The holidays are a time for indulgence and what better way to treat yourself and your loved ones than with a rich and flavorful holiday stout. With its dark and velvety texture, this beer is the perfect companion for cozy winter nights by the fireplace or to bring to your annual holiday gathering. In this article, we will take a closer look at the ingredients and steps needed to brew your own delicious holiday stout at home.
Main Ingredients: Stout Beer, Baking Soda, Dates, Unsalted Butter
One of the best ways to enjoy a cold beer is by cooking with it, and this sticky toffee pudding recipe is a perfect example. The rich, dark flavors of a stout or porter pair perfectly with the sweet and gooey toffee sauce in this dessert. It's a great way to end a meal with friends and family, and a unique twist on a classic British dessert.
2of 40
Guinness Cupcakes
Main Ingredients: Stout, Milk, Vegetable Oil, Pure Vanilla Extract, Large
Who says beer and cupcakes can't go together? These Guinness cupcakes are a delicious and unique treat that are perfect for any occasion. The dark, malty flavors of the beer complement the rich chocolate cake, making for a decadent and indulgent dessert. Top it off with a creamy Baileys buttercream frosting and you've got a dessert that will impress everyone.
3of 40
Gramercy Tavern’s Gingerbread
Main Ingredients: Oatmeal Stout, Dark Molasses, Baking Soda, All Purpose
If you're a fan of gingerbread, you have to try this recipe from the famous Gramercy Tavern in New York City. The addition of dark stout to the batter gives the gingerbread a rich and complex flavor, making it stand out from the traditional version. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream for a delicious and festive dessert.
4of 40
Irish Stew
Main Ingredients: Flour, Salt, Fresh Ground Black Pepper, Chuck Roast
No list of beer can chicken recipes would be complete without a classic Irish stew. This hearty and comforting dish is made with lamb, vegetables, and of course, a generous amount of dark beer. The beer adds depth and richness to the stew, making it the perfect dish for a cold winter evening.
5of 40
Vegan Irish Stew
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Celery, Yellow Onion, Garlic, All Purpose
If you're looking for a meatless version of Irish stew, this recipe is for you. The combination of lentils, vegetables, and a dark stout or porter creates a hearty and flavorful stew that is perfect for vegans and non-vegans alike. Serve it with some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
6of 40
Crock Pot Chuck Roast
Main Ingredients: Chuck Roast, Salt, Guinness Stout, Beef Broth
Using a slow cooker is a great way to infuse chicken with the flavors of beer. This crock pot chuck roast recipe is a perfect example of that. The beef is cooked low and slow with a dark beer, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish. Serve it with some mashed potatoes and you've got a complete meal.
7of 40
Chocolate Stout Mini-Bundt Cakes
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Flour, Cake Flour, Unsweetened Cocoa
If you love chocolate and beer, these mini-bundt cakes are a must-try. The combination of dark stout and rich chocolate creates a decadent and indulgent dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Top it off with a chocolate ganache and some crushed hazelnuts for added texture and flavor.
8of 40
Slow Cooker Stout Short Ribs with Creamy Parmesan...
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Bone, White Onions, Baby Carrots
Short ribs are one of the most flavorful cuts of beef, and cooking them in a slow cooker with a dark stout takes them to a whole new level. The meat becomes tender and falls off the bone, and the sauce is rich and flavorful. Serve the short ribs over a bed of creamy parmesan polenta for a delicious and satisfying meal.
9of 40
Beer Braised Short Ribs
Main Ingredients: Leeks, Garlic, Carrots, Parsnips, Turnips, Celery
If you don't have a slow cooker, you can still enjoy the deliciousness of beer-braised short ribs. This recipe calls for braising the beef in the oven with a dark beer, resulting in tender and flavorful meat. Serve it with some mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables for a hearty and satisfying dinner.
10of 40
Creamy Mushroom Stout Soup with Crispy Pancetta
Main Ingredients: Crimini Mushrooms, White Button Mushrooms, Olive Oil
This creamy mushroom soup is elevated with the addition of a dark stout beer. The beer adds depth and richness to the soup, making it a perfect comfort food for a cold day. Top it off with some crispy pancetta for added texture and flavor.
