A St. Patrick’s Day Sandwich

In honor of the day when everyone is Irish, welcome family and friends to a traditional St. Patrick’s Day lunch with this Reuben Sandwich recipe.

Find more seasonal recipes at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Reuben Sandwich

Servings: 2

• 2          tablespoons butter, softened
• 4          slices rye and pumpernickel swirl bread
• 4          slices swiss cheese
• 6          ounces corned beef
• 2          tablespoons, plus 2 teaspoons, Thousand Island Dressing, divided
• 4          tablespoons sauerkraut

1. Heat nonstick skillet over medium heat.
2. Spread 1 tablespoon butter on one side of two bread slices. Place buttered side down in heated skillet. Add two slices cheese to each bread slice. Spread 2 tablespoons dressing over cheese slices. Add 3 ounces corned beef to each bread slice.
3. Spread 2 teaspoons dressing over corned beef. Spread 2 tablespoons sauerkraut over corned beef.
4. Spread remaining butter on one side of remaining bread slices. Place buttered side up on top of sauerkraut.
5. Cook 4-7 minutes each side, flipping once, until golden brown and cheese is melted.

SOURCE:
Culinary.net

Baked Bread to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

From hearty stews to minty pies, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are all about enjoying the flavors of the holiday. Whether you’re cooking up a full meal or simply serving appetizers, this Irish Potato Bread makes for a simple, tasty snack to feed your crowd.

Find more celebratory recipes at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make recipe!

Irish Potato Bread

• 2          medium or large russet potatoes
• 1          egg
• 1          egg white
• 1/3       cup canola oil
• 3/4       cup milk
• 2          tablespoons green onion, minced
• 1/2       teaspoon caraway seeds
• 3 1/4    cups all-purpose flour, plus additional for dusting and kneading
• 1 1/2    tablespoons baking powder
• 1          teaspoon salt

1. Heat oven to 375° F.
2. Peel potatoes. Slice one potato and boil in saucepan 15 minutes, or until tender. Remove potato from saucepan into large bowl. Mash potato then set aside.
3. Grate second potato onto cloth. Wring potato in cloth to remove excess water. Add grated potato to mashed potato in large bowl. Add egg, egg white, oil, milk, onion, caraway seeds, 3 1/4 cups flour, baking powder and salt. Stir with wooden spoon until mixture is soft and sticky.
4. Turn dough onto floured surface. Adding flour as needed, knead dough to form 8-inch round shape with slight dome. Place dough onto baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cut large “X” on top of dough about 1/2 inch deep.
5. Bake 55 minutes until golden brown. Cool on wire rack 1 hour before serving.

SOURCE:
Culinary.net

Lucky Shamrock Cookies

 It’s your lucky day because you don’t have to search for the pot of gold under the rainbow for this winning recipe. Throw out the old Irish classics and sweeten things up this year with some mint chocolate chip fun.  

If you’re in a crunch for St. Patrick’s Day and need something glowing with green, here is a dessert that is sure to have everyone coming back for seconds (and more).

These Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies are as green as four-leaf clovers and have delicious chocolate chips mixed throughout for some extra sweet flavor. Served beside a big glass of milk, they are perfect treats for any St. Patrick’s Day party or virtual gathering.

To start the recipe, whisk together flour, baking soda and salt in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, add butter, sugar, eggs, green food coloring and peppermint extract for that crisp mint flavor. Beat with a hand mixture and combine the ingredients in both bowls together.

Add chocolate chips to the mixed cookie batter. Scoop onto a baking sheet and bake at 375 F for 11-24 minutes until the edges of the cookies are light brown. Cool on a wire rack before devouring.

With so much mixing and scooping to be done, this is a great recipe for kids to get involved in the kitchen, too. One of the  best parts is the eye-catching color. Watch children’s smiling little faces as the batter turns from light brown to dark green for a priceless reaction.

After being perfectly baked, these cookies are bright, fun and will be the hit of any celebration. Soft in the middle, a little crisp on the edges and as green as can be. You can’t ask for much more on St. Patrick’s Day.

Find more recipes, celebration ideas and dessert favorites for every occasion at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies

Servings: 24-32

• 2 1/2    cups flour
• 1          teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2       teaspoon salt
• 1          cup butter, softened
• 1 1/4    cups sugar
• 2          eggs
• 30        drops green food coloring
• 1          teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1          package (12 ounces) chocolate chips

1. Heat oven to 375 F.
2. In large bowl, mix flour, baking soda and salt until blended. Set aside.
3. In medium bowl, beat butter and sugar until combined. Add eggs, food coloring and peppermint extract; beat until combined.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients; beat until combined. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto baking sheet.
5. Bake 11-14 minutes, or until edges are lightly browned.
6. Cool on wire racks.

SOURCE:
Culinary.net

Lucky Mint Brownie Perfection

How lucky you must be to come across this recipe just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. This one is a twisted combination of mint and sweet chocolate that’s sure to have almost anyone’s taste buds screaming “yum.” This dessert might just be the pot of gold at the end of your rainbow this year.

