Looking for an easy Beer Bread recipe? You've found it! This scrumptious no yeast bread takes minutes to whip up, yet it has the most delicious, unique flavor! And it's super easy to customize, too. You're are going to love this fun recipe!
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If you're searching for the easiest, but tastiest, bread recipe out there, this is it! Look no further.
I first discovered this recipe way back on February 1, 2001 ... I know the exact date, because I found a printout from a message board I used to frequent way back in the day (ha). Which I carefully stored in a binder with all my tried and true recipes clipped from magazines ... anyone else do that?
Back in the day before blogs were super common, message boards were where it was at. It was a great way to discover new cooking techniques and unique recipes back in the days of dial-up internet.
These days, there are lots of Beer Bread recipes out there. After discovering that original recipe, I've tried many others. I made a few small tweaks here and there, and this one really is my fave.
You are going to love this scrumptious quick bread! It has the ideal balance of sweet and savory flavors, and it's perfectly tender and buttery. Best of all, this crave-worthy bread couldn't be easier to make from scratch (no kneading or rising time required)!
Ready to get started? Then keep reading for all the mouthwatering details!
Ingredients
You can probably find most of the ingredients for this recipe in your pantry! Here's what you'll need:
- Beer - Of course, you'll need some beer! I typically use a lighter beer, such as a lager (like Miller Lite or Modelo Especial), although I've also used Newcastle Brown Ale and Shiner Bock, and they work great, too. Almost any beer can be used ... just keep in mind that more full-bodied and darker beers will add a stronger flavor.
- Flour - This recipe uses all-purpose flour.
- Sugar - You'll need granulated sugar for this recipe. It adds sweetness, and it also works with the baking powder and beer to help the bread rise.
- Baking Powder - A little baking powder helps the bread rise.
- Salt - I recommend using Kosher Salt.
- Butter - You'll love the bread with melted unsalted butter before baking.
Pretty straightforward, right? The cool thing about this recipe is that while the bread is super delish as is, you can easily customize it by adding other ingredients. You'll find a bunch of different recipe variations below.
You'll Also Need
You will also need a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan, a whisk, and a spatula. I love these silicone spatulas ... they're the best!
How to Make Beer Bread
Ready to get started? Once you discover how delicious and easy this recipe is, you'll be making it on repeat! You'll find a detailed recipe card below, but here's an overview of the steps:
- Combine dry ingredients. Begin by whisking together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Tip: Whisking everything together before adding the beer lightens up the flour mixture (without having to sift anything), and it ensures that the ingredients are evenly distributed in the finished bread.
- Add beer. Next, pour one 12-ounce can or bottle of beer into the flour mixture.
- Mix everything together. Use a spatula to fold the beer into the flour mixture. At first it will seem like the bubble are working against you. Keep stirring though, and stop mixing when everything is just combined. It's okay if there are a few spots of flour left in the dough. Tip: Avoid vigorous mixing, which will lead to a tough texture. Use your spatula to gently fold the ingredients together, and don't over-mix: the finished dough should be thick and kind of rough looking.
- Add dough to pan. Spray a loaf pan with nonstick spray, then transfer the dough to the pan. Gently spread the dough in the pan and smooth the top a bit. Don't worry if it looks a little craggy ... it won't be perfectly smooth.
- Top with butter. Next, pour the melted butter over the top. This recipe calls for two to four tablespoons of unsalted butter. For the photos below, I used four tablespoons. I usually make this bread with just two tablespoons though, and it's still quite buttery. Try it both ways to see which you prefer. Tip: As the bread bakes, the butter will seep down around the sides and bottom of pan, creating an amazing buttery crust.
- Bake. Transfer the bread to your oven, then bake it until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove the bread from the pan, and let it cool on a wire baking rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
All righty, your beautiful, homemade Beer Bread is ready to eat! Slather warm, thick slices with lots of butter, or serve it alongside a meal. You'll find more more serving ideas below!
Recipe Variations
Bread made with beer is surprisingly versatile. So once you've mastered the basics, have fun experimenting! Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Self-Rising Flour - If you have it on hand, you can substitute self-rising flour for the all-purpose flour. In that case, you will not need the baking powder.
- Sugar - I recommend using ¼ cup sugar for this bread, and I think it's the perfect amount. However, you can add less sugar if you're prefer (try three tablespoons) or more sugar for a sweeter loaf (some recipes call for up to ½ cup).
- Honey or Maple Syrup - Feel free to substitute ¼ cup honey or maple syrup for the sugar called for in the recipe. You'll add it at the same time as the beer.
