Photo: Annabelle Breakey, Getty Images.
St. Patrick’s Day is upon us and what better way to celebrate than with a ton of Guinness? That iconic Irish stout is a mandatory part of any proper St. Paddy’s party, but you don’t have to limit yourself to simply imbibing it. The dark malty ale can be incorporated into appetizers, breakfast foods, lunches, dinners, and even dessert recipes with ease. Here are our top suggestions for how to infuse everything you eat on St. Patrick’s Day with a little more booze.
Guinness Infused Foods
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Mynaivemelody Guinness Bread
Making a hearty loaf of bread is a must-master skill of Irish cooking. The whole wheat, oatmeal-studded variety is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven with a slab of pure Irish butter.
Recommended Recipe: Guinness Bread by All Recipes.
Photo: @mynaivemelody on Instagram.
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Guinness Nuts
While waiting for your Guinness-soaked first course, snack on this delicious variation on beer nuts. The combination of pecans, Guinness, bacon grease, and brown sugar is so irresistible it will threaten to spoil your appetite.
Recommended Recipe: Guinness Beer Nuts by Mantitlement.
Photo: Mantitlement on Pinterest.
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Guinness Pot Pie
Pot pies are the perfect mix of high-brow and low-brow dinner fare. Make your dining companions a stunning one with the unexpected addition of Guinness.
Recommended Recipe: Beef and Guinness Pie by Epicurious.
Photo: @mushroomemporium on Instagram.
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Guinness Stew
The only way the Irish survive those cold, damp nights is with alcohol and stew. Make like an Irishman and warm up with a big bowl of Guinness stew.
Recommended Recipe: Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew by Simply Recipes.
Photo: @dekeukenboef on Instagram.
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Guinness Shepherd's Pie
What we might call a hot dish, the Irish call Shepherd's Pie. Traditionally, it's built with a foundation of ground meat (typically beef, though lamb is also popular), topped with a mix of vegetables, and covered with a layer of mashed potatoes. Why beer wasn't an essential ingredient from the beginning is beyond us.
Recommended Recipe: Guinness Shepherd's Pie by The Hungry Housewife.
Photo: @nhvfood_and_travel on Instagram.
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Guinness Burger
Ground beef will soak up Guinness Draught and hold in that malty flavor throughout the grilling process. You won't need many toppings to appease your taste buds, but throw a bunch on anyway because you can.
Recommended Recipe: Guinness Pub Burgers by Chowhound.
Photo: @burger_junkie on Instagram.
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Guinness Chicken
How to feed a crowd of rowdy, hungry guys on St. Patrick's Day? Chicken with a beer up its butt! This technique ensures your bird stays moist on the inside but crispy on the outside.
Recommended Recipe: Guinness Chicken by Tasty Meals.
Photo: @designtimes7 on Instagram.
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Guinness Mac 'n' Cheese
Mac 'n' cheese may not have been a thing back when Irish stout was first brewed, but who says you can't merge the old with the new and make a modern comfort food?
Recommended Recipe: Guinness and Irish Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese by Celebrating Sweets.
Photo: @captiveatingem on Instagram.
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Guinness Brownies
Finish your meal on a rich and boozy note with Guinness brownies. Add nuts if you like a little crunch with your mouthful of chewy chocolate goodness.
Recommended Recipe: Triple Chocolate Guinness Brownies by Plain Chicken.
Photo: @301baking on Instagram.
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Guinness Cheesecake
Cheesecake is a labor-intensive treat, but the finished product will be so satisfying, you won't mind the time investment. Top your creamy concoction with a layer of chocolate ganache and/or a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
Recommended Recipe: Guinness Chocolate Cheesecake by Warm Vanilla Sugar.
Photo: @b.asta on Instagram.
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Guinness Stout Cupcakes
Sure, you could make a Guinness cake, but then you'd have to contend with portion control. Cupcakes solve the lack-of-willpower problem before it begins. These little pastries pack a wallop of Guinness flavor and have a thick crown of Irish cream frosting to boot.
Recommended Recipe: Chocolate Stout Cupcakes by Nourish and Fete.
Photo: @nourishandfete on Instagram.
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Guinness Doughnuts
Is there anything doughnuts can't do? (Don't answer that. We don't want to know.) Take your average cake doughnut recipe, get it drunk on Guinness, then cream it with a Baileys-based glaze for a mind-blowing O.
Recommended Recipe: Dark Chocolate Guinness Donuts by Love Swah.
Photo: @crosstowndoughnuts on Instagram.
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Guinness Pancakes
A complete breakfast includes plenty of carbs and a little bit of beer (or at least, that's what it should include). Pancakes get more complex thanks to unsweetened cocoa powder, a cup or so of Guinness, and whipped cream. If you want to go hog wild, sprinkle with bacon bits.
Recommended Recipe: Bacon Guinness Chocolate Pancakes by Closet Cooking.
Photo: @aiysvariyah on Instagram.