11of 40
Mulligan Stew
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Beef Brisket, Cooking Oil, Onion
This hearty and flavorful stew is a classic Irish dish that is perfect for using up leftover meat and vegetables. The addition of a dark beer gives the stew a rich and complex flavor that makes it stand out from other stews. Serve it with some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
12of 40
Classic Gingerbread Cake
Main Ingredients: Stout, Baking Soda, Molasses, Light Brown Sugar
If you're a fan of gingerbread, you have to try this classic recipe. The addition of dark beer to the batter gives the cake a rich and complex flavor that is perfect for the holiday season. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
13of 40
Tailgate Chicken Skewers
Main Ingredients: Brown Ale, Kosher Salt, Granulated Sugar, Onion Powder
This chicken skewer recipe is perfect for a game day party or a summer barbecue. The chicken is marinated in a beer-based marinade, resulting in juicy and flavorful meat. Grill them up and serve them with some dipping sauces for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
14of 40
Double Mountain Chocolate Cake
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Vanilla Extract, Sugar, Cocoa
This chocolate cake is not for the faint of heart. The addition of a dark beer to the batter gives it a rich and intense flavor that chocolate lovers will appreciate. Top it off with a chocolate ganache and some chocolate shavings for a truly indulgent dessert.
15of 40
Irish Beef Stew
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Beef Chuck, Salt, Ground Black Pepper
This traditional Irish beef stew is a classic comfort food that is perfect for a cold winter evening. The beef is cooked with vegetables and a dark stout, resulting in a hearty and flavorful dish. Serve it with some mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.
16of 40
Authentic Canadian Poutine.
Main Ingredients: Russet Potatoes, Beers, Unsalted Butter, Flour
Poutine is a popular Canadian dish that consists of french fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. This recipe takes it to the next level by adding a dark beer to the gravy, giving it a rich and unique flavor. It's a must-try for any poutine lover.
17of 40
A Scotsman's Shepherd Pie
Main Ingredients: Boiled Potatoes, Sour Cream, Cream Cheese, Butter, Egg
This traditional Scottish dish is a hearty and comforting meal that is perfect for a cold day. The addition of dark beer to the filling adds depth and richness to the flavors, making it stand out from other shepherd's pie recipes. Serve it with a side of peas or a salad for a complete meal.
18of 40
Boozy Brownies
Main Ingredients: Butter, Cocoa Powder, Unsalted Butter, Bittersweet
Who says brownies can't be made with beer? These boozy brownies are a unique and delicious twist on a classic dessert. The dark beer adds a rich and complex flavor to the brownies, making them stand out from the traditional version. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent treat.
19of 40
Granny's Bangers and Mash
Main Ingredients: Bangers, Yellow Onion, Guinness Stout, Fat Free Beef
This classic British dish is given a twist with the addition of dark beer to the gravy. The beer adds depth and flavor to the sauce, making it the perfect accompaniment to the sausages and mashed potatoes. It's a simple and comforting meal that will satisfy any appetite.
20of 40
Stout Beer Chili
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Yellow Onions, Salt, Garlic, Fresh Oregano
Chili is a perfect dish for using up leftover beer, and this recipe takes it to the next level by using a dark stout. The beer adds richness and depth to the chili, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. Serve it with some cornbread or tortilla chips for a complete and delicious dinner.
21of 40
Sticky Toffee Pudding
Main Ingredients: Stout Beer, Baking Soda, Dates, Unsalted Butter
This classic British dessert gets a delicious twist with the addition of beer. The rich and moist cake is made with Guinness and topped with a decadent toffee sauce. It's the perfect combination of sweet and savory, and is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
22of 40
Guinness Cupcakes
Main Ingredients: Stout, Milk, Vegetable Oil, Pure Vanilla Extract, Large
Who says you can't have your beer and eat it too? These Guinness cupcakes are a delicious and unique dessert option. The rich chocolate cake is infused with Guinness and topped with a creamy Irish cream frosting. Perfect for any St. Patrick's Day celebration.
