I first posted this Cheddar Herb Beer Bread recipe during the Covid lockdowns of 2020. Im updating it now in 2024 now that I've made it many more times, and the photos I originally took were absolutely terrible. I originally made this recipe because during Covid everyone was baking bread for some reason. Yeast was sold out everywhere. So if you wanted to make bread you needed to use something other than yeast, so in this case I went with beer.
Beer bread is a quick, easy recipe that combines the rich flavors of cheese, herbs, and beer in one delicious loaf. Perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned chefs, this recipe requires minimal ingredients and time. The combination of your favorite beer and fresh herbs creates a fragrant, flavorful dough. Shredded cheese adds a cheesy, savory taste to every bite. This bread is versatile and pairs well with soups, stews, or as a snack. This bread requires no yeast, so there’s no need to wait for it to rise. The beer acts as a leavening agent, giving the bread its light, fluffy texture. Whether you’re preparing for a casual family dinner or looking to impress guests, this cheese and herb beer bread is a foolproof option. The recipe allows room for creativity, letting you experiment with different types of cheese, herbs, and beers. Next time you’re in the mood to bake something simple yet delicious, try this beer bread recipe—you won’t be disappointed!
What kind of beer should I use in Beer Bread?
The type of beer you use in beer bread can significantly influence the flavor of the loaf. I just like to use regular Budweiser for this bread, its cheap and tastes great in this bread. But here are some options based on the flavor profile you want to achieve:
- Pale Ale or Lager: These beers are mild and balanced, making them ideal if you want the bread to have a subtle beer flavor without overpowering the cheese and herbs.
- Stout or Porter: Dark beers like stouts and porters add a rich, malty flavor with hints of coffee or chocolate. They work well if you’re aiming for a deeper, more complex taste.
- IPA (India Pale Ale): IPAs have a bold, hoppy flavor that can give your bread a slightly bitter, tangy edge. They pair nicely with strong herbs and sharp cheeses.
- Wheat Beer: Wheat beers are light and often slightly sweet, contributing a soft, almost fruity flavor to the bread. This is a good choice for a more delicate, airy loaf.
- Seasonal or Specialty Beers: Experimenting with seasonal beers, like pumpkin ales in the fall or citrus-infused brews in the summer, can add a unique twist to your bread.
Ultimately, the best beer to use is one that you enjoy drinking, as its flavor will come through in the final product.
Cheddar Herb Beer Bread
A delicious bread made with beer, cheese and herbs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients
3 cups all purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 cup cheddar cheese
1 (12 ounce) can or bottle of beer
¼ cup butter, melted
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x5-inch bread pan with cooking spray.
In a large bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Mix in the cheddar cheese.
Slowly pour in the beer and let it sit for a couple of minutes (2-3). After the dough has absorbed the liquid for a few minutes, mix the batter with a rubber spatula until all the beer has been incorporated into the dough.
Spread the batter evenly into the bread pan. Pour the melted butter over the top of the batter.
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, until the top of the bread is golden and the loaf is firm to the touch.
Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 15 minutes. Serve warm with the spread of your choice.
