A Traditional Irish Breakfast Will Have You Saying, 'Top O' the Morning to Ya!' (2024)

Don't forget a cup of Irish coffee.

By Kara Zauberman
A Traditional Irish Breakfast Will Have You Saying, 'Top O' the Morning to Ya!' (1)

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With a holiday as festive as St. Patrick's Day, you'll need a big, traditional Irish breakfast to keep you fueled up for everything the day has in store. Whether it's a parade, a pub crawl, or simply a few St. Patrick's Day crafts with the kids, the best way to start your day, is with traditional Irish breakfast recipes like homemade scones and Irish apple cake. Otherwise, kick things off with a full Irish breakfast plate (sometimes referred to as a fry-up) that's made with eggs, bacon, baked beans, veggies, hash browns, and bread. You can add slow-roasted tomatoes to the plate or try potato recipes like homemade boxty. No matter what—it's sure to make you feel like a true Irishman (or woman).

Whether or not traditional Irish foods are on your mind, you'll love making some of the Irish-inspired breakfast ideas from the list ahead. Check out make-ahead breakfast ideas like the corned beef hash topped with fried eggs or breakfast casseroles the Reuben casserole for a fun twist on the classic sandwich. Looking for healthy breakfast ideas? Try the apple steel-cut oatmeal, cucumber smoked salmon bites, or just a slice of Irish soda bread with butter and jam. Of course, you can wash it all down with an Irish coffee—after all, the party is just getting started

1

Irish Apple Cake

A Traditional Irish Breakfast Will Have You Saying, 'Top O' the Morning to Ya!' (3)

This Irish dessert can double as a sweet breakfast treat. The warm, cinnamon-scented cake is layered with tart apples and a buttery crumble. But to really make it shine, just pour the sweet custard over the top.

Get the Irish Apple Cake recipe.

2

Reuben Casserole

A Traditional Irish Breakfast Will Have You Saying, 'Top O' the Morning to Ya!' (4)

This recipe is everything you love about the classic corned beef sandwich but it starts with a creamy hash brown base so it's perfect for breakfast! Luckily, it makes a big batch for all your friends and family.

Get the Reuben Casserole recipe.

3

Maple Bacon Scones

A Traditional Irish Breakfast Will Have You Saying, 'Top O' the Morning to Ya!' (5)

Two Irish favorites—scones and bacon—come together in one breakfast recipe that's both sweet and salty. You can grab these scones on your way out to a holiday parade or St. Paddy's Day party.

Get Ree's Maple Bacon Scones recipe.

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4

Slow-Roasted Tomatoes

A Traditional Irish Breakfast Will Have You Saying, 'Top O' the Morning to Ya!' (6)

A full Irish breakfast typically includes some kind of grilled or roasted tomato to enjoy with the eggs, sausage, and toast. Here, they cook low and slow for extra sweetness and deeper flavor.

Get the Slow-Roasted Tomatoes recipe.

5

Irish Soda Bread

A Traditional Irish Breakfast Will Have You Saying, 'Top O' the Morning to Ya!' (7)

This popular bread is a year-round staple in Ireland. It's often made with currants, but you can use raisins or even dried cranberries. Just remember to serve it up with plenty of Irish butter!

Get the Irish Soda Bread recipe.

SHOP CAST IRON SKILLETS

6

Corned Beef Hash

A Traditional Irish Breakfast Will Have You Saying, 'Top O' the Morning to Ya!' (8)

This recipe combines two classic Irish dishes: corned beef and potatoes! The mash-up might not be traditional, but it sure is good, especially when served with fried eggs for breakfast.

Get the Corned Beef Hash recipe.

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7

Baked Beans

A Traditional Irish Breakfast Will Have You Saying, 'Top O' the Morning to Ya!' (9)

Baked beans are usually included on a traditional Irish breakfast plate. This version is topped with bacon to make it even more breakfast-ready!

Get Ree's Baked Beans recipe.

8

Potato Galette

A Traditional Irish Breakfast Will Have You Saying, 'Top O' the Morning to Ya!' (10)

There's usually some kind of crispy potato element to a full Irish breakfast, so this giant potato galette would be a fun item to serve. Try it for your next St. Patrick's Day brunch party!

Get the Potato Galette recipe.

9

Everything Cucumber-Smoked Salmon Bites

A Traditional Irish Breakfast Will Have You Saying, 'Top O' the Morning to Ya!' (11)

Ireland is surrounded by water so it's no wonder that salmon is a common dish. Serve this smoked salmon on green cucumber slices for a fun and light breakfast snack.

Get Ree's Everything Cucumber-Smoked Salmon Bites recipe.

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10

Irish Coffee

A Traditional Irish Breakfast Will Have You Saying, 'Top O' the Morning to Ya!' (12)

It wouldn't be breakfast without coffee! And while you might not want to start your day off with an Irish coffee every morning, it's a fun warm co*cktail for a St. Patrick's Day treat.

Get Ree's Irish Coffee recipe.

SHOP MUGS

11

Full Irish Breakfast

A Traditional Irish Breakfast Will Have You Saying, 'Top O' the Morning to Ya!' (13)

Depending on where you live in Ireland, a full Irish breakfast might have a few variations. There's typically eggs, sausage, hash browns, beans, and roasted tomatoes. You may also find slices of Irish soda bread. No matter what's served, you know it's going to be hearty!

Get the Full Irish Breakfast recipe at Mama Loves Ireland.

12

Irish Scones

A Traditional Irish Breakfast Will Have You Saying, 'Top O' the Morning to Ya!' (14)

Start your day off with a batch of fluffy, golden scones. They're delicious on their own but can also be served with Irish butter, jam, or a big dollop of clotted cream.

