If you’re craving a comforting taste of Ireland that feels like a warm hug from the inside, then this Hearty Dublin Coddle Recipe is going to be your new kitchen favorite. This classic Irish stew combines tender potatoes, savory beef sausages, and crispy bacon with the mellow sweetness of onions and a subtle garlic kick, all simmered slowly to meld those flavors into something truly unforgettable. It’s the kind of dish that invites you to linger at the table, savor every bite, and maybe even ask for seconds—because who can resist such a soul-satisfying meal?
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Hearty Dublin Coddle Recipe takes just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create rich, layered flavors. Each component plays a special role—from the soft, comforting potatoes to the smoky crunch of bacon, every bite is a balance of texture and taste.
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and sliced: These form the hearty, creamy base that soaks up all the delicious broth.
- 1 pound beef sausages: Adding robust, meaty flavor and a satisfying bite.
- 8 slices of bacon, chopped: For that irresistible smokiness and crispy texture.
- 2 large onions, sliced: They bring gentle sweetness and depth when cooked down.
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced: A subtle but essential aromatic that enhances the overall flavor.
- 2 cups chicken broth: The rich liquid that binds everything, adding warmth and moisture.
- 1 cup water: Helps create just the right amount of simmering liquid.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh, bright contrast on the plate.
How to Make Hearty Dublin Coddle Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by peeling and slicing your potatoes into even rounds so they cook perfectly. Chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces, slice your onions thinly so they melt nicely, and mince the garlic to release all its aromatic goodness.
Step 2: Crisp the Bacon
In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it’s deliciously crispy. Remove it with a slotted spoon and leave the rendered bacon fat in the pot—that’s pure flavor waiting to be used in the next step.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Use the bacon fat to sauté your sliced onions until they become soft and translucent, coaxing out their natural sweetness. Add the minced garlic and stir constantly for about a minute to ensure it doesn’t burn but releases its fragrant aroma.
Step 4: Layer the Ingredients
Return the crispy bacon pieces to the pot, then layer in your sliced potatoes, making sure they’re evenly spread. Next, nestle the beef sausages right on top, so their juices will infuse the whole dish as it cooks.
Step 5: Add the Liquids and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and water, just enough to cover the ingredients. Raise the heat to bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce to low. Cover with a lid and let everything simmer slowly for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and help the flavors mingle.
Step 6: Finish and Garnish
Once the potatoes are tender and the sausages are cooked through, turn off the heat. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness right before serving.
How to Serve Hearty Dublin Coddle Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top is not just for looks—it adds a pop of herbal brightness that cuts through the richness of the dish beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dollop of creamy mustard or a splash of malt vinegar can also enhance the flavors.
Side Dishes
This Dublin Coddle pairs wonderfully with thick slices of crusty bread or Irish soda bread. The bread is perfect for soaking up all the flavorful broth, making each bite even more comforting. A simple side salad or steamed green vegetables can provide a fresh balance to this rich meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Hearty Dublin Coddle Recipe in rustic bowls straight from the pot for that homey vibe everyone will love. For a dinner party, try layering the ingredients in individual ramekins and broil briefly to crisp the tops, adding a lovely contrast to the soft stew.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Dublin Coddle will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal even more delicious.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers and store for up to two months. Just be mindful that potatoes might slightly change texture, but reheating will restore much of their charm.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Adding a splash of broth or water will help loosen things up if the stew appears too thick. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave for convenience.
FAQs
Can I use pork sausages instead of beef?
Absolutely! Pork sausages are a traditional choice for Dublin coddle and will work perfectly, offering a slightly sweeter flavor that complements the bacon and potatoes wonderfully.
Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?
Peeling the potatoes is traditional and helps create a smoother texture throughout the dish, but if you prefer a more rustic feel and added nutrients, you can leave the skins on—just be sure to wash them well.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can certainly adapt the dish by replacing sausages and bacon with flavorful vegetarian sausages and smoked mushrooms or tempeh to mimic the smoky notes. Just swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth as well.
What is the best type of onion to use?
Yellow onions are ideal for this recipe because they become beautifully sweet when sautéed and add rich depth, but white or sweet onions can work in a pinch.
Can I prepare this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the bacon and onions first for best flavor, then layer everything in the slow cooker with liquids and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the potatoes are tender and sausages cooked through.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Dublin Coddle Recipe is truly a treasure of Irish culinary tradition—simple, satisfying, and packed with layers of flavor. Whether you’re feeding a family or warming up on a chilly night, it’s one of those dishes that feels like a celebration of comfort food at its very best. Don’t wait to make it; you’re going to love every forkful!
Print
Hearty Dublin Coddle Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Irish
Description
Hearty Dublin Coddle is a traditional Irish one-pot stew featuring layers of tender potatoes, savory beef sausages, and crispy bacon simmered with onions and garlic in a flavorful chicken broth. This comforting dish is perfect for a warming family meal, garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of brightness.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 pound beef sausages
- 8 slices of bacon, chopped
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Peel and slice the potatoes, chop the bacon into small pieces, slice the onions thinly, and mince the garlic cloves. This prep ensures all components cook evenly and release their flavors properly.
- Cook Bacon: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pot for cooking the onions.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the sliced onions to the bacon fat and sauté until they become translucent and soft, about 5–7 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to release its aroma without burning.
- Assemble Layers: Return the cooked bacon pieces to the pot. Layer the sliced potatoes evenly over the bacon, followed by arranging the beef sausages on top. This layering helps the flavors meld as the dish simmers.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour the chicken broth and water over the layered ingredients until they are almost covered. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Cook Until Tender: Cover the pot with a lid and let the coddle simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to distribute flavors evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the coddle for a fresh and vibrant finish. Serve hot for a cozy and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use-quality beef sausages for rich flavor; traditional Dublin coddle sometimes uses pork sausages as well.
- Adjust the broth amount to just cover the ingredients to avoid a watery stew.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure sausages and broth contain no gluten additives.
- Leftovers taste great the next day as flavors deepen.
