10+ St Andrews Day Recipes to Celebrate with a Scottish Feast
St. Andrew’s Day is a chance to celebrate Scottish culture and heritage with delicious dishes. You can prepare various traditional recipes that honor the spirit of the day and delight your taste buds. From savory meats to comforting soups, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
As you gather with friends and family, cooking together can make your St. Andrew’s Day special. Embracing these flavorful recipes is a great way to share stories and create lasting memories while paying tribute to Scotland’s patron saint.
Haggis
Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish that is often served on St. Andrew’s Day. It is made from sheep’s offal, which includes the heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with oats and spices. This hearty meal is typically encased in the sheep’s stomach and cooked slowly.
You can enjoy haggis on its own or served with neeps (turnips) and tatties (mashed potatoes). The flavors are rich and comforting, making it perfect for colder weather.
When you prepare haggis at home, you will need to source the ingredients from a butcher or a specialty store. It’s often served with a whisky sauce that adds depth to its flavor profile.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheep’s stomach (or casing)
- 1 lb (450 g) sheep’s liver
- 1 lb (450 g) sheep’s heart
- 1 lb (450 g) sheep’s lungs
- 2 cups (200 g) oats
- 1 onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper
- Herbs (thyme, rosemary)
Cooking Instructions:
- Clean the sheep’s stomach and soak it in salted water.
- Boil the liver, heart, and lungs in lightly salted water for 15 minutes.
- Chop the offal into small pieces.
- Mix the chopped offal with oats, onion, salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Stuff the mixture into the sheep’s stomach and sew it shut.
- Boil the haggis for 2 hours (about 93°C or 200°F). Optionally, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes for a crispy outer layer.
Neeps and Tatties
Neeps and tatties are traditional Scottish side dishes made from swede and potatoes. They are a perfect match for haggis and often served during St. Andrew’s Day celebrations.
To make neeps and tatties, you peel and chop your vegetables. The swede, also known as neep, has a sweet flavor that pairs well with the creamy texture of mashed potatoes, or tatties.
Boil both in salted water until tender. Then, mash them together with some butter and a splash of milk for a smoother finish. You can add a touch of mustard powder for extra flavor if you like.
This dish is not only delicious, but it also brings a lovely color to your plate, making it a festive accompaniment for any celebration.
Ingredients
- 1 large swede (neep) or 2 pounds swede, peeled and diced
- 2 large potatoes (tatties) or 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 50g butter or ¼ cup softened butter
- 100ml milk (optional)
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Peel and dice the swede and potatoes.
- Boil in salted water until tender, about 20 minutes.
- Drain the vegetables.
- Mash together with butter and add milk if desired.
- Stir in mustard powder for extra flavor, if using.
3) Cullen Skink
Cullen Skink is a beloved Scottish soup that brings warmth to chilly days. Made with smoked haddock, it’s rich and hearty, perfect for celebrating St Andrew’s Day. The dish combines the flavors of fresh potatoes and onions, creating a comforting meal.
The name comes from the town of Cullen, where this dish first became popular. This soup is creamy and satisfying, making it a favorite among many.
You can enjoy Cullen Skink as a starter or a main course. It’s easy to prepare and can be made in under an hour, making it a great choice for busy celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) smoked haddock
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups (500 ml) milk
- 1 cup (250 ml) vegetable or fish stock
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Cooking Instructions
- In a pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft.
- Add the potatoes and stock. Cook until the potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the smoked haddock and milk. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Blend for a smooth consistency, if desired. Serve hot and garnish with parsley.
4) Scotch Pie
Scotch pie is a delicious dish to enjoy on St. Andrew’s Day. This savory pie is a classic Scottish favorite, known for its rich filling and flaky crust.
Traditionally, it features minced meat, often lamb or mutton, seasoned with spices. The combination of flavors makes it hearty and satisfying. You can find Scotch pies in bakeries across Scotland, but preparing one at home can be a fun challenge.
To make your Scotch pie even more special, serve it with traditional sides like mashed potatoes or mushy peas.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) minced lamb or mutton
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound (450g) shortcrust pastry
- 1 egg, beaten (for glazing)
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a skillet, cook the onion until soft.
- Add the minced meat and thyme, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Roll out the pastry and cut into circles.
- Fill half of the circles with the meat mixture.
- Top with more pastry and seal the edges.
- Brush with the beaten egg.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
5) Clapshot
Clapshot is a tasty dish from Orkney, Scotland. It combines mashed potatoes and swede, creating a hearty and comforting side. This dish is often served with haggis during special occasions like St. Andrew’s Day.
To make clapshot, you’ll need just a few ingredients. Start with boiled potatoes and swede, which you will mash together. For added flavor, you can mix in butter and chopped chives.
