I don’t wait for St. Patrick’s Day to crack open a Guinness for cooking. That smooth, malty magic makes everything from hearty stews to chocolate desserts sing with deep, rich flavor. I’ve rounded up 25 of my absolute favorite ways to use this Irish stout, and trust me, you’re going to want to try every single one.
1. Guinness Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Icing
If you’re planning a St. Paddy’s party, this decadent cake needs to be on the table. The chocolate cake itself gets a lovely infusion of Guinness, and then there’s a heavenly cream cheese icing on top.
A dollop of sour cream is my secret for keeping it incredibly moist without thinning the batter. The final texture is just perfect.
2. Baileys Dark Chocolate Guinness Bread
Calling all chocoholics, this bread is your kryptonite. It’s loaded with Baileys, Guinness, and dark chocolate, then finished with a silky Baileys glaze drizzled right over the top.
The toughest decision you’ll make is whether to enjoy it with a cold glass of milk or a frothy pint of Guinness. Honestly, you can’t go wrong either way.
3. Guinness Beef Burgers
These burgers take the idea of beer and a burger to a whole new level. The ground beef gets a flavor packed marinade of Guinness and Worcestershire before hitting the grill. Pile them high with lettuce, tomato, red onion, and cheese, and you’ve got a winning combo that always hits the spot.
4. Corned Beef Sandwich with Guinness Dipping Sauce
This Irish sandwich deserves a regular spot in your lunch rotation. Pile corned beef high on rye bread with tangy sauerkraut and pickles, then serve it with a rich Guinness sauce made for dipping.
Do yourself a favor and make it a double decker. This savory masterpiece is too good not to go all in.
5. Rich Irish Guinness Beef Stew
This stew is pure comfort in a bowl, rich and hearty in all the right ways. The Guinness works its magic in the broth, deepening the flavor of every tender, juicy chunk of beef.
Since building that kind of complexity takes a little time, I love letting it bubble away in the slow cooker while I go about my day. By dinnertime, you walk into a house that smells incredible and a pot of stew that’s ready and waiting.
6. Corned Beef with Guinness and Cabbage
With so many amazing St. Paddy’s Day recipes out there, picking one can be tough. If you’re craving something traditional, this is the dish for you. Corned beef and cabbage are the heart of Irish cooking, and adding Guinness makes the whole meal feel even more festive.
7. Guinness Milk Chocolate Ice Cream
Being an adult has its perks, and this ice cream is definitely one of them. Classic chocolate ice cream gets a boost from the stout, and the result is an award worthy combination.
I say go for a double scoop. Or better yet, turn it into a Guinness float. You’ve earned it.
8. Sinfully Good Chocolate Guinness Truffles
These little truffles are proof that Guinness and chocolate are a match made in dessert heaven. The fudgy, melt in your mouth texture is absolutely dreamy. And here’s the best part: they come together so easily, you’ll feel like you’re getting away with something.
9. Guinness Spiked Irish Chili
This chili is rich, savory, bold, and so satisfying. Every bowl is loaded with perfectly spiced ground beef, kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, and bell peppers for extra oomph. And just like any great chili, it begs for a mountain of your favorite fixings on top.
10. Guinness Floats
When life gets a little too hectic, a Guinness float is the cheerful pick me up I need. This one is as effortless as it gets just scoop some ice cream into a glass and pour the stout right over it.
On those really long days, I go all out with a drizzle of chocolate and caramel sauce, plus a mountain of whipped cream on top. Pure joy.
11. Cheesy Guinness Beef Sliders
These little sliders are destined to be the star of your next party. Soft, buttery Hawaiian rolls get loaded up with roast beef, plenty of melty cheese, and a savory layer of mushrooms and onions that have been cooked in Guinness.
And just when you think it can’t get any better, a rich Guinness glaze gets brushed over the top. Prepare for everyone to ask for the recipe.
12. Irish Nachos
Whether it’s game day or St. Paddy’s, these Irish nachos are a total crowd pleaser. Instead of tortilla chips, you pile up potato chips with corned beef, sauerkraut, and a drizzle of Thousand Island dressing. Then comes the cheese double duty: shredded cheese and a luscious Guinness beer cheese sauce that ties it all together.