23of 40
Gramercy Tavern’s Gingerbread
Main Ingredients: Oatmeal Stout, Dark Molasses, Baking Soda, All Purpose
This gingerbread recipe from New York's famous Gramercy Tavern is a must-try for any beer lover. The dark and spicy cake is made with stout beer and topped with a lemon glaze. It's a perfect holiday treat or a delicious dessert any time of year.
24of 40
Irish Stew
Main Ingredients: Flour, Salt, Fresh Ground Black Pepper, Chuck Roast
No list of Beer Can Chicken recipes would be complete without a hearty Irish stew. This traditional dish is made with lamb, potatoes, and of course, stout beer. It's a comforting and delicious meal that is perfect for a chilly day.
25of 40
Vegan Irish Stew
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Celery, Yellow Onion, Garlic, All Purpose
Looking for a vegan option for your Irish Stew? Look no further than this recipe. Instead of lamb, this stew uses seitan for a protein-packed meal. The addition of stout beer adds a rich and savory flavor to this classic dish.
26of 40
Crock Pot Chuck Roast
Main Ingredients: Chuck Roast, Salt, Guinness Stout, Beef Broth
This crock pot chuck roast recipe is perfect for those busy days when you don't have time to cook. The beef is slow cooked in stout beer and beef broth, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish. Serve with some crusty bread to soak up all the delicious juices.
27of 40
Chocolate Stout Mini-Bundt Cakes
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Flour, Cake Flour, Unsweetened Cocoa
If you're a fan of chocolate and beer, then these chocolate stout mini-bundt cakes are for you. The rich and moist cake is made with stout beer and topped with a creamy chocolate ganache. They're the perfect individual-sized dessert for any occasion.
28of 40
Slow Cooker Stout Short Ribs with Creamy Parmesan...
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Bone, White Onions, Baby Carrots
Another delicious slow cooker recipe, these stout short ribs are perfect for a cozy night in. The beef is cooked in stout beer and topped with a creamy parmesan polenta. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth dish that is sure to impress.
29of 40
Mulligan Stew
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Beef Brisket, Cooking Oil, Onion
This hearty stew is a staple in many Irish households. The beef is simmered in a rich broth made with stout beer, tomatoes, and root vegetables. It's a filling and delicious meal that is perfect for a cold winter night.
30of 40
Beer Braised Short Ribs
Main Ingredients: Leeks, Garlic, Carrots, Parsnips, Turnips, Celery
These beer braised short ribs are a delicious and easy way to elevate your dinner. The beef is slow cooked in stout beer and red wine until it's fall-off-the-bone tender. Serve with some mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food meal.
31of 40
Creamy Mushroom Stout Soup with Crispy Pancetta
Main Ingredients: Crimini Mushrooms, White Button Mushrooms, Olive Oil
This creamy mushroom stout soup is perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of stout beer and cream creates a rich and velvety base for the mushrooms. Top it off with some crispy pancetta for a delicious and satisfying meal.
32of 40
Classic Gingerbread Cake
Main Ingredients: Stout, Baking Soda, Molasses, Light Brown Sugar
If you're a fan of traditional gingerbread, then you'll love this recipe. The spicy and moist cake is made with stout beer and topped with a lemon glaze. It's a perfect dessert for any occasion and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
33of 40
Tailgate Chicken Skewers
Main Ingredients: Brown Ale, Kosher Salt, Granulated Sugar, Onion Powder
These chicken skewers are perfect for your next tailgate or BBQ. The chicken is marinated in a beer-based sauce and grilled to perfection. Serve with some peppers and onions for a delicious and easy meal.
34of 40
Irish Beef Stew
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Beef Chuck, Salt, Ground Black Pepper
This traditional Irish beef stew is a must-try for any beer lover. The beef is simmered in a rich broth made with stout beer and root vegetables. Serve with some crusty bread for a hearty and satisfying meal.
