Dublin Coddle Guinness Herb Dumplings

Dublin Coddle My St Patricks Day Food Secret

By Chef BakerSeptember 27, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Fancy a bit of Dublin on your plate? Ever craved proper Irish comfort food that warms you right down to your toes? This St Patricks Day food recipe for Dublin Coddle with Guinness & Herb Dumplings is where it's at.

It's like a big hug in a bowl! Honestly, this recipe is something special.

Dublin Coddle: A Taste of Ireland, Elevated

Dublin Coddle, a traditional Irish stew, was born out of using up leftover rashers, sausages, and potatoes. This recipe elevates this humble dish with Guinness and fluffy herb dumplings, creating a taste of home, no matter where you are.

This is your new St Patrick's Day dinner ideas !

This recipe is a medium difficulty and takes around 2 hours to make, 30 minutes of prep time and 1 hour 30 of cooking time.

You'll get around 6 servings, perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with mates.

Why This Coddle Rocks

This Hearty Irish recipes not only tastes amazing but is packed with good stuff. Potatoes are full of potassium, which is awesome for your heart.

This dish is perfect for a cold evening, a St Patrick's Day celebration, or anytime you fancy some Traditional Irish food .

What makes this Dublin Coddle so special? The combination of savory meat, hearty veggies, and that hint of Guinness just works, doesn't it? And those dumplings? They're like little clouds of herby goodness floating on top.

Forget Bangers and mash alternative , Dublin Coddle is the right proper way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day!

Now that we're craving this fantastic stout stew recipe , let's talk ingredients...

Okay, let's get this St. Patrick's Day shindig started! This Dublin Coddle recipe is a bomb. It's like a big hug in a bowl.

And those dumplings? Oh my gosh! Let's talk ingredients and equipment.

Ingredients & Equipment

This Dublin Coddle is all about quality. Let's make some proper St Patricks Day food .

Main Ingredients

Olive oil: 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ). It should be extra virgin for best flavor.
Irish rashers (or thick cut bacon): 1 pound ( 450g ), cut into 1 inch pieces. Look for rashers that are nicely marbled with fat for maximum flavour.
Pork sausages: 1 pound ( 450g ), ideally Irish bangers, cut into 1 inch pieces. Good quality bangers are essential.
Onions: 2 large , roughly chopped (about 300g ). Yellow onions are perfect.
Garlic: 3 cloves , minced. Fresh is always best.
Yukon Gold potatoes: 2 pounds ( 900g ), peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces. These hold their shape well.
Carrot: 1 large , peeled and sliced (about 150g ). Adds a touch of sweetness.
Chicken broth: 2 cups ( 475ml ). Low sodium gives you more control over the salt.
Guinness stout: 1 (14.9 oz/425g) can . This adds depth and richness to our stout stew recipe .
Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon . Adds an earthy note.
Dried rosemary: 1 teaspoon . Pairs beautifully with the Guinness.
Bay leaf: 1 . Don't forget to remove it before serving!
All-purpose flour: 1 ½ cups ( 190g ). Essential for the Irish stew with dumplings .
Baking powder: 1 ½ teaspoons . For fluffy dumplings.
Salt: ½ teaspoon . Balances the flavors in the dumplings.
Cold unsalted butter: 6 tablespoons ( 85g ), cut into small cubes. Keep it super cold!
Milk: ¾ cup ( 180ml ). Whole milk adds richness.
Fresh chives: 2 tablespoons , chopped. Adds a lovely oniony flavour.
Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons , chopped. For a touch of freshness.

Honestly, finding good Irish rashers can be a pain. If you can't find them, thick cut bacon is a decent substitute.

Seasoning Notes

Thyme, rosemary, and a bay leaf are key here. This combo screams traditional Irish food . A little salt and pepper goes a long way.

You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.

For flavour enhancers, don't skip the garlic. It's essential! And remember the salt and pepper!

If you are running low on herbs, you could use dried mixed herbs in a pinch. Not quite the same, but it works.

Equipment Needed

Large Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot with lid. This is non-negotiable.
Cutting board. For chopping.
Chef's knife. A good knife is a must.
Measuring cups and spoons. Gotta be precise!
Mixing bowl. For the dumpling dough.
Pastry blender or fork. For cutting butter into the dumpling dough.
Wooden spoon or spatula. For stirring.
Ladle. For serving this hearty Irish recipes .

Don't have a pastry blender? No worries! A fork works just fine. You might be even able to cobble together some kind of bangers and mash alternative with the bits you have lying around.

I can't wait to see what you think about this elevated Dublin coddle recipe !! I think it makes the list for best St Patrick's Day dinner ideas !

Dublin Coddle: Sláinte to a Delicious St Patricks Day Food!

Okay, let's get this St. Patrick's Day food shindig started! Forget those boring corned beef and cabbage recipes. This year, we're levelling up with a hearty Dublin coddle recipe , infused with the magic of Guinness and topped with fluffy, herby dumplings.

Honestly, this isn't your gran's coddle, unless your gran was secretly a Michelin starred chef. This is Irish comfort food at its absolute finest! We're talking about taking a traditional dish and turning it into a St Patrick's Day dinner idea everyone will rave about.

Prep Like a Pro for the Perfect Coddle

Essential Mise en Place : Dice those spuds (that's potatoes, for you non-Irish speakers). Chop the onions, mince the garlic. Get everything measured out. Trust me, it saves a headache later. This includes chopping 2 large onions and mincing 3 cloves garlic .
Time Saving Organization Tips : I always chop my veggies while the rashers (or bacon) are sizzlin'. Multitasking is your friend, especially when you are thinking of Easy St Patrick's Day recipes .
Safety Reminder : When you are working with hot oil, don't be a numpty. Pay attention to the heat. Keep a fire extinguisher handy, just in case!