These Mint Brownies have three delicious layers. First, a supreme brownie on bottom. Then a fluffy, green mint layer that’s full of flavor and color. Last, but definitely not least, a chocolate layer on top made with chocolate chips, butter and a little whipping cream.

All of these layers create a smooth, sweet, minty, bite-sized dessert perfect for any occasion but especially St. Patrick’s Day. The green mint color really pops off the plate, giving it some extra flare and an appetizing glow.

To start, create the soft, chocolate filled brownie. Combine brownie mix, vegetable oil, one egg, water and the chocolate syrup pouch. Bake and cool completely.

Then it’s time for some colorful, festive fun. Make the filling with powdered sugar, butter, whipping cream, softened cream cheese, a splash of peppermint extract and a few drops of green food coloring. Beat and pour over the cooled brownie pan.

The last layer is simple. In a saucepan, melt whipping cream, chocolate chips and butter until smooth. When it’s cooled to lukewarm, pour it over the filling for the final layer.

Refrigerate the Mint Brownies for two hours before serving. Cut them into bite-size pieces for small chunks that will melt in your mouth.

Find more seasonal dessert recipes at Culinary.net.

Watch video to see how to make this recipe!

Mint Brownies

Servings: 9-12

•             Nonstick cooking spray
• 1          box supreme brownie mix with chocolate syrup pouch
• 3          tablespoons water
• 1/3       cup vegetable oil
• 1          egg

Filling:

• 3 1/2    cups powdered sugar
• 1/4       cup butter, softened
• 1/4       cup whipping cream
• 5          ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2       teaspoon peppermint extract
• 5          drops green food color

Topping:

• 1/2       cup whipping cream
• 1          bag (12 ounces) chocolate chips
• 1/2       cup butter

Heat oven to 350 F.

1. Spray 8-by-8-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In large bowl, mix brownie mix, water, oil and egg until combined. Pour into prepared baking pan. Bake 35 minutes. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
3. To make filling: In large bowl, beat powdered sugar, butter, whipping cream, cream cheese, peppermint extract and food coloring. Spread over cooled brownies. Refrigerate 1 hour, or until set.
4. To make topping: In saucepan, melt whipping cream, chocolate chips and butter until smooth. Cool until lukewarm, about 10 minutes. Pour over filling; spread to cover. Refrigerate 2 hours, or until set.
5. Before serving, let brownies set 10 minutes at room temperature.

Tips: Cut brownies with wet knife for cleaner cuts. Store covered in refrigerator.

SOURCE:
Culinary.net

The post Try Your Luck With These Recipes for St. Patrick’s Day appeared first on SWFL Family.

What St. Patrick’s Day events kick off before March 13?

Saturday, March 7, 2026

• Pre-Paddy’s Party at Four Freedoms Park
  Time: 6–10 p.m.
  Details: Kick off your St. Paddy’s Day celebrations with music, family fun, and plenty of green at the park.
  Location: Four Freedoms Park, 4818 Tarpon Ct., Cape Coral
  Info: capecoral.gov

Monday, March 9, 2026

• Lucky Caterpillar Make & Take
  Time: 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (while supplies last)
  Details: Drop in to create a cheerful shamrock caterpillar craft to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day fun. Registration not required.
  Location: Naples Regional Branch Library, 650 Central Ave., Naples
  Info: collierlibrary.org

Friday, March 13, 2026

• Lucky Paws Celebration Yappy Hour
  Time: 6–8 p.m.
  Details: Celebrate the luck of the paws with Irish-inspired fun for dogs and their humans at this outdoor Yappy Hour.
  Location: Bell Tower, 13499 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers
  Info: belltowerfl.com

What St. Patrick’s Day events are happening March 14–15?

Saturday, March 14, 2026

• McGregor’s Kilts & Kilometers
  Time: 5K at 8 a.m.; 1-mile at 8:10 a.m.
  Details: Lace up for a festive St. Patrick’s Day 5K and 1-mile run hosted by McGregor’s Irish Public House at Bell Tower Shops.
  Location: Bell Tower Shops (McGregor’s Irish Public House), 13051 Bell Tower Dr., Fort Myers
  Info: Facebook event page
• 2026 Fort Myers Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade
  Time: 10 a.m.
  Details: The Fort Myers Beach Woman’s Club is proud to bring back the Fort Myers Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade, featuring festive floats and plenty of green.
  Location: Fort Myers Beach Woman’s Club, 175 Sterling Ave., Fort Myers Beach (parade staging area)
  Info: fortmyersbeach.org
• 50th Annual Naples St. Patrick’s Day Parade
  Time: 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
  Details: This long-running Naples parade is the largest privately funded St. Patrick’s Day parade in Florida, drawing more than 40,000 people to celebrate Irish heritage and Irish culture in America.
  Location: Downtown Naples, 3rd Street S. and 5th Avenue S., Naples
  Info: naplesparade.com
• Shamrock Festival 2026 at Ave Maria
  Time: 12–5 p.m.
  Details: Ave Maria’s second annual Shamrock Festival features live entertainment, Irish-themed activities, and family fun on the town center lawn.
  Location: Ave Maria Town Center, Annunciation Circle, Ave Maria
  Info: Ave Maria Town Center
• St. Patty’s Day Car Show
  Time: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
  Details: Enjoy a St. Patty’s Day car show with entertainment, a 50/50 raffle supporting Special Olympics, and lots of cool cars to check out with the kids.
  Location: American Gold Miner, 4351 Hancock Bridge Pkwy, North Fort Myers
  Info: bidcle.com