35of 40
Double Mountain Chocolate Cake
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Vanilla Extract, Sugar, Cocoa
This chocolate cake is taken to the next level with the addition of stout beer. The result is a rich and decadent cake that is perfect for any chocolate lover. Top it off with some chocolate ganache for an extra indulgent treat.
36of 40
A Scotsman's Shepherd Pie
Main Ingredients: Boiled Potatoes, Sour Cream, Cream Cheese, Butter, Egg
This twist on the classic shepherd's pie is sure to be a hit. The beef is cooked in stout beer and topped with a layer of mashed potatoes. It's a perfect comfort food meal that is sure to warm you up on a chilly night.
37of 40
Authentic Canadian Poutine.
Main Ingredients: Russet Potatoes, Beers, Unsalted Butter, Flour
If you've never tried poutine, then you're missing out. This classic Canadian dish is made with French fries, cheese curds, and beef gravy. This recipe adds a twist by using stout beer in the gravy, adding a rich and savory flavor to this indulgent dish.
38of 40
Boozy Brownies
Main Ingredients: Butter, Cocoa Powder, Unsalted Butter, Bittersweet
These boozy brownies are the perfect dessert for any beer lover. The rich and fudgy brownies are made with stout beer and topped with a baileys frosting. They're a delicious and decadent treat that is sure to impress.
39of 40
Granny's Bangers and Mash
Main Ingredients: Bangers, Yellow Onion, Guinness Stout, Fat Free Beef
This classic British dish is a perfect comfort food meal. The sausages are simmered in a rich beer and onion gravy and served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. It's a hearty and delicious meal that will make you feel like you're back in your grandmother's kitchen.
40of 40
Stout Beer Chili
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Yellow Onions, Salt, Garlic, Fresh Oregano
This chili is taken to the next level with the addition of stout beer. The beef is slow cooked with tomatoes, beans, and spices to create a hearty and flavorful dish. Top it off with some shredded cheese and green onions for a delicious and satisfying meal.
The Perfect Blend of Ingredients
When it comes to brewing a holiday stout, the key is finding the right balance of flavors. The base of this beer is typically a strong and malty stout, but it's the added ingredients that give it that festive touch. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice are commonly used spices that bring warmth and depth to the stout. For a more complex flavor, you can also add ginger, cloves, and orange peel. These spices can either be added directly to the boil or infused in the fermenter for a few days.
The Importance of Quality Ingredients
To truly elevate your holiday stout, it's important to use high-quality ingredients. This includes using fresh spices, locally-sourced if possible, and top-quality malts and hops. Don't be afraid to splurge a little on specialty ingredients such as vanilla beans or cocoa nibs to add an extra layer of complexity to your beer.
Getting the Right Balance
When adding spices to your holiday stout, it's important to keep in mind the flavor profile you want to achieve. Too much of one spice can overpower the others and lead to an unbalanced brew. It's always a good idea to taste test your beer as you go, making adjustments as needed. Remember, you can always add more spice, but you can't take it away.
Brewing Process
Now that you have your ingredients, it's time to start brewing your holiday stout. Begin by brewing a base stout, following your preferred recipe. Once the wort is in the fermenter, it's time to add the festive spices. You can either add the spices directly to the fermenter or create a spice tea by steeping the spices in hot water and adding it to the fermenter. Allow the spices to sit for a few days, tasting every day until you achieve the desired flavor. Once the beer is ready, bottle or keg and let it carbonate for a few weeks before enjoying.
Sharing the Holiday Cheer
One of the best things about brewing your own holiday stout is sharing it with others. Consider gifting bottles of your brew to friends and family or bringing it to holiday gatherings to share with others. Not only will they appreciate the thought and effort put into the gift, but they will also get to taste the delicious result of your brewing skills.
In Conclusion
Brewing a holiday stout is a fun and rewarding experience that will bring warmth and cheer to your holiday season. By using quality ingredients and finding the right balance of flavors, you can create a delicious and festive brew that will impress your guests and make your holiday gatherings even more special. So why not try your hand at brewing a holiday stout this year and spread some holiday cheer with your own homemade beer?