Cooking this Coddle: step-by-step

Sauté those Meats : In a Dutch oven with 1 tablespoon olive oil , brown 1 pound Irish rashers and 1 pound pork sausages . PRO TIP : Get a nice sear for added flavour. Set aside.
Sauté Aromatics : Add the chopped 2 large onions and minced 3 cloves garlic to the pot. Sauté until softened.
Layer the Goodness : Layer the 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes , sliced 1 large carrot , and half the meat in the pot. Season with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon dried thyme , 1 teaspoon dried rosemary , and 1 bay leaf . Repeat layers.
Add the Booze (and Broth)! : Pour in 2 cups chicken broth and a glorious 1 (14.9 oz/425g) can of Guinness stout . Bring to a simmer.
Simmer Coddle : Cover and simmer on low for 1 hour , or until potatoes are tender.

Pro Tips for a Cracking Coddle

Don't Overmix the Dumplings : Overmixing means tough dumplings. Gently combine 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, ¾ cup milk, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for fluffy perfection.
Guinness Shy? : If Guinness is too strong, use half stout, half broth.
Thinking about St Patrick's Day dinner ideas ? Prep the coddle ahead of time! Just hold off on the dumplings until you're ready to serve. Honestly, this Guinness stew is a lifesaver!

So there you have it! A hearty Irish recipes that will make you the star. Grab your Irish stew with dumplings a pint and raise a glass!

Recipe Notes for Your St Patricks Day Food Adventure

Okay, let's get this St Patricks Day shindig started! Dublin Coddle is already awesome. But, let's make it perfect .

Here are some little bits to help you nail this st patricks day food masterpiece.

Serving Like a Pro

Honestly, presentation matters. For plating, ladle the coddle into bowls. Top with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley. A dollop of sour cream? Why not.

Traditional Irish food deserves some love. As for sides, Irish soda bread is a must. A simple salad cuts through the richness.

And for drinks? Guinness , obviously. Or try a crisp cider.

Storage Secrets

So, you've got leftovers? Ace. Let it cool completely. Then, refrigerate in an airtight container. It’ll last for 3-4 days .

For freezing, portion it out. Use freezer safe containers. It’ll keep for up to 3 months . Reheating? Gently does it. Use the stovetop.

Or a microwave. Just add a splash of broth if it seems dry.

Tweaks & Twists

Want to mix it up? No problem. For a veggie version, ditch the meat. Use mushrooms and beans. Vegetarian Coddle rocks.

To spice things up, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Boom. gluten-free Dumplings are easy too. Just swap the flour.

Nutrition Nuggets

Each serving is roughly 600 calories . You get 32g of protein. There are 35g of fat and 45g of carbs.

And 6g of fiber. It’s a hearty Irish recipe ! The potatoes give you energy. The broth hydrates. It's Irish comfort food at its finest.

St Patrick's Day dinner ideas abound, but this is special. Don't be afraid to experiment. Have fun. And most importantly, enjoy! This Dublin Coddle is gonna be a hit. I promise!

and used:

Dublin coddle
Irish comfort food
Irish stew with dumplings
Traditional Irish food
St Patrick's Day dinner ideas
Easy St Patrick's Day recipes
Vegetarian Coddle
gluten-free Dumplings
St Patrick's Day food
Hearty Irish recipe
Guinness

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is Dublin Coddle? It sounds like something straight out of a James Joyce novel!

Dublin Coddle is a traditional Irish stew, often called a "everything but the kitchen sink" kind of meal. It's historically a way to use up leftover rashers, sausages, and potatoes. Think of it as Irish comfort food at its finest, perfect for a chilly St. Patrick's Day.

Can I make this St Patricks day food ahead of time? I'm planning a proper Irish knees-up!

Absolutely! The coddle itself is fantastic made a day or two in advance. The flavors meld together even more beautifully overnight. Just hold off on adding the dumplings until you're ready to serve, as they're best fresh.

If you've already made the dumplings, store them separately in the fridge and gently reheat them by steaming them over the coddle when you reheat the stew.

I can't find Irish rashers! What's a good substitute for this St patricks day food staple?

No worries, not everyone has access to proper Irish rashers! Thick cut bacon is a great substitute. It'll give you a similar smoky, savory flavor that works perfectly in the coddle. Look for a bacon that isn't overly sweet for the most authentic flavour.

My dumpling dough always turns out like lead balloons. Any tips for light and fluffy dumplings?

Ah, the dreaded hockey puck dumplings! The key is to not overmix the dough. Just gently combine the ingredients until they come together. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough dumplings.

Also, make sure your butter is nice and cold when you cut it into the flour that's what creates those flaky layers!

I'm not a huge fan of Guinness. Can I leave it out of this St patricks day food recipe?

While the Guinness adds a lovely depth and richness, you can certainly adjust it to your liking. If you prefer a less intense Guinness flavour, you can use half Guinness and half chicken broth. Or, if you want to avoid it altogether, use a strong beef broth with a teaspoon of molasses to mimic the dark, malty flavour.

How should I store any leftover Dublin Coddle, assuming there are any leftovers?

Pop any leftover coddle into an airtight container and refrigerate it promptly. It will keep well for 3-4 days. When reheating, you might need to add a splash of broth or water as the potatoes tend to absorb a lot of the liquid. You can also freeze the coddle (without the dumplings) for up to 2 months.

Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and making a fresh batch of dumplings.