This dish is simple and delicious. You can also personalize your clapshot by adding salt, pepper, or even onions if you like. It’s a perfect side for any festive meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound potatoes (500 g)
- 1 pound swede (neep) (500 g)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 small chopped onion (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Boil the potatoes and swede until tender, about 20 minutes.
- Drain the vegetables and return them to the pot.
- Mash the potatoes and swede together until smooth.
- Stir in the butter and chives, then season with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm as a side dish.
6) Bannocks
Bannocks are a delicious and traditional Scottish bread. They can be baked or cooked on a griddle, making them versatile for any meal.
You can enjoy them as a side dish or even as a base for toppings like butter or jam. They have a simple flavor that pairs well with many foods.
A classic recipe might include flour, baking powder, salt, and some type of fat like butter or lard.
Ingredients
- 5 cups of flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 4 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1/2 cup of Crisco or butter
- Water, enough to make a thick dough
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking.
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Cut in the Crisco or butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add water until a thick dough forms.
- Shape the dough into rounds and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for about 20-30 minutes until golden brown.
Enjoy your homemade bannocks fresh from the oven!
7) Rumbledethumps
Rumbledethumps is a cozy Scottish dish that’s perfect for St. Andrews Day. It features a tasty mix of mashed potatoes, cabbage, and sometimes onions. This dish is similar to Irish colcannon or English bubble and squeak.
To make it, you combine the ingredients and bake them with a golden cheesy topping. It’s a hearty option, great as a main dish or as a side.
You can enjoy it with sausages, meats, or just on its own. This comfort food will surely warm you up on a chilly day.
Ingredients
- 1 kg potatoes
- 1 savoy cabbage (250 g)
- 75 g butter
- 100 g mature cheddar cheese
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Boil the potatoes until tender, then mash them.
- Cook the cabbage in boiling water for about 2 minutes.
- Combine the mashed potatoes, cabbage, and butter.
- Transfer to a baking dish and top with cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden.
8) Cock-a-Leekie Soup
Cock-a-Leekie soup is a classic Scottish dish, perfect for St. Andrew’s Day. This heartwarming soup combines chicken, leeks, and often includes prunes for a touch of sweetness. It has roots dating back to the 16th century.
To make it, you will usually start by boiling a whole chicken with leeks and herbs. The soup is a comforting choice for gatherings and celebrations. You can enjoy it as a starter or a filling meal.
Adding some rice or barley can make the soup thicker. Some recipes also include bacon for extra flavor. It’s delicious served with crusty bread on the side.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs or 1.5-2 kg)
- 3-4 leeks, chopped
- 1 cup prunes, pitted (optional)
- 1 cup rice or barley (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (such as thyme)
- Water
Cooking Instructions
- Put the chicken in a large pot and cover it with water.
- Bring it to a boil, skimming off any froth.
- Add the leeks, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 1-1.5 hours until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken, and add prunes and rice or barley if desired.
- Shred the chicken and add it back to the pot.
- Simmer for 20 more minutes and serve hot.
9) Shortbread
Shortbread is a classic Scottish treat, perfect for celebrating St. Andrew’s Day. It has a rich, buttery flavor and a crumbly texture that melts in your mouth. Making your own shortbread is simple and rewarding.
To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need butter, sugar, flour, and a pinch of salt. Some recipes also add rice flour for extra crunch.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
In a bowl, mix the butter and sugar until smooth. Gradually add the flour and salt, blending it all together.
Once combined, press the dough into a pan. You can cut it into shapes or leave it whole.
Bake it for about 20-25 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Let it cool before serving. Enjoy your homemade shortbread with a cup of tea!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Mix butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add flour and salt; blend together.
- Press dough into a pan and cut into shapes.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
- Let cool before serving.
10) Cranachan Dessert
Cranachan is a traditional Scottish dessert that’s both simple and delicious. It features layers of creamy goodness, fresh raspberries, and crunchy oats. This dessert is perfect for celebrating St. Andrew’s Day.
To make Cranachan, start by toasting some oats until golden and fragrant. This enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
Then, whip fresh cream until it becomes soft and fluffy. Stir in some honey and a splash of whisky for a true Scottish touch.
Layer the oats, cream, and raspberries in a serving glass or bowl. You can repeat the layers to create a beautiful presentation.
Serve chilled for a refreshing treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons whisky
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Toast the oats for 5-7 minutes until golden.
- Whip the cream in a chilled bowl until soft peaks form.
- Mix in honey and whisky until well combined.
- In serving glasses, layer the toasted oats, cream, and raspberries.
- Chill before serving. Enjoy!