By Izzy Giacoppo

You may wake up on St. Patty’s Day eager to throw on your greenest outfit, but before the festivities begin, it’s important to start the iconic holiday with a hearty breakfast. So what breakfast is more fitting than a classic Irish breakfast?

Whenever my mom would tell me that she was making an Irish breakfast, it felt like a special event, and I still see it that way because it’s an opportunity to treasure my heritage. It’s also a meal packed with protein and salty, fatty pleasures. What makes it effortlessly enjoyable is that it’s versatile with plenty of options that can cater to your cravings.

Every Irish breakfast must start with eggs, which, as we know, can be cooked a million different ways. Typically, Irish breakfast eggs are scrambled or fried, and there are still dozens of ways to fry and scramble to your liking. Eggs are only the beginning of the protein for this meal. Next, you can add sausage or bacon–or both! It’s a holiday after all, so indulge in that carnivorous appetite! Like eggs, sausage and bacon come in many forms that appeal to different tastes. 

Don’t forget about the carbs! Enjoy a generously buttered piece of toast with your bread, spread, and toastiness of choice. Or, to fully commit to eating Irish, have a hefty slice of Irish soda bread with Kerrygold butter. Soda bread is more dense and crumbly, making rich butter the perfect pairing. The sweetness and creaminess nicely balances out the saltiness of the eggs and meat. 

The saltiest item on this heavy plate is the black or white pudding. They are both a type of sausage made with fat, oatmeal, and seasonings. The main difference is that black pudding, unlike white, is made with blood, making it a great source of iron, especially on a day full of activities. 

Before you pour yourself a Guinness, take some time to sip on a hot cup of Irish breakfast tea and ease into the morning. We highly recommend Barry’s or Twinings. Barry’s is an Irish brand and has other smooth blends, including decaf. But a caffeinated breakfast tea might be just what you need to give yourself a little extra pep in your Irish jig. 

An Irish breakfast is always best enjoyed around St. Patty’s Day, but is certainly not exclusive to this holiday. This meal is a fantastic go-to for whenever you’re craving an effortless, yet nourishing meal to give you a proper boost in the morning. And after all the holiday partying, it may be exactly the right breakfast to have the morning after.