7 Beer-Inspired Recipes For the Aspiring Drunken Chef

While wine is most noted as the cooking alcohol of choice, beer has been mistakenly passed over.

A beer's hops and malt can impart a unique flavor, accentuating the flavor of most meats (especially pork!) and the yeast can even enhance baked dishes. Imagine waking up to a deliciously airy beer croissant.

While its always fun to experiment in the kitchen, we've provided a little starter guide to get the creative juices flowing and get you on your way to becoming a beer master chef .

1. Cheddar Beer Dip with Smoked Sausage

This recipe calls for a darker beer, and can stand alone as a dip or be added as a spread to a pulled pork sandwich or atop any roast.

2. Beer-Cheese Bread

This is a great easy recipe for a delicious beer bread. As the recipe says its great with chili, but can also be used for sandwiches. Create a spread with some nice cheese and you're sure to impress your friends with this simple home baked recipe.

3. Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes

These delicious cupcakes are simply to die for, and are perfect for a get-together or bridal shower, depending on how much effort you want to put into the frosting and decoration. These Guinness cupcakes are the perfect balance of beer and chocolate. Tip: frost with a nice light whipped frosting for that "head on a pint" look.

4. Green Beans in Beer Sauce

Having a hard time eating your greens? Well, say goodbye to that problem! Welcome to the world of beer cooking, where even the most boring of dishes can be made exciting! These green beans in beer sauce, mixed with some bacon and onion, will be the hit dish at any family gathering. Swap the butter for some Olive Oil and even your mom won't be able to disapprove.

5. Honey-Beer Braised Ribs

It's that time of year for Barbecues and outdoor grilling, and nothing will impress your "grill master" neighbor more than the smell of these beer and honey braised ribs wafting over his fence. Of course if you're not the boisterous type you can always follow the recipe and cook them in the oven.

6. Beer and Brats Nachos 

The perfect snack for any game, this simple recipe is an easy fix for even the most kitchen-inept people you know. Nachos have come a long way, and it's getting harder to find a unique ingredient to put in them to give them a wow factor. Luckily for us, beer is here to save the day.

7. Beer Soft Pretzels 

Everyone loves pretzels, but with these beer soft pretzels you'll have people pounding down your door to try one. While more complicated than some of our other beer recipes, this one is a lot of fun and even if your pretzels don't come out as beautiful as you like, at least they'll taste great.

The Seacoast On Tap craft beer festival is back and better than ever. Join us at the Raitt Farm Homestead in Elliot on Saturday, June 25th for one of the most fun events of the year.

Sample over 100 releases from some of America’s best craft breweries. Plus hang out in an atmosphere filled with live music, delicious food available for purchase, and great vendors. VIP Tickets and Standard Tickets are available now.