- Cheese - This recipe becomes extra delicious with the addition of a cup of shredded or cubed cheese. Sharp cheddar is a classic, but you can use others cheeses, too ... Parmesan or feta would be delish! Whisk in the cheese after you've combined the dry ingredients, but before adding the beer.
- Garlic - Another tasty addition that really complements this bread. Depending on how garlicky you like things, add one to two teaspoons of garlic powder or one to two cloves of minced fresh garlic to the dry ingredients.
- Cheese + Garlic - What's better than cheese or garlic? Garlic and cheese ... yum!
- Herb - Fresh herbs—such as minced parley, rosemary, thyme, chives, or dill—really brighten up the flavors of this bread. You could also use dried herbs or even spices, like cinnamon.
- Jalapeño - Spice up your loaf with the addition of a diced jalapeño or two (fresh or pickled), and decorate the top with thinly sliced peppers. Consider adding some cheddar, too!
- Onions - Savory onions work so well in this recipe. Try adding a few minced green onions. If you'd like to use a regular onion, saute half a large onion (diced or thinly sliced) in a little olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Add the onion to the whisked dry ingredients, before adding the beer. Cheddar would be delicious with the onions, too.
- Sun Dried Tomatoes - These sweet, chewy tomatoes make an excellent addition. Chop them up before adding them to the dry ingredients, and consider adding some diced mozzarella and Italian herbs, too.
- Vegan - This recipe is super easy to make vegan! Just make sure to use vegan sugar and vegan beer (some British varieties, like Guinness, aren't), and substitute your fave vegan butter, such as Earth Balance Unsalted Buttery Sticks.
Serving Suggestions
The savory, yet slightly sweet flavor of this delicious Beer Bread is so versatile! I love eating thick slices slathered with butter, but it's also wonderful topped with jam (try this Strawberry Freezer Jam) and other spreads (sweet or savory) like Pumpkin Cream Cheese. You could even toast slices to make avocado toast or another open-faced sandwich.
Serve it with your lunch or dinner, too! Beer Bread is perfect for dipping in hearty soups and chilis. Try it with my favorite Vegetable Soup, Creamy Tomato Soup, Vegetarian Chili, or even this Roasted Pumpkin Soup.
Storage
To store your bread, wrap it in plastic wrap, stash it in a zip top plastic bag, or store it in an airtight container on your kitchen counter. It will stay fresh for about three days at room temp, and there is no need to refrigerate it. You can also freeze any leftovers or even a full loaf. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil first, then place in a freezer bag.
Related Recipes
Looking for more bread recipes? Try one of my favorite quick breads, like this Blueberry Banana Bread or these Coffee Cake Muffins next. You'll love my go to Garlic Bread recipe, too!
Searching for ways to use up a can or a bottle of beer? Then, a beer cocktail it is! This easy Chelada recipe is a fave, as are these festive Beergaritas.
Serving this bread for St. Patrick's Day? Make a loaf with your fave Irish beer, then pair it with this easy Green Beer recipe, Vegan Irish Stew, these adorable Shamrock Cookies and you have a party!
Frequently Asked Questions
Beer Bread is a type of bread that's made with beer instead of another liquid. The recipe requires no yeast, and it's prepared like a quick bread, requiring no yeast, no kneading, and no proofing. The finished bread features a buttery crust, tender crumb, a slightly sweet, malty taste, and a hearty texture.
You can use almost any beer for Beer Bread. Lighter beers (like Miller Lite) will give the bread a milder flavor. More full-bodied and darker beers will impart a stronger flavor. I typically use a lager (like Miller Lite or Modelo), although Newcastle Brown Ale or Shiner Bock work well, too. You can experiment with seasonal beers (like pumpkin flavored), too.
Because this bread has no yeast, it relies on baking powder to help it rise. Without the baking powder, you would end up with a very dense loaf. The carbonation in the beer also lightens the finished bread.
No, you cannot get drunk off Beer Bread. The alcohol evaporates as the bread bakes.
Beer Bread
Ingredients
- nonstick cooking spray
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 (12-ounce) beer (355 ml)
- 2 to 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray. Set aside.
- Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
- Add beer to dry ingredients. Fold beer into flour with a spatula, mixing until just combined.
- Transfer dough to loaf pan, then pour melted butter over top.
- Bake bread until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, about 50 minutes.
- Remove bread from pan and cool on baking rack for at least 30 minutes before eating. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
