Easy Irish Coddle Recipe: A Warm and Flavorful Irish Stew

Last Updated on March 22, 2025 by Souhail

If you’re looking for a comforting and hearty dish, this Irish Coddle recipe is exactly what you need. A staple in Dublin’s culinary history, Irish Coddle is a delicious one-pot meal made with sausages, bacon, potatoes, and onions, all slow-cooked to perfection. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for chilly evenings or cozy family dinners.

This dish has been a favorite in Irish households for generations, dating back to the 18th century. It was traditionally made as a way to use up leftovers, making it both practical and budget-friendly. The slow simmering process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a rich, savory broth infused with the smokiness of the bacon and the heartiness of the potatoes.

Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just craving a rustic and easy-to-make meal, Irish Coddle is a must-try. The best part? It requires minimal ingredients and effort, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a comforting weekend supper.

Why This Recipe Works

Irish Coddle is a dish that beautifully embodies simplicity while delivering deep, comforting flavors. Thanks to the slow-cooking method, the ingredients gradually release their natural juices, resulting in a rich and flavorful broth that effortlessly coats the potatoes and sausages. Moreover, this dish is all about layering flavors, which makes it not only incredibly satisfying but also wonderfully nourishing.

Key Features That Make This Recipe Special

1. Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor – Irish Coddle relies on just a few staple ingredients, yet the combination of smoky bacon, savory sausages, and soft, buttery potatoes creates an unforgettable taste.
2. One-Pot Wonder – No need for multiple pots and pans. This dish is cooked in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze.
3. Budget-Friendly – Irish Coddle was historically made to use up leftovers, which means it’s an affordable meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.
4. Customizable to Your Taste – While the classic recipe uses pork sausages and bacon, you can easily switch things up with different meats or even a vegetarian version.

Customization Options

• Meat Variations – Traditional Irish pork sausages work best, but you can use beef sausages, chicken sausages, or even smoked sausage for extra depth.
• Vegetarian Coddle – Replace the sausages with plant-based alternatives and add hearty vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or parsnips.
• Extra Herbs and Spices – A touch of fresh thyme or a bay leaf enhances the broth’s flavor. Some like to add a pinch of black pepper or mustard powder for an extra kick.
• Beer-Infused Coddle – Adding a splash of Guinness or another Irish stout deepens the richness of the broth, giving it a traditional pub-style feel.

This classic Dublin dish is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a hearty and soul-warming meal.

Ingredients Breakdown

Essential Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) pork sausages
• 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and sliced
• 2 large onions, sliced
• 2 cups (480ml) chicken or beef broth
• 1 cup (240ml) water
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 bay leaf

Optional Ingredients

• 1 cup (240ml) Guinness or another Irish stout (for extra depth)
• 2 carrots, sliced (adds natural sweetness)
• 1 tsp dried thyme (for an herbal touch)
• 1 tbsp butter (for extra richness)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Sausages (5 minutes)

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausages and cook them until they are lightly browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. They don’t need to be fully cooked, as they will finish cooking in the broth. Remove and set aside.

2. Cook the Bacon and Onions (7 minutes)

In the same pot, add the chopped bacon and let it render its fat for about 3 minutes. Stir in the sliced onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes.

3. Layer the Ingredients (5 minutes)

Turn off the heat and start layering the potatoes, sausages, and cooked bacon with onions. Begin with a layer of potatoes, followed by sausages and some onions, then repeat until all ingredients are used.

4. Add the Broth and Seasoning (2 minutes)

Pour in the broth and water, ensuring that the ingredients are mostly submerged. If using, add the Guinness or other optional ingredients. Season with black pepper and add a bay leaf.

5. Simmer to Perfection (45 minutes)

Cover the pot and let it simmer over low heat for about 45 minutes. The slow cooking allows all the flavors to blend beautifully, creating a rich, savory broth.

6. Serve and Garnish (2 minutes)

Once the potatoes are fork-tender and the sausages are fully cooked, remove the bay leaf and stir in the chopped parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread for an authentic Irish experience.

Pro Tips for Success

• Let It Rest – Like many stews, Irish Coddle tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
• Use the Right Sausages – Traditional Irish sausages work best, but any high-quality pork sausage will do. Avoid heavily spiced varieties.
• Don’t Overcook the Potatoes – To keep the potatoes from turning mushy, slice them thickly and avoid stirring too much.
• Enhance the Flavor – A splash of Guinness or a teaspoon of mustard powder can elevate the depth of the broth.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the coddle to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months.

Reheating Instructions

• Stovetop: Reheat over low heat in a pot, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the consistency. Stir gently to avoid breaking the potatoes.
• Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Oven: Transfer to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 20 minutes.

Recipe Card

Irish Coddle Recipe

Recipe by SouhailCourse: DinnerCuisine: IrishDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

50

minutes

Calories

450

kcal

A hearty and comforting Irish stew made with sausages, bacon, potatoes, and onions, slow-cooked to perfection.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) pork sausages

• 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and sliced

• 2 large onions, sliced

• 2 cups (480ml) chicken or beef broth

• 1 cup (240ml) water

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 bay leaf

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• Optional

• 2 carrots, sliced

• 1 tsp dried thyme

Directions

• Brown the Sausages: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Brown the sausages for about 5 minutes, then set aside.
• Cook the Bacon and Onions: In the same pot, cook the chopped bacon for 3 minutes. Add the sliced onions and cook for 4 minutes until soft.
• Layer the Ingredients: Turn off the heat. Layer half of the potatoes, followed by half the sausages, bacon, and onions. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
• Add the Liquid: Pour in the broth and water (and Guinness if using). Season with black pepper and add a bay leaf.
• Simmer: Cover and let simmer over low heat for 45 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded.
• Serve: Remove the bay leaf, garnish with parsley, and enjoy hot with crusty bread.

Notes

• For a richer flavor, let the coddle rest for an hour before serving.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Irish Coddle is a dish that brings warmth, history, and incredible flavor to your table. With its simple ingredients and slow-simmered goodness, it’s the perfect meal for a cozy night in or a St. Patrick’s Day feast. Whether you stick to the classic Dublin-style coddle or experiment with variations like vegetarian twist, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Looking for more delicious and comforting meals? If you love hearty stews and brothy dishes, check out The Secret Ingredient in a Stew to discover tips on making stews even richer. If you’re a fan of Irish-inspired meals, you might also enjoy this Colcannon Soup Recipe, another classic dish packed with creamy potatoes and cabbage.

For those who appreciate homemade bread to pair with this coddle, learn How to Make Rice Taste Like a Restaurant or explore the Best Soup to Eat Every Day for more comforting meal ideas.

Give this Irish Coddle recipe a try and let us know how it turned out! Share your experience in the comments or tag us on social media with. Sláinte!