Guinness & Potatoes: Iconic Irish Ingredients and How to Cook with Them

Sure, Guinness and potatoes are tried-and-true staples, but that doesn’t mean you have to stick to the same old dishes. With just a bit of imagination, you can turn these traditional ingredients into bold, modern meals that still taste like home.
Ready to break the mold? Let’s do this.
🍽️ 3 Unique Irish-Inspired Recipes Using Guinness & Potatoes
1. Guinness Braised Potato Tacos with Pickled Cabbage Slaw
An Irish-Mexican fusion you didn’t know you needed. These vegetarian tacos are savory, slightly sweet, and have an earthy Guinness depth that pairs perfectly with creamy potatoes and zingy slaw.
Ingredients:
For the potatoes:
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4 medium Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 onion, sliced
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3 garlic cloves
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1/2 cup Guinness
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1/2 tsp smoked paprika
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Salt & pepper
For the slaw:
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1 cup shredded red cabbage
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1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
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1 tsp honey
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Pinch of salt
To serve:
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6 small corn tortillas
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Sour cream or Irish yogurt
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Fresh cilantro
Instructions:
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Heat oil in a pan, sauté onions and garlic till soft.
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Add diced potatoes, paprika, salt, pepper, and pour in Guinness.
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Cover and simmer until potatoes are fork-tender and the Guinness is absorbed.
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Mix slaw ingredients and let sit for 10 mins.
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Warm tortillas, layer with Guinness potatoes, slaw, and a dollop of sour cream. Garnish with cilantro.
2. Guinness Potato Flatbread Pizza with Irish Cheddar & Caramelized Onions
Who said Irish food can’t be fancy and fun? This thin, crispy potato-based flatbread is topped with tangy cheddar, sweet onions, and just a touch of Guinness reduction.
Ingredients:
For the base:
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1 1/2 cups mashed potatoes
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 tsp baking powder
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Pinch of salt
Toppings:
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1 cup shredded Irish cheddar
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1 large onion, thinly sliced
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1/4 cup Guinness
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1 tsp sugar
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Fresh thyme (optional)
Instructions:
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Mix mashed potatoes, flour, baking powder, oil, and salt into a dough. Roll it out thin.
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Cook onions slowly with Guinness and sugar until deeply caramelized.
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Prebake the dough at 400°F for 8-10 minutes until firm.
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Top with cheese and onions, then bake again until golden and bubbly.
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Sprinkle thyme on top and slice like a pizza!
3. Guinness-Glazed Potato Croquettes with Creamy Horseradish Dip
These crispy, deep-fried bites are perfect as appetizers or party snacks. The Guinness glaze adds a bold, malty twist, and the horseradish dip balances it out with some creamy kick.
Ingredients:
For the croquettes:
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2 cups mashed potatoes (cooled)
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1/2 cup Irish cheddar, shredded
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1 egg
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs
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Salt & pepper
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Oil for frying
For the Guinness glaze:
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1/2 cup Guinness
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1 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tsp balsamic vinegar
For the dip:
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1 tbsp prepared horseradish
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Salt to taste
Instructions:
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Mix mashed potatoes, cheese, and seasonings. Form into small logs or balls.
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Dip in egg and roll in breadcrumbs.
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Fry until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
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In a pan, reduce Guinness with sugar and vinegar until thick and sticky.
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Drizzle glaze over croquettes and serve with horseradish dip.
🧠 Bonus: Smart Substitutions & Tips
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No Guinness on hand? Try a malty stout or even non-alcoholic Guinness 0.0.
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Leftover mashed potatoes? Boom – croquettes or flatbread dough in minutes.
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Want to go vegan? Swap the dairy for plant-based cheddar and yogurt alternatives.
FAQs
Can I bake the croquettes instead of frying?
You bet! Bake at 425°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy, but still delicious.
What kind of flour works best for the flatbread?
All-purpose is easiest, but you could try oat flour or whole wheat for a rustic twist.
How long does Guinness last after opening for cooking?
Ideally, use it right away – but you can refrigerate it and use within 24 hours. Or make a reduction and keep that for sauces.
Who says Irish food has to be predictable? With Guinness and potatoes as your base, there’s a world of flavor to explore – from tacos to croquettes to flatbread pizzas. These fresh takes give you all the warm, cozy vibes of traditional Irish fare with a bold, modern twist.
So grab a pint (for the recipe... and one for you 🍺), fire up that skillet, and bring a little Irish flavor into your kitchen – no holiday required.