A Buckeye State Twist on St. Patrick’s Day Classics
St. Patrick’s Day is a great time to enjoy hearty Irish meals, but adding an Ohio twist makes it even better. From maple syrup to pierogies and Buckeye-inspired desserts, these recipes bring a taste of the Buckeye State to classic Irish dishes. If you’re hosting a gathering or craving comfort food, these easy-to-make recipes add a local spin to your celebration.
Maple-Glazed Corned Beef
This dish, a nod to Ohio’s rich maple syrup production, takes traditional corned beef and adds a sweet, caramelized touch.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lb corned beef brisket
- 1/4 cup pure Ohio maple syrup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
Instructions:
Place the corned beef in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until tender for 2.5–3 hours, until tender. Preheat the oven to 375°F and transfer the corned beef to a baking dish. Mix maple syrup, brown sugar, mustard, pepper, and cloves in a small bowl, then brush the glaze over the meat. Bake for 15-20 minutes, basting halfway through, until the glaze is caramelized. Let it rest before slicing, and serve with roasted potatoes and cabbage.
Pierogi-Style Shepherd’s Pie
With Ohio’s sizeable Polish population, pierogies are a staple—so why not use them instead of mashed potatoes in a shepherd’s pie?
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package (16 oz) frozen potato and cheese pierogies
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a skillet, cook the ground meat and onions until browned, then drain any excess fat. Add the mixed vegetables, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes. Arrange the pierogies in a greased baking dish and spoon the meat mixture over them. Sprinkle the cheese on top, drizzle with melted butter, and bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Buckeye Baileys Chocolate Mousse
This dessert combines Ohio’s signature peanut butter and chocolate flavors with Irish cream.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp Baileys Irish Cream
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Chocolate shavings or crushed peanuts for garnish
Instructions:
In a saucepan over low heat, melt the chocolate chips with Baileys, stirring until smooth, then let it cool slightly. In a bowl, beat the heavy cream, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the cooled chocolate mixture until fully combined. Spoon into serving dishes and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Before serving, top with chocolate shavings or crushed peanuts.
These Ohio-inspired Irish recipes make St. Patrick’s Day meals festive and full of local flavor. The sweet glaze on corned beef, the comforting taste of pierogies, and a Buckeye twist on dessert bring out the best of both worlds.
For more St. Patrick’s Day recipes, check out All Recipes St. Patrick’s Day Recipes.
For more delicious recipes and great places to eat in and beyond Ohio, visit www.compassohio.com/cuisine! 🍽️