13. Irish Guinness Brown Bread
This brown bread is incredibly versatile. Slather it with that spiced Guinness jelly, pile it high with corned beef for a sandwich, or dunk it straight into a bowl of hearty Irish stew. The toasty, malty notes of Guinness make it a perfect match for earthy brown bread, no matter how you serve it.
14. Guinness Gingerbread Cake with Brown Butter Glaze
Looking to shake up your holiday dessert table? This cake is my top pick.
It’s packed with warm holiday spices, a kiss of molasses, and a generous pour of Guinness. The brown butter glaze with vanilla paste is an elegant touch that takes it right over the top.
15. Guinness Irish Soup
French onion soup goes Irish with just seven ingredients. A good pour of Guinness makes the broth incredibly robust and deep.
Top each bowl with a thick slab of cheesy toast, and you’ve got a bowl that’s pure comfort. To really lean into the theme, I reach for a yummy Irish cheese like Dubliner.
16. Guinness and Irish Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese
I’ve met a lot of mac and cheeses, but this one is absolutely killer. Tender macaroni noodles take a luxurious bath in a creamy Guinness cheese sauce that’s packed with Irish cheddar.
A sprinkle of breadcrumbs on top adds just the right bit of crunch. It’s a carb loaded, cheesy feast you’ll dream about.
17. Guinness Chocolate Poke Cake
Chocolate lovers, meet your new obsession. This cake delivers everything you crave in a chocolate dessert and then some.
A triple hit of Guinness brings those malty chocolate notes forward in every layer. My favorite part? All those little poke holes get flooded with a Guinness chocolate filling, making each and every bite absolutely sublime.
18. Slow Cooker Corned Beef Tacos
This Mexican Irish mashup is about to become your favorite taco situation. Savory, bold, and surprisingly fresh, these tacos get a double dose of Guinness in both the cream sauce and the corned beef. Call up your crew and grab a six pack, because this recipe is a celebration in itself.
19. Savoury Spiced Guinness Jelly
Get your toast ready, because this jelly is a breakfast game changer. The mix of Guinness and warm spice takes apple jelly in a wonderfully savory direction.
It’s just as happy spread on a sandwich as it is on your morning toast. You’ll want to slather it on everything.
20. Guinness Brownies with Coffee Frosting
These brownies are one of my all time favorite ways to bake with Guinness. They come out so fudgy and rich, you’ll keep going back for just one more bite.
And the coffee kissed Guinness frosting? I can’t even talk about it without getting excited. It’s ridiculously good.
21. Guinness Marinated Steaks with Sauce
Pour yourself a proper Irish cocktail, because this dinner calls for it. The Guinness marinade becomes a robust, hearty sauce that pairs beautifully with a prime sirloin steak.
I love these on the grill, but when it’s too chilly outside, a quick sear on the stove and a finish in the oven works like a charm. Steak night just got a whole lot cozier.
22. Guinness and Cheddar Fondue
This is my go to when I’m having friends over. The gooey, Guinness spiked cheese is robust and creamy with just the right touch of spice.
Cubes of crusty bread are the classic dipper, but I love setting out a whole smorgasbord: broccoli, potato wedges, meatballs, you name it. Everyone huddles around and dips until the pot is scraped clean.
23. Guinness Beef Pot Pie
Calling all meat and potato fans, this savory pie is for you. Inside that flaky puff pastry lid, you’ll find beef, potatoes, and plenty of veggies that have been slow cooked in a rich Guinness beef broth. Every bite is cozy, hearty, and absolutely packed with flavor.
24. Classic Irish Guinness Rarebit
Simple and genius, that’s what this rarebit is all about. You whisk together Guinness, egg, Worcestershire, and cheese, then broil it on a slice of bread until bubbly and golden.
It’s a prime addition to any weekend brunch or big dinner spread. I can never get enough.
25. Guinness Pulled Pork
If you’re making pulled pork, this is the only way to go. A spice rubbed pork shoulder slowly cooks in Guinness all day long until it’s exquisitely flavorful and fall off the bone tender. Pile it high on a bun and get ready for the best sandwich of your life.