22 Recipes That Use Beer to Make Every Bite Better
Beer can do a lot more than sit beside your plate. These recipes use it to add depth, richness, and bold flavor to everything from hearty mains and savory snacks to cozy sides and unexpected sweets. Whether it’s simmered into a sauce, baked into bread, stirred into batter, or used to tenderize meat, each dish shows how versatile beer can be in the kitchen. Pour a little into the recipe and see how much flavor it can bring.
Cowboy Chili (Best in the West Chili)
If you love a filling meal, this cowboy chili is packed with beans, vegetables, and tender beef. It’s bold, flavorful, and sure to become a new favorite.
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!
BBQ Pork Ribs
If you aren’t quite sure how to make fall-off-the-bone tender pork ribs on the grill, bookmark this recipe! Thick, juicy, barbecue ribs come together in just a few easy steps.
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.
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!
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!
Beer Can Chicken
We’ve all giggled at memes and or at our own chicken when you shove a beer can up its bum. There are many recipes out there for Beer Can chicken, also known as beer-in-the-butt chicken or beer butt chicken, that range from as easy as just the can to brining, rubbed and roasting.
Root Beer Float Cream Puffs
I can’t begin to tell you where this idea came from. My kiddos love root beer, so I’ll buy some for special occasions. My ideas usually grow and morph over days, and many times I’ll still make last-second changes to the direction of a recipe as I’m whipping it up in my kitchen. Not so with these! The idea for these came suddenly, and I never went off course: we needed Root Beer Float Cream Puffs in our lives!
Old Bay Steamed Shrimp
Marylanders take their seafood very serious and these two dishes top the list. Crab cakes don’t include much filler or any veggies. Shrimp need to come with onions, potatoes and a healthy does of Old Bay seasoning. And if you are truly making them authentic… they don’t get steamed in water, they get steamed in beer. Natty Boh to be specific.
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!
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.
Obatzda: German Beer Cheese Spread
Obatzda is a German Beer Cheese Spread that is served with soft pretzels. This recipe is made with brie cheese, cream cheese, onions, and spices.
Fish Fry Batter
Fish fry batter is arguably the most important component of a delicious American Friday night fish fry or a classic British fish and chips dinner. Next to the actual fish, of course.
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.
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.
Rosemary Cornmeal Beer Battered Fish with Tangy Yogurt Remoulade
These rosemary cornmeal beer battered fish sticks are served with a tangy yogurt remoulade.
APPLE BEER CHEESE SOUP
We’re giving this classic, creamy beer cheese soup a cozy fall twist by adding a few fresh apples to the mix. The apple taste is subtle, but it brings a whole new layer of flavor to this easy autumn soup recipe!
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.
Cheddar Beer Bread
Have you ever made beer bread? It is famous for making delicious, buttery bread with just 3-4 ingredients. How? Self-rising flour and the ingredients in beer!
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!
Guinness Chocolate Mousse
Guinness Chocolate Mousse is the perfect decadent dessert for St Patrick’s Day, blending rich dark chocolate with the bold flavor of Guinness beer into a light and airy mousse. Quick, easy, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Guinness and Cheddar Meatloaf
Guinness and Cheddar Meatloaf is packed with vegetables simmered in stout beer and fresh sage topped with crispy bacon and a sweet molasses glaze.
