Guinness Onion Soup is a bold, Irish-inspired take on the classic French onion soup, made with caramelized onions, Guinness beer, and a rich, savory broth.
Guinness Onion Soup: An Irish-Inspired Take on a Classic
Nothing says St. Patrick’s Day more than Guinness… and green! ☘️ While I’m skipping the green in this recipe, the flavor reflects everything I love about an Irish-inspired dish—bold, hearty, and deeply satisfying.
French onion soup is already incredible, but adding Guinness takes it to another level. The stout’s malty, slightly bitter edge balances the natural sweetness of slow-cooked onions, while soy sauce and balsamic vinegar add an umami boost that makes the broth even richer. This soup takes a little time, but the result is so worth it—deeply caramelized, slightly sweet, savory, and layered with flavor.
Pair it with toasty bread and a melty cheese topping (vegan or traditional!) for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich & Deeply Flavorful – Caramelized onions, Guinness, and umami-packed broth make every spoonful satisfying.
Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day – Nothing says Irish-inspired comfort food quite like a Guinness-based dish!
Meal-Prep Friendly – Flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers even better.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor – The magic is in the slow cooking process, not a long ingredient list.
What is Guinness Beer?
Guinness is one of Ireland’s most iconic beers, known for its dark, rich malt flavor and smooth, creamy head. It’s a stout brewed with roasted barley, which gives it a slightly bitter yet deeply caramelized taste that works beautifully in stews, soups, and slow-cooked dishes.
In this soup, Guinness enhances the sweetness of the caramelized onions while adding malty depth to the broth. If you don’t have Guinness, a similar stout can work, but nothing quite replicates its distinct flavor.
Ingredient Highlight: Caramelized Onions
Caramelized onions are the heart of any onion soup, and taking the time to cook them low and slow is key. As onions cook, their natural sugars break down, creating a deep, sweet, and savory flavor. The slow caramelization process gives the soup its signature richness and golden-brown color, making it absolutely irresistible.
Madly Delicious Must-Know Tips and Questions
- Be Patient with Caramelization – It takes time! Rushing the process can lead to burnt onions instead of deep, sweet flavor.
- Deglaze for Extra Flavor – Scraping up the browned bits from the pan with Guinness adds even more depth to the broth.
- Use the Right Cheese – Irish cheddar brings an extra layer of flavor, but classic Gruyère works beautifully too.
Can I make this without beer?
Yes! The beer gives it its depth, and is the heart of the soup but you can use extra broth and have a lighter tasting soup..
Can I store leftovers?
Yes! Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors only get better over time!
Let’s Dish: Did You Know?
Guinness has been brewed in Dublin, Ireland, since 1759, making it one of the oldest and most famous stouts in the world. While it’s best known as a drink, Guinness has long been used in Irish cooking, adding depth and richness to everything from stews to desserts. It’s often called “liquid bread” due to its hearty, malty character!
Love a rich, comforting soup with layers of flavor? Then try my Guinness Onion Soup!
Slow-cooked caramelized onions, a bold Guinness broth, and plenty of umami—it’s everything you want in a cozy bowl. Give it a try and tag me on Instagram @madly__delicious with #MadlyDelicious to share your take!
More Soup Recipes
Middle Eastern-Inspired Roasted Zucchini Soup
Thai-Inspired Corn Coconut Soup (Tom Kha Style)
Smoky White Bean and Kale Soup
Guinness Onion Soup
Equipment
- Dutch oven or large pot
Ingredients
- 4 large yellow or sweet onions (5-6 medium), thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp plant-based butter
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 1 (14.9-ounce) can Guinness beer
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme)
- ¾ tsp salt, adjust to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce (or vegan Worcestershire sauce)
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar (start with 1 and add more if desired)
- Slices of plant-based white cheddar
- Crusty bread for dipping
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes, until the onions start to become translucent.Remove the lid and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for 40–50 minutes, or until the onions develop a deep golden-brown color. Once they begin to caramelize, stir in 2 tsp brown sugar and continue cooking, stirring occasionally.
- Add Seasonings & Deglaze with Guinness: Stir in the 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp dried thyme, ¾ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.Pour in the 14.9-ounce can Guinness beer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer for 10 minutes until the alcohol cooks off and the liquid reduces slightly but does not fully evaporate.
- Add Broth & Simmer: Stir in 4 cups vegetable broth and bring the soup to a gentle simmer, cover with the lid slightly tilted, and let it cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Finish & Adjust Seasoning: Tste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Stir in the 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, then taste again and adjust if desired.
- Melt the Cheese: While the soup simmers, preheat the broiler. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, top with 1–2 slices of vegan cheddar, and place under the broiler until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Serve & Enjoy: Remove from the oven and serve hot with crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy!