Beer Bread
This quick and classic beer bread delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Made without yeast, it’s lightly sweet, tender, and golden, perfect as a side or snack. With a soft inside and crispy top, it pairs well with soups, stews, or a swipe of butter.
Equipment
- 1 9×5-Inch Loaf Pan
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 – Measuring Cup (liquid, 2–4 cup capacity)
- 1 Silicone Spatula
- 1 – Cooling Rack (optional, for airflow)
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 12 ounces beer room temperature, any variety you prefer
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted (plus more for brushing the top, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure the bread lifts out easily once baked.
- Mix Dry Ingredients Together: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Stir until everything is well combined and evenly distributed—this helps prevent uneven baking and clumps in the finished loaf.
- Add Beer and Stir Until Combined: Pour the beer into the dry mixture and stir gently using a silicone spatula or wooden spoon. Mix just until a thick, shaggy batter forms—avoid overmixing, which can make the bread dense.
- Transfer Batter and Add Melted Butter: Scoop the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top slightly. Drizzle the melted butter over the top to create a deliciously crisp, golden crust during baking.
- Bake Until Golden and Cooked Through: Place the pan on the center rack of your preheated oven. Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Before Slicing: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Best Enjoyed Fresh: This beer bread tastes best the day it’s baked, when the crust is crisp and the inside is tender.
- Storage Tip: To store, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day.
- How to Reheat: To refresh the loaf, wrap it in foil and place in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes until warm.
- Choose Your Beer Wisely: The flavor of the bread subtly changes depending on the beer you use. Lighter beers create a milder, slightly sweet bread, while darker ales or stouts offer deeper, richer tones.
- Customization Options: Stir in herbs, shredded cheese, or chopped jalapeños for a flavorful twist.