Sunday, March 15, 2026

• McGregor’s Kilts & Kilometers Beer’d Mile
  Time: 9 a.m.
  Details: The St. Patrick’s Day fun continues with a Beer Mile-style event at Bell Tower Shops, hosted by McGregor’s Irish Public House.
  Location: Bell Tower Shops, 13051 Bell Tower Dr., Fort Myers
  Info: McGregor’s Kilts & Kilometers
• St. Patrick’s Day Block Party
  Time: 12–8 p.m.
  Details: Get your best green on and enjoy one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day block parties in Southwest Florida on the historic streets of downtown Fort Myers.
  Location: Fort Myers River District, First and Hendry Streets, Fort Myers
  Info: myriverdistrict.com

What kid-friendly St. Patrick’s Day activities are on March 17?

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

• Lucky Little Painters
  Time: 10–10:45 a.m.
  Details: For children ages 18–36 months and their caregivers. Enjoy a magical St. Patrick’s Day art adventure filled with creativity and Irish-themed fun.
  Location: Fort Myers Regional Library, 1651 Lee St., Fort Myers
  Info: leegov.com/library/branches/fm
• And They Call It Ireland
  Time: 2–3 p.m.
  Details: Join Fred and Elsa Katz for a musical St. Patrick’s Day program featuring Irish classics from the Boston Pops, Kate Smith, and more.
  Location: Naples Regional Branch Library, 650 Central Ave., Naples
  Info: collierlibrary.org
• ShamROCK Social at Mercato
  Time: 2–6 p.m.
  Details: Get ready to (sham)rock the afternoon with festive drinks, music, and St. Patrick’s Day fun for adults and older teens.
  Location: Mercato, 9132 Strada Place, Suite 11103, Naples
  Info: ExperienceMercato.com
• Evening Storytime: Seeing Green
  Time: 6:30–7 p.m.
  Details: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and show off your love of green at evening storytime, featuring movement, songs, and stories that promote early literacy.
  Location: North Fort Myers Public Library, 2001 N. Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers
  Info: leelibrary.librarymarket.com

Monday, March 16, 2026

• Lucky Little Leprechauns
  Time: 3–4:30 p.m.
  Details: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with your little leprechauns at this playful program for kids and families.
  Location: Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Rd., Naples
  Info: cmon.org

Are there more St. Patrick’s events after March 17?

Wednesday, March 18, 2026

• Slipaway Food Truck Park & Marina St. Paddy’s Bash
  Time: 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
  Details: Slipaway Food Truck Park & Marina turns into a lucky, green paradise for a day-long St. Paddy’s Bash, with food trucks and family-friendly fun.
  Location: Slipaway Food Truck Park & Marina, 1811 Cape Coral Pkwy E., Cape Coral
  Info: slipawaycape.com or call 239-360-8883

For more family-friendly events in Collier and Lee Counties, visit our family events calendar.

The post Family-Friendly St. Patrick’s Day Events 2026 in Collier and Lee Counties appeared first on SWFL Family.

St. Patrick’s Day Stew

Recipe adapted from Simply Recipes
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour, 40 minutes

Servings: 6

• 1 1/4    pounds marbled chuck beef stew meat, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks
  
• 1          teaspoon salt, plus additional to taste, divided
  
• 1/4       cup extra-virgin olive oil
  
• 6          garlic cloves, minced
  
• 4          cups beef stock
  
• 2          cups water
  
• 1          cup extra stout beer
  
• 1          cup red wine
  
• 2          tablespoons tomato paste
  
• 1          tablespoon sugar
  
• 1          tablespoon dried thyme
  
• 1          tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  
• 2          bay leaves
  
• 2          tablespoons butter
  
• 1          large onion, chopped
  
• 4          carrots, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  
• 3          pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  
• 2          tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1. Sprinkle beef chunks with 1 teaspoon salt. In large pot over medium-high heat, heat olive oil.
2. Pat beef dry with paper towels and add to pot, working in batches to avoid crowding pot. Cook until browned on one side then flip and brown.
3. Add garlic cloves to pot with beef and saute 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Add beef stock, water, beer, wine, tomato paste, sugar, thyme, Worcestershire sauce and bay leaves. Stir.
4. Bring mixture to simmer then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
5. In separate pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add onions and carrots; saute until golden, about 15 minutes.
6. After beef mixture simmers 1 hour, add onions, carrots and potatoes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Simmer uncovered until beef and vegetables are tender, about 40 minutes. Discard bay leaves and spoon excess fat.
7. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

SOURCE:

Culinary.net

To find more recipes that put tradition center stage, visit Culinary.net.

The post A Hearty Stew to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day appeared first on SWFL Family.