18 Recipes That Use Beer in Delicious Ways

Beer isn’t just for drinking—it adds richness, tang, and depth to both savory and sweet recipes. This list highlights all the ways beer can be used in cooking, from hearty mains and cheesy dips to soups, breads, and even desserts. Whether it’s in a batter, braise, or baking mix, beer brings flavor and texture that elevate everyday dishes. These recipes are great for game days, gatherings, or when you want to mix things up in the kitchen.

Beer Battered Cod

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Cod fillets are dipped in a light beer batter and fried until golden and crispy. The beer helps create a delicate, airy coating. Serve with fries and tartar sauce. A pub-style favorite that’s easy to make at home.
Get the Recipe: Beer Battered Cod

Beer Battered Fish

This versatile batter works with cod, haddock, or tilapia, giving each piece a crunchy exterior. The beer adds flavor and lift. Fry until crisp and flaky inside. Serve with lemon wedges and dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: Beer Battered Fish

Beer Braised Beef Brisket

Slices of seasoned brisket topped with onion rings are served alongside sliced pickles and two pieces of white bread on a sheet of parchment paper. — Beer Braised Beef Brisket. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Brisket is slowly braised in beer with onions and spices until it’s fork-tender. The beer breaks down the meat and adds rich flavor. Slice and serve with potatoes or sandwiches. Leftovers are great for tacos or bowls.
Get the Recipe: Beer Braised Beef Brisket

Beer Braised Short Ribs

Short ribs simmer in a dark beer broth with herbs and garlic, turning soft and flavorful over time. The sauce thickens into a deep, savory glaze. Serve over mashed potatoes or polenta. A great make-ahead dish for dinner guests.
Get the Recipe: Beer Braised Short Ribs

Beer Cheese Dip with Bacon

Bacon beer cheese in a dark bowl surrounded by pretzel knots on a cutting board. — Beer Cheese Dip with Bacon. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Sharp cheddar and beer come together into a warm, gooey dip, with crispy bacon for extra flavor. Serve with pretzels, chips, or bread. It’s a party favorite that disappears fast. Keep warm in a small slow cooker.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Dip with Bacon

Beer Cheese Muffins

These savory muffins are flavored with beer and cheddar, creating a soft texture with a hint of tang. Serve warm with butter or alongside chili. Great for breakfast or brunch. They freeze well too.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Muffins

Beer Cheese Sauce

Cheese dip in a white bowl. — Beer Cheese Sauce. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

A simple cheese sauce with beer for added depth and tang. Use it over fries, burgers, or pretzels. Adjust the cheese mix to suit your taste. Keeps well for a few days in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Sauce

Beer Cheese Soup

Creamy and cheesy with the subtle bitterness of beer, this soup is rich and comforting. Serve with croutons or crusty bread. You can add bacon or sausage for more heft. Stir in beer slowly to keep it smooth.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Soup

Beer Chili Recipe

A bowl of chili with ground meat, beans, corn, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream, next to a can and a small bowl of extra cheese. — Beer Chili Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Beer adds a malty base to this hearty chili, enhancing the beef, beans, and spices. Simmer until thick and bold. Top with cheese, sour cream, or onions. Choose a darker beer for more depth.
Get the Recipe: Beer Chili Recipe

Bread Machine Beer Bread

Beer activates the rise and brings flavor to this easy-to-make loaf. Just toss everything in the bread machine and let it do the work. Serve with soup or sliced for sandwiches. Try different beer types for unique results.
Get the Recipe: Bread Machine Beer Bread

Cheddar Cheese Beer Soup

A bowl of cheese soup with crackers on a plate. — Cheddar Cheese Beer Soup. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This version of beer cheese soup leans heavily on sharp cheddar and creamy broth. The result is rich and velvety. Add crumbled bacon or a sprinkle of chives. Great in a bread bowl or with soft pretzels.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Cheese Beer Soup

Chocolate Beer Cake

A slice of chocolate cake on a white plate. — Chocolate Beer Cake. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Dark beer like stout deepens the chocolate flavor in this rich, moist cake. It’s ideal for celebrations or just because. Top with ganache or cream cheese frosting. A dense, satisfying dessert that keeps well.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Beer Cake

Everything Bagel Beer Dogs with Dipping Sauce

Beer dog appetizers with an everything bagel seasoning on top. — Everything Bagel Beer Dogs with Dipping Sauce. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Hot dogs are wrapped in dough, brushed with beer, and sprinkled with everything bagel seasoning before baking. Serve with mustard or a cheesy dip. They’re great for parties or casual dinners. A fun take on pigs in a blanket.
Get the Recipe: Everything Bagel Beer Dogs with Dipping Sauce

Guinness Beer Cheese Dip

Guinness Cheese Dip on a platter with soft pretzels. — Guinness Beer Cheese Dip. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This dip uses Guinness for a deeper, slightly bitter edge that pairs perfectly with sharp cheddar. Serve warm with bread, crackers, or veggies. It thickens as it cools, so keep it over low heat. A solid choice for stout lovers.
Get the Recipe: Guinness Beer Cheese Dip

Mac & Beer Cheese in a Mini Pretzel Bowl

Creamy mac and cheese made with beer is served in edible pretzel bowls. The mix of soft pretzel and cheesy pasta is indulgent and satisfying. Great for parties or football nights. Serve hot for the best texture.
Get the Recipe: Mac & Beer Cheese in a Mini Pretzel Bowl

Maple Parmesan Beer Bread

This savory-sweet loaf combines sharp cheese and a touch of maple syrup. The beer helps it rise and adds depth. Slice for breakfast or serve with soups. Great with a smear of butter.
Get the Recipe: Maple Parmesan Beer Bread

Pressure Cooker Ham Braised in Beer

A whole ham is pressure cooked in beer until tender, with the liquid reducing into a flavorful glaze. The beer softens and seasons the meat. Serve sliced for a hearty main. Use the leftovers in sandwiches or hash.
Get the Recipe: Pressure Cooker Ham Braised in Beer

Smoked Brats in Beer

Brats are simmered in beer, then grilled or smoked until the casing crisps up. The beer keeps them juicy and infuses flavor. Serve on buns with mustard or sauerkraut. A must-have for cookouts or tailgating.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Brats in Beer