Get the Irish Scones recipe at Jo Cooks.

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13

Apple Steel-Cut Oatmeal

A Traditional Irish Breakfast Will Have You Saying, 'Top O' the Morning to Ya!' (15)

Steel-cut oats, also known as Irish oats, take a little longer to cook compared to rolled oats. But the result is a nutty flavor and chewy texture that makes this warm, comforting breakfast so special.

Get the Apple Steel-Cut Oatmeal recipe at Cookie and Kate.

14

Irish Brown Bread

A Traditional Irish Breakfast Will Have You Saying, 'Top O' the Morning to Ya!' (16)

Brown bread is a type of soda bread that's made with part whole wheat flour. It makes the comforting loaf even heartier and more rustic.

Get the Irish Brown Bread recipe at The View from Great Island.

15

Irish Bacon Sheet Pan

A Traditional Irish Breakfast Will Have You Saying, 'Top O' the Morning to Ya!' (17)

Look for Irish bacon, which is cut from the back of the pig, for this sheet pan breakfast. Then, pair it up with other Irish ingredients like cabbage, potatoes, and eggs.

Get the Irish Bacon Sheet Pan recipe at Honest Grub Honest Foodie.

SHOP SHEET PANS

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16

Boxty

A Traditional Irish Breakfast Will Have You Saying, 'Top O' the Morning to Ya!' (18)

Potatoes and eggs? Count us in! These fluffy pan-fried potato pancakes make for a delicious side dish with runny eggs.

Get the Boxty recipe at Veggie Desserts.

17

Irish Soda Bread Muffins

A Traditional Irish Breakfast Will Have You Saying, 'Top O' the Morning to Ya!' (19)

For another variation on Irish soda bread, these homemade muffins are great for on-the-go. They have the same subtle sweetness and tender crumb as the original but in muffin form!

Get the Irish Soda Bread Muffins recipe at Well Plated by Erin.

A Traditional Irish Breakfast Will Have You Saying, 'Top O' the Morning to Ya!' (2024)

FAQs

What is the Irish response to top of the morning? ›

Traditional greeting used by the Irish. Not really used any more. Typical response is" And the rest of the day to you."

What is the full quote of top of the morning to you? ›

"The top of the morning to ye, young lady, and may every sunrise increase ye'r happiness!"

What do Irish people say in the morning? ›

What Is A Typical Irish Greeting?
English TranslationIrish
Good morningDee-ah dhuit ar maidin
Good afternoon/eveningTráthnóna maith
Good nightOíche mhaith agat
Goodbye (to someone leaving)Slá leat / Slán
8 more rows

What does it mean when someone says "top of the morning" to you? ›

“Top of the morning” is an old-fashioned way of saying “good morning.” It's mostly associated with Ireland, even though you don't hear it much there anymore. The phrase was meant to wish someone the best part, or the “top,” of the morning… It's kind of like saying, “May you have the finest part of the day ahead”…

How to respond to top of the morning to ya? ›

The proper response to "top o' the morning to ya" is "...and the rest of the day to yourself."

What is the Irish blessing for the top of the morning? ›

May your wary feet fall upon the softest of sands. And the pearl of night illuminate the path before you. her sands. Top O' the Morning!

What is the Catholic morning quote? ›

At awakening in the morning, say: O my God, my only good, the author of my being and my last end, I give You my heart. Praise, honor, and glory be to You for ever and ever. Amen.

What is a very Irish thing to say? ›

The Irish saying "away with the fairies" is used when someone isn't facing reality or is living in la-la land. This phrase got its origin thanks to the folk tales about fairies picking people up and taking them away, according to The Phrase Finder.

What is the Irish motto? ›

The Republic of Ireland has no national motto, but Erin go Bragh (Ireland Forever) is a popular unofficial motto. Northern Ireland has used the motto Quis separabit?, Latin from Romans 8:35: Quis nos separabit a caritate Christi..., "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?"

What is a traditional Irish Catholic wake? ›

For instance, a traditional Irish wake takes place in the home of the deceased or the home of a family member. The casket remains open, often for several days, to give all in the community a chance to visit the family so they can provide comfort and pay their respects. Then, there's the celebration aspect.

Is top of the morning an Irish thing? ›

“Top of the morning to you” is an American phrase, it isn't used in Ireland (in English) and AFAIK it has no particular translation in Irish.

What does Erin Go Bragh mean? ›

Patrick's Day, people turn to their dictionary to look up Erin go bragh, which means “Ireland forever.” The original Irish phrase was Erin go brách (or go bráth), which translates literally as “Ireland till doomsday.” It's an expression of loyalty and devotion that first appeared in English during the late 18th-century ...

What is a common Irish greeting? ›

When meeting someone for the first time, greet them with “Dia dhuit” or “Conas atá tú?” As you depart, bid farewell with “Slán.” Whenever someone extends kindness or helps you, you can thank them with “Go raibh maith agat”

What is a popular Irish saying? ›

A good friend is like a four-leaf clover – anyone with a good friend is lucky, as good friends are rare. Many a time, a man's mouth broke his nose/It is often that a person's mouth broke his nose – Backed with a bit of humor, this Irish proverb warns that a misspoken word will have a consequence or two for your face!

What does ceol agus craic mean? ›

Pronounced "crack agus col" (with a drawn-out o) this means "crack and music" and is the usual description of Irish nightlife. The word craic is not Irish - the English "crack" was simply re-written in an Irish form.

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