Craving Pub Grub? Satisfy Your Cravings in Your Own Kitchen
I’ll admit it – I’m a sucker for a good pub atmosphere. There’s just something about the lively chatter, clinking glasses, and mouthwatering aromas that draws me in. But you know what’s even better than going out to the pub? Being able to savor those same delectable pub dishes in the comfort of my own home.
That’s why I’ve put together this list of 10 incredible pub-inspired recipes that you can easily make yourself. From hearty shepherd’s pie to cheesy Welsh rarebit, these dishes are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and have you feeling like you’re back at your favorite local haunt.
1. Classic Shepherd’s Pie
What could be more quintessentially pub-worthy than a heaping plate of shepherd’s pie? This comforting casserole is the ultimate in British pub fare. And let me tell you, it’s surprisingly simple to recreate at home.
I start by browning ground lamb or beef in a skillet, then sautéing onions, carrots, and peas until tender. Next, I stir in a bit of tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth to create a rich, flavorful filling.
The real secret, though, is the creamy mashed potato topping. I like to use a combination of russet and Yukon Gold potatoes for the perfect fluffy texture. Once the filling is nestled into a baking dish, I spread the potatoes on top and give them a quick broil to get that irresistible golden-brown crust.
The Up and Under Pub is the ideal spot to savor a hearty slice of shepherd’s pie, but with this recipe, you can enjoy the same comforting flavors in your own kitchen. Just don’t forget the pint of Guinness on the side!
2. Welsh Rarebit
If there’s one dish that epitomizes the decadence of pub fare, it’s gotta be Welsh rarebit. This rich, cheesy delicacy is the stuff that dreams are made of. And the best part? It’s shockingly easy to whip up at home.
The key is to start with a blend of sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheeses. I melt them together with a touch of beer, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce to create a velvety smooth sauce. Then, I ladle it over toasted sourdough or English muffins, giving it a quick broil to get that irresistible bubbly, browned topping.
Trust me, one bite of this Welsh rarebit, and you’ll be transported straight to a cozy pub in the Welsh countryside. It’s the perfect shareable snack to enjoy with friends over a pint or two.
3. Beer-Battered Fish and Chips
No pub menu is complete without the classic pairing of fish and chips. And while the idea of frying up your own fish at home might seem daunting, I’m here to tell you it’s actually a breeze.
The secret is in the batter – a crisp, golden-brown coating made with none other than the pub’s favorite ingredient: beer. I whisk together a simple batter of flour, baking powder, and a nice cold lager or ale, then dip fresh cod or haddock fillets into the mixture before frying them to perfection.
As for the chips (or fries, as we call them on this side of the pond), I opt for thick-cut russet potatoes, double-fried to achieve that signature crunch on the outside and fluffy interior.
Serve this beer-battered fish and chips with a side of tartar sauce and malt vinegar, and you’ve got a pub classic that’ll rival any seaside chippy. Just don’t forget the newspaper-wrapped bundle – it’s all part of the experience!
4. Guinness-Braised Corned Beef and Cabbage
St. Patrick’s Day may have come and gone, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the flavors of Ireland all year round. And what better way to do it than with a hearty plate of Guinness-braised corned beef and cabbage?
I start by searing a corned beef brisket to get that delicious caramelized crust, then I nestle it into a Dutch oven with sliced cabbage, carrots, and potatoes. The real magic happens when I pour in a generous amount of Guinness stout, which infuses the meat with its rich, malty essence as it braises to tender perfection.
The result is a dish that’s equal parts comforting and complex. The salty, peppery corned beef pairs perfectly with the sweet, earthy cabbage, all while the Guinness lends a hint of bitterness that balances out the flavors beautifully.
Serve this Guinness-braised corned beef and cabbage with a side of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce. And don’t be surprised if you find yourself craving a pint of the black stuff to wash it all down.
5. Homemade Soft Pretzels with Beer Cheese Dip
No trip to the pub is complete without a basket of warm, freshly baked soft pretzels, am I right? And while you could certainly pick some up at the store, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of making them yourself.
The key is in the dough – a simple mixture of flour, yeast, and warm water that gets a quick boil in a baking soda solution before baking. This gives the pretzels their signature chewy texture and golden-brown crust.
But the real star of the show here is the beer cheese dip. I melt together a blend of sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and a splash of your favorite pale ale or lager to create a rich, creamy dipping sauce that’s irresistible. The beer adds a subtle depth of flavor that takes this snack to the next level.
Serve these homemade soft pretzels warm from the oven, with the beer cheese dip on the side for dipping and dunking. Trust me, your friends will be begging you to open your own pub after just one bite.
6. Stout-Braised Short Ribs
When it comes to pub-worthy comfort food, you can’t beat a plate of tender, fall-off-the-bone short ribs. And what better way to amp up the flavor than by braising them in a rich, stout-infused sauce?
