18 Unexpected Recipes That Use Beer in the Best Way
Beer might not be the first ingredient you reach for in the kitchen—but these recipes will change that. This collection of 18 unexpected dishes uses beer to add depth, richness, and bold flavor in ways that just work. From savory comfort foods to creative twists you wouldn’t expect, each one proves how versatile it can be. Once you try a few, you’ll start seeing beer as more than just something to drink.
Guinness Chocolate Cupcakes with Ganache Filling and Irish Cream Whipped Cream Frosting
Incredibly tender and moist Guinness Chocolate Cupcakes filled with the most decadent, silky and smooth chocolate ganache with whiskey and topped with light and fluffy Irish cream whipped cream frosting.
Bacon Jalapeño Football Fondue
Crisp bacon, spicy fresh jalapeno, and beer make this Bacon Jalapeño Football Fondue an absolute game day favorite and is everything comfort food should be.
Beef Stew and Dumplings in an Ale Gravy
Beef stew and suet dumplings, a British institution, slowly cooked chunks of meat simmered in a beer-based gravy with root vegetables.
Instant Pot Texas Chili (Quick and Easy)
Texas-style Instant Pot Chili is made with ground beef, beer and the perfect blend of bold spices. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy this hearty and satisfying bowl of comfort food!
Perfect Boiled Beer Brats and Onions
Making perfect beer brats and onions is a time-honored Wisconsin tradition! The practice of boiling brats in beer with onions goes way back to the many German settlers in the area – my family included! I’m so excited to share this beloved family recipe with you!
Voodoo Shrimp Creole
Voodoo Shrimp Creole is a spicy cajun shrimp dish that is perfect for dinner or celebrating Mardi Gras and Fat Tuesday!
Beer Battered Onion Rings
These Beer Battered Onion Rings are the best appetizer to serve with an ice-cold beer! The beer batter helps to create a SUPER crispy, light and fluffy exterior while adding another layer of flavor. They result is a sweet, savory, salty, crunchy bite of heaven.
Deep Fried Catfish
Deep-fried catfish is perfect for fish Fridays and will have your friends and family lining up to add more to their plates. This beer batter fried catfish recipe is inspired by the show ‘Reservation Dogs’. It is wonderfully seasoned with a fabulous crispy coating that is perfect for dipping in tartar sauce!
Jerk Chicken Recipe from Jamaica
Jerk Chicken is a delicious Jamaican dish of grilled chicken infused with a spicy, smoky flavor. If you are craving a taste of the islands, give this recipe a try!
Maple Parmesan Beer Bread
This maple parmesan beer bread requires no yeast or rising and you get delicious bread at home in an hour.
Rosemary Cornmeal Beer Battered Fish with Tangy Yogurt Remoulade
These rosemary cornmeal beer battered fish sticks are served with a tangy yogurt remoulade.
Beer and Bacon Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut recipes are not usually on my to-do list, but after experimenting with this Beer and Bacon Sauerkraut recipe, it may have to be something I am making far more often! It is a great condiment to have in the fridge.
Beer Can Chicken
Beer can chicken might sound like a gimmick, but this method creates the juiciest, most tender roast chicken you’ll ever taste. Our readers consistently rate this recipe 5 stars, with many saying it’s become their go-to method for grilling chicken!
Game Day Beer Chili
Game Day Beer Chili made with fresh or canned tomatoes in the slow cooker or pressure cooker is the perfect cold weather tailgating meal!
Slow Cooker Beer Meatballs
Slow Cooker Beer Meatballs are the perfect game day, family gathering, or potluck appetizer. Although this recipe has just four ingredients, it’s full of flavor and makes tender meatballs that can also make a versatile meal option for a busy weeknight.
Slow Cooker BBQ Root Beer Chicken Sandwiches
These BBQ Root Beer Chicken Sandwiches are made in the slow cooker and come together with just five simple ingredients! They are full of flavor and make a perfect summer time dinner!
Kielbasa Potato Soup
I’m thrilled to share a recipe that has become a staple in my kitchen: Slow Cooker Cheesy Kielbasa Potato Soup. If you’re a fan of hearty soups that warm your soul, this one’s a winner. Tender potatoes, smoky kielbasa, and a rich, creamy broth are all slow-cooked to perfection.
Tacos de Pescado
Tacos de Pescado are delicious fish tacos from Baja California. Bring a little bit of Mexico into your home with this easy Tacos de Pescado recipe!
