beer bread
Prep Time: 5–10 minutes
Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 10–12 slices
Difficulty: Easy
Perfect for: Quick side dish, soup & chili companion, savory snacking
Ingredients
Basic Beer Bread:
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tbsp baking powder
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1 tsp salt
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2 tbsp sugar (optional, enhances flavor)
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12 oz (1 standard bottle or can) beer – any kind (lager, ale, stout, IPA, etc.)
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¼ cup (½ stick) melted butter (for topping)
Optional Add-ins:
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½ cup shredded cheddar
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2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, chives)
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1–2 minced garlic cloves
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2 tbsp honey for a touch of sweetness
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Lightly grease a 9×5” loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
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3 cups flour
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1 tbsp baking powder
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1 tsp salt
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2 tbsp sugar (if using)
Mix well.
If using self-rising flour, skip the baking powder and salt.
Step 3: Add the Beer
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Pour the beer into the dry ingredients.
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Stir just until combined. The dough will be lumpy and sticky — that’s perfect!
Don’t overmix, or the bread will be dense.
Step 4: Transfer to Pan
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Scoop the dough into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top lightly.
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Pour the melted butter over the top — this gives the bread a golden, buttery crust.
Step 5: Bake
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Bake at 375°F for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Cool in pan for 5–10 minutes, then remove and cool on a wire rack.
How to Serve
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Slice warm and slather with butter, honey, or jam
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Serve alongside soups, stews, chili, or casseroles
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Toast leftovers and top with avocado, cheese, or a fried egg
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Use thick slices for grilled cheese or hearty sandwiches
Best Beers for Beer Bread
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Lighter beers (pale ales, lagers) give a mild, classic flavor
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IPAs add more bitterness and tang
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Dark beers (stouts, porters) give a richer, slightly sweet taste
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Non-alcoholic beer works too — just check for flavor variety
Storage & Freezing
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Room Temp: Keep in an airtight container up to 3 days
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Fridge: Up to 5 days — reheat before serving
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Freezer: Wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and toast before serving
Nutrition (per slice, 1/10 loaf – approximate)
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Calories: 180
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Carbs: 28g
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Fat: 6g
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Protein: 3g
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Sugar: 1–2g
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Sodium: 300mg
May vary depending on the beer and butter used