A Green-Themed St. Paddy’s Day Menu to Make with Your Grandkids

St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect time to bring a little fun into the kitchen, especially with the grandkids. This green-themed menu is festive, easy to make, and full of delicious flavors. Each recipe is designed to be hands-on, so little helpers can get involved—whether it’s mixing, rolling, or decorating.

Shamrock Pancakes with Honey Butter

These bright green pancakes are a fun way to start the day. They’re fluffy, lightly sweet, and perfect with a little honey butter. The secret? A handful of spinach blended right into the batter—don’t worry, you won’t taste it!

Yield – 4 Servings

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp melted butter
• ½ cup fresh spinach
• Green food coloring (optional)

Honey Butter:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tbsp honey

Method

1. Blend the Greens: In a blender, combine the milk, egg, vanilla, melted butter, and spinach. Blend until completely smooth. If you want a brighter green, add a drop or two of food coloring.
2. Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Pour in the spinach mixture and stir until just combined.
3. Cook the Pancakes: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or cooking spray. Pour batter onto the skillet in shamrock shapes (use a cookie cutter as a guide or make small heart-shaped dollops that connect). Cook for 2–3 minutes, until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook another 1–2 minutes.
4. Make the Honey Butter: Stir together the softened butter and honey until smooth. Serve the pancakes warm with a dollop of honey butter.

Leprechaun Pesto Pasta

A quick and easy pasta dish that’s creamy, bright green, and packed with flavor. The homemade pesto is mild and nutty—perfect for kids who may not love stronger flavors like garlic or basil.

Yield – 4 Servings

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (penne, bowties, or spaghetti)
• 2 cups baby spinach
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup walnuts or cashews
• ½ cup olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ lemon, juiced

Method

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
2. Make the Pesto: In a blender or food processor, combine the spinach, Parmesan, walnuts, olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth. If too thick, add a tablespoon of water to loosen it.
3. Toss and Serve: Pour the pesto over the pasta and stir until coated. Serve warm with extra Parmesan on top.

Lucky Green Deviled Eggs

A festive twist on a classic, these deviled eggs get their green color from creamy avocado. They’re smooth, delicious, and fun to decorate with little sprinkles of green herbs.

Yield – 4 Servings

Ingredients

• 6 eggs
• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp chopped chives or parsley

Method

1. Boil the Eggs: Place the eggs in a pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, then turn off the heat and cover for 10 minutes. Drain and place in cold water to cool.
2. Make the Filling: Peel the eggs and slice them in half. Scoop out the yolks and mash them with the avocado, mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and lemon juice until smooth.
3. Fill and Decorate: Spoon or pipe the filling back into the egg whites. Sprinkle with chives or parsley. Serve chilled.

Mint Chocolate Shamrock Shakes

This creamy, homemade version of a classic St. Patrick’s Day shake is packed with vanilla, mint, and chocolate flavors—without all the artificial ingredients.

Yield – 4 Servings

Ingredients

• 2 cups vanilla ice cream
• 1 cup milk
• ½ tsp peppermint extract
• 4 drops green food coloring (optional)
• ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
• Whipped cream, for topping

Method

1. Blend the Shake: In a blender, combine the ice cream, milk, peppermint extract, and food coloring. Blend until smooth.
2. Add Chocolate Chips: Pulse in the mini chocolate chips until just combined.
3. Serve: Pour into glasses and top with whipped cream.

Green St. Paddy’s Day Sugar Cookies

These soft, buttery cookies are fun to decorate with the grandkids. A simple green icing makes them extra festive.

Yield – 4 Servings

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Green Icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Green food coloring

Method:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the Dough: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar until fluffy. Mix in the egg and vanilla, then gradually add the dry ingredients.
3. Roll and Cut: Roll out the dough to ¼-inch thick. Use shamrock cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Place on the baking sheet.
4. Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes, until lightly golden. Cool before icing.
5. Make the Icing: Stir together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and green food coloring until smooth. Spread over the cookies and let set.

Have fun and make memories this St. Paddy’s Day, because cooking together is more than just food, it’s about fun, laughing, and sharing traditions. Share moments in the kitchen with your favorite wee ones, diving into these festive, green-themed recipes that are as enjoyable to make as they are to eat.