for an appetizer, or go for Guinness braised ribs for a sweet and sticky main course.

Guinness-based desserts are in plenty, and you can flavor your cake, cookie, or ice cream with dark beer. Just make sure the kids don’t get to it first!  

What Do The Irish Snack On?

Everybody loves a good snack, so you can expect the Irish to come through with a few sweet and savory bites you can try for yourself.

In most Irish recipes, you’ll find a common cluster of everyday foods such as corned beef, cabbage, cheese, soda bread, and of course, the heroic potato, which has sustained Irish cuisine for centuries.

For a sweeter option, try an Irish-made, gold-wrapped chocolate. Cadbury’s formula is different in Ireland, so if you can score one of these chocolates, you’re in for a real treat.