This Beer Bread is hearty, buttery, and SO easy to make! No yeast, kneading, or rise time required!
I LOVE homemade bread, but it’s definitely a labor of love, so I don’t do it as often as I’d like. Beer bread, however, is a totally different story. It’s quick, easy, and bonus: it’s still homemade, absolutely delicious bread!
What is beer bread?
Beer bread is bread that uses beer as one of the batter ingredients! This bread is a quick bread, which means it does not require yeast. Instead this recipe uses a combination of baking powder and the carbonation from the beer to help the bread rise.
What does beer bread taste like?
Beer bread is a little sweet, a little malty, and a little yeasty! Depending on the beer used, the flavor can be more or less pronounced. If you’re not a huge beer fan, use a lighter, less flavorful beer!
Ingredients
- Flour – all-purpose flour gives the beer bread structure. You can use whole wheat pastry flour in a pinch, but other than that, I don’t recommend making any substitutions.
- Baking Powder – our leavening agent! This works with the beer to prevent the bread from becoming too dense.
- Spices: Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder – this simple seasoning blend adds tons of flavor without overpowering the beer.
- Honey – sweetens the bread to balance out the maltiness from the beer. Granulated sugar or even maple syrup may be used instead.
- Beer – use your favorite variety! A darker or more flavorful beer such as an IPA will provide a richer, more robust flavor, but I recommend using whatever you enjoy the taste of. You’ll need 1 (12 oz) bottle or can.
- Butter – melted then poured over the top of the bread to create an ultra buttery flavor and slightly crispy crust.
How to make
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper, then stir in honey and beer.
- Pour batter into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan, drizzle with melted butter, then bake in at 350 degrees F 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted 1/2″ into the top comes out virtually clean.
- Cool, slice, then serve with additional butter and/or honey, if desired.
What beer is best for beer bread?
The best beer for beer bread depends on what you like, so use your favorite!
- For a richer, more robust flavor. Try a dark beer, such as a stout or something hoppy like an IPA. (We love IPA’s!)
- For a more mild flavor. Use something light, such as a lager.
Variations
- Swap the sugar. Try granulated sugar or maple syrup to replace the honey. Use less of any (sugar, syrup, honey) if you’d like a less sweet bread.
- Make it non-alcoholic. Try your favorite non-alcoholic beer! I don’t recommend using another carbonated beverage such as a seltzer, because you’ll lose out on so much flavor.
- Play around with the seasonings. Omit the garlic powder for fresh or throw in your favorite dried herbs such as rosemary and thyme for some festive flair.
- Make it spicy. Try throwing in some canned, diced jalapenos and maybe a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick!
- Try it cheesy. Stir in 1 cup of your favorite shredded cheese.
What to serve with beer bread
Slather this bread in butter and an extra drizzle of honey, then serve it next to your favorite soup or chili!
How to store
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
To freeze, wrap the completely cooled loaf in plastic wrap and tin foil, then place in the freezer.
To enjoy again, thaw, if frozen, then enjoy at room temperature or warm!
– Jennifer
Beer Bread
Equipment for this recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 (12 oz) bottle beer use whatever you like!
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9x5 inch non-stick loaf pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper to remove any lumps.
- Add in honey and beer, then whisk until *just* combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan, then drizzle with melted butter
- Bake in preheated oven for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted 1/2" into the top comes out virtually clean (internal temp should be 190 degrees F).
- Allow the bread to cool for 5 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to continue cooling.
- Slice, then serve warm or room temperature with additional butter/honey if desired.
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Nutrition Information
*Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on products used.
Lynn
Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy