Guinness Onion Soup: Cozy Comfort with Irish Flavor

This Guinness Onion Soup is a comforting dish with caramelized onions and rich Guinness broth, perfect for chilly evenings.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1 30

Total Time 1 45

Servings: 6 bowls

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Irish

Calories: 300

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Soup

2 tablespoons Olive Oil Essential for sautéing onions; substitute with vegetable oil if preferred.
2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Adds a rich flavor; substitute with additional olive oil for a dairy-free version.
4 medium Onions Use yellow or sweet onions for the best flavor.
to taste Salt Key for seasoning.
to taste Pepper Key for seasoning.
2 cloves Garlic Enhances the soup’s flavor; fresh gives the best aroma.
1/4 cup Irish Whiskey Adds depth; omit for a non-alcoholic twist.
4 cups Guinness Brings a unique richness to the soup; any stout beer can work as a substitute.
4 cups Beef Stock For a vegetarian option, choose vegetable or mushroom broth.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce Contributes umami; skip for vegetarians, or use a vegan alternative.
a few sprigs Fresh Thyme Imparts an herbaceous note; dried thyme can be used if fresh isn't available.
1 Bay Leaf For aromatic flavor; remove after cooking.

For Serving

2 cups Irish Cheese (e.g., Dubliner) Melts deliciously into the soup; sharp white cheddar is a fine substitute.
to taste Fresh Parsley or Chives Optional for garnish.

Equipment

Large Pot
Baking sheet
broiler-safe bowls

Method

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-low heat until melted. Add 4 sliced onions, with a pinch of salt, and cook for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized.
Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.
Increase heat to medium-high and pour in 1/4 cup of Irish whiskey. Scrape the bottom of the pot and cook for about 2 minutes.
Pour in 4 cups of Guinness, stirring to combine. Let simmer and reduce by half over approximately 10 minutes.
Add 4 cups of beef stock, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, fresh thyme, and 1 bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then simmer gently for 30 minutes.
Slice a baguette and toast under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
Ladle the soup into broiler-safe bowls and top with a toasted baguette slice and shredded Irish cheese. Broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Garnish with fresh parsley or chives and serve immediately with extra baguette slices.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Caramelizing onions takes time; don't rush it. For a vegetarian version, use low-sodium vegetable broth. Always use broiler-safe bowls for melting cheese.

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