I start by searing the short ribs to get that delicious caramelized crust, then I nestle them into a Dutch oven with a medley of aromatic vegetables, beef broth, and a generous pour of stout. As the ribs braise low and slow, the stout infuses the meat with its deep, roasty notes, creating a sauce that’s both complex and comforting.
Once the ribs are meltingly tender, I like to serve them over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles, letting that flavorful sauce soak into every bite. It’s the kind of dish that’ll have you dreaming of your next visit to the local pub.
And the best part? This stout-braised short rib recipe is perfect for making ahead of time, so you can enjoy that pub-worthy flavor any night of the week.
7. Bangers and Mash
If you’re looking for a classic British pub dish that’s both comforting and satisfying, you can’t go wrong with bangers and mash. This simple yet delicious combination of sausages and mashed potatoes is the epitome of pub grub.
For my take on this pub favorite, I start with high-quality Irish or English-style sausages, which I pan-fry until they’re perfectly crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside. Then, I whip up a batch of creamy, buttery mashed potatoes, seasoned with just a touch of garlic and a splash of milk.
But the real magic happens when you drizzle those sausages with a rich, onion-y gravy. I make mine by sautéing onions until they’re soft and caramelized, then deglazing the pan with a bit of beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. The result is a savory, intensely flavored gravy that ties the whole dish together.
Serve this bangers and mash with a side of sautéed cabbage or peas, and you’ve got a pub-worthy meal that’ll have you feeling like you’re back in the cozy confines of your favorite local haunt.
8. Cheddar and Ale Soup
There’s something about a piping hot bowl of soup that just screams “pub grub.” And when it comes to pub-inspired soups, you can’t beat a classic cheddar and ale variety.
To make this comforting creation, I start by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in a bit of butter until they’re soft and fragrant. Then, I whisk in a roux to thicken the broth, followed by a generous pour of your favorite ale or lager.
The real magic happens when I stir in a blend of sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheeses, melting them into the soup until it’s rich, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying. A splash of Worcestershire sauce and a pinch of cayenne pepper help to balance out the flavors, creating a soup that’s equal parts indulgent and crave-worthy.
I like to serve this cheddar and ale soup with a crusty, buttered baguette for dipping, but it also makes a fantastic accompaniment to a hearty pub salad or a plate of those homemade soft pretzels we talked about earlier.
9. Irish Nachos
When it comes to pub fare, you can’t forget the all-important snack category. And if there’s one dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings, it’s gotta be Irish nachos.
Now, you’re probably thinking, “Irish nachos? What on earth are those?” Well, let me tell you – they’re the perfect fusion of pub grub and Tex-Mex goodness.
Instead of the traditional tortilla chips, I use thick-cut, crispy potato slices as the base. Then, I load them up with all the classic nacho toppings – melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, crumbled bacon, scallions, and a drizzle of tangy sour cream.
But the real kicker? I finish it all off with a generous pour of warm Guinness-infused cheese sauce. The rich, malty notes of the stout perfectly complement the savory, smoky flavors of the bacon and cheese, creating a snack that’s both addictive and undeniably pub-worthy.
Serve these Irish nachos as a shareable appetizer or a hearty main course, and get ready for your guests to be begging you to open your own gastropub.
10. Cheesy Pulled Pork Stuffed Potato Skins
When it comes to pub food, nothing quite hits the spot like a plate of loaded potato skins. And when you combine that irresistible pub classic with the mouthwatering flavor of slow-cooked pulled pork, the result is pure magic.
I start by baking russet potatoes until they’re tender and fluffy, then I scoop out the insides, leaving behind a crispy potato skin shell. I fill those skins with juicy, smoky pulled pork that’s been braised in a mixture of barbecue sauce, beer, and spices.
But the real showstopper here is the melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese that I sprinkle over the top. As the cheese oozes and bubbles, it creates a irresistible, gooey topping that takes these potato skins to the next level.
Finish them off with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of scallions, and a few crispy bacon bits, and you’ve got a pub-worthy snack that’s sure to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites. Pair these cheesy, pulled pork-stuffed potato skins with an ice-cold pint, and you’ll feel like you’re right back in your favorite neighborhood watering hole.
Bringing the Pub Home
There you have it – 10 mouthwatering pub dishes that you can easily recreate in your own kitchen. From hearty shepherd’s pie to decadent Welsh rarebit, these recipes are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for classic pub fare.
And the best part? You don’t even have to leave the comfort of your own home to enjoy them. Just gather your friends, fire up the oven, and get ready to experience the magic of pub-inspired cuisine right in your own kitchen.
So what are you waiting for? Grab a pint, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get cooking. Your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you.
