Best Beer Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Best Beer Bread is a flavorful and easy-to-make loaf packed with cheddar cheese, spicy jalapeno, and crispy bacon. It’s perfect for a snack, side, or anytime you want a savory bread with a hint of spice and cheesy goodness.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 6 slices crispy cooked bacon, coarsely chopped
• 3 tablespoons jalapeno pepper, finely minced
• 2 1/4 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 1 beer (12 ounce, at room temperature)
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, cumin, sugar, chopped bacon, minced jalapeno, and grated cheddar cheese. Pour the beer over the mixture and stir just until all ingredients are moistened—avoid over-mixing to keep the bread tender.
3. Step 3: Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Drizzle the melted butter over the top to create a golden crust.
4. Step 4: Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until the bread is set and lightly browned on top. Let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then remove the bread from the pan and allow it to cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder flavor, deseed the jalapeno before mincing or substitute with green bell pepper.
• Add chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic touch.
• Use a pale ale or lager for different flavor nuances depending on your beer choice.
• Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to increase the spicy kick.

Storage

Store the bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze sliced bread in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat slices in a toaster or oven for best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of beer?

Yes, you can use any beer you like. Lighter beers will give a milder taste, while darker beers add deeper malty flavors. Just keep it at room temperature for best mixing.

Is it necessary to add bacon and jalapeno?

No, these add flavor and texture, but you can omit them for a simpler beer bread. You can also substitute with other mix-ins like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or nuts according to your preference.

Best Beer Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 140 reviews

This Best Beer Bread features a savory blend of cheddar cheese, jalapenos, and crispy bacon for a flavorful, moist loaf that’s perfect for any occasion. Using a simple batter combined with beer for leavening, this quick bread requires no yeast and bakes to a golden crust with a soft, cheesy interior.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 3 cups all purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 2 tablespoons sugar

Flavorings

• 6 slices crispy cooked bacon, coarsely chopped
• 3 tablespoons jalapeno pepper, finely minced
• 2 1/4 cups grated cheddar cheese

Wet Ingredients

• 1 beer (12 ounce, at room temperature)
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan to prepare it for baking.
2. Mix Dry and Flavor Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, cumin, sugar, crispy chopped bacon, minced jalapenos, and grated cheddar cheese. Stir these ingredients together evenly.
3. Add Beer and Combine: Pour the room temperature beer into the dry mixture and gently mix until just combined. Take care not to over-mix to ensure a tender crumb.
4. Spoon Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter into the greased loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Then, pour the melted butter over the top of the batter to create a rich crust while baking.
5. Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the bread is set and has turned a light golden brown.
6. Cool the Bread: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Then, take the bread out of the pan and allow it to cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing to ensure the loaf sets properly.

Notes

• Ensure the beer is at room temperature before mixing to help the bread rise evenly.
• Do not over-mix the batter to keep the bread tender and prevent it from becoming dense.
• Adjust the amount of jalapenos according to your preferred spice level.
• This bread is best served slightly warm and can be enjoyed with butter or dips.
• You can substitute the bacon with cooked sausage or omit it for a vegetarian version.

Keywords: beer bread, bacon beer bread, cheddar cheese bread, quick bread, savory loaf, jalapeno bread