Traditionally a meat pie with a mashed potato crust, shepherd’s pie (also known as cottage pie) originated in Ireland. Get creative and try some fun twists on a classic dish.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by going into your kitchen and whipping up these versions of shepherd’s pie. Not only do they have some unique twists, but they are sure to impress your party guests. Need more inspiration? Check out our tips on how to make this classic recipe your own:
- Source seasonal root vegetables such as parsnips, rutabaga or turnips and use as a replacement for the classic mashed potato crust.
- Create your meat pie with unusual meats. During the winter months, it’s easier to source game birds like pheasant and guinea hen as well as wild game meats such as bison, venison and rabbit.
- Replace classic Irish seasonings with local seasonings of your own. Live down South? Add some Cajun spice to the mix. Cozy up in New England? Give it a dash of Old Bay.
Vegetarian-style shepherd’s pie
This hearty, warm, vegetarian-style shepherd’s pie replaces the meat with veggie-style grounds, which are mixed with a variety of veggies and topped with fluffy homemade mashed potatoes. It’s just like the real, meaty deal.
Stuffed Irish shepherd’s pie potatoes
Photo credit: Always Order Dessert
Make these stuffed Irish shepherd’s pie potatoes and everyone can have their own individual portion. As blogger Alejandra recommends, make a big batch of these and freeze them for quick lunches.
Meatless shepherd’s pie
Have vegetarians in the family? This meatless shepherd’s pie will bring everyone to the table.
Shepherd’s pie in a jar
Photo credit: Cravings of a Lunatic
Another great version of individual portions, this shepherd’s pie in a jar is perfect for bringing to a St. Patrick’s Day potluck party. The glass jars keep the pie contained, and you can easily reheat them in the microwave.
Southwest turkey shepherd’s pie
Photo credit: Crumb
Like we recommended, using local spices makes for a fun twist on a classic Irish recipe. This Southwest turkey shepherd’s pie uses different spices to bring some extra flavor into the meal.
Leftover turkey shepherd’s pie
The perfect pie to make after Thanksgiving but perfect any other time of year, this leftover turkey shepherd’s pie will have everyone thinking you slaved in the kitchen for hours when you actually just used leftovers.
Cheesy shepherd’s pie with ground
beef or lentils and crimini mushrooms
Photo credit: Kitchen Treaty
Mushrooms are a fantastic replacement for meat, since their texture when cooked is similar. Create this cheesy shepherd’s pie with ground beef or lentils and crimini mushrooms and cater to both carnivores and vegetarians in your family.
Lamb shepherd’s pie with garlic mashed potato crust
Photo credit: Farmgirl Gourmet
A classic meat used in Irish cooking, lamb is a fantastic source of protein to use in this recipe. Bake this lamb shepherd’s pie with garlic mashed potato crust and indulge in the true Irish spirit.
Seafood shepherd’s pie
Live on the coast? Bring this seafood shepherd’s pie to your St. Patrick’s party using fresh, local seafood. Scallops, shrimp, clams and lobster would be a great addition.
Lentil and veggie shepherd’s pie
Another fantastic option for vegetable lovers, this lentil and veggie shepherd’s pie focuses on the heartiness of lentils, a nutritious legume that will fill up the hungriest of bellies.
Roasted veggie shepherd’s pie with sweet potato topping
Photo credit: Tasty Yummies
This roasted veggie shepherd’s pie with sweet potato topping recipe is a prime example of using different root vegetables as a topping. It’s also vegetarian using roasted vegetables in place of the meat.
More on St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day food and traditions
Desserts go green for St. Patrick’s Day
How to make green beer for St. Patrick’s Day
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