Easy Beer Bread

This Easy Beer Bread recipe comes together using only 6 simple ingredients! With a buttery golden crust and soft, tender inside, this quick bread requires no added yeast, kneading, or rise time and is ready in just 40 minutes.

Quick breads are one of my favorite things to bake because they really are quick and easy! There's no kneading, proofing, or waiting for dough to rise. If you've never made beer bread from scratch, this easy beer bread recipe is a great place to start. In just 40 minutes, you'll have a buttery homemade loaf ready to slice and serve! Prefer using a bread machine? Try my Bread Machine Beer Bread.

Quick Look: Easy Beer Bread

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Bake Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Servings: 8 slices
• Flavor & Texture: Buttery with a mild beer flavor, soft center, and golden brown crust

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Ingredient Notes

See printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for exact ingredient amounts and directions.

• All-Purpose Flour: For the best texture, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off rather than scooping directly from the bag. Too much flour can make the bread dense.
• Beer: Use your favorite beer since some of the flavor will come through in the finished bread. A light beer or lager gives you a milder taste, while a darker beer creates a stronger flavor. Room temperature beer works best.
• Butter: Melted butter is poured over the batter before baking, giving the loaf its buttery flavor and golden brown crust.

Variations & Substitutions

• Cheese: Stir shredded cheddar cheese into the batter for a cheesy variation. You can also add cooked, crumbled bacon or chives for even more flavor.
• Herbs: Add rosemary, thyme, parsley, or chives to the dry ingredients for an herbed beer bread.
• Non-Alcoholic Beer: Use a non-alcoholic beer in place of regular beer if preferred. Stick with the same 12-ounce amount.
• Sugar: Swap the granulated sugar for honey if you prefer a slightly different flavor.
• Self-Rising Flour: If using self-rising flour in place of all-purpose flour, omit the baking powder and salt.

How to make Easy Beer Bread

Using only a few simple steps, this bread comes together in no time!

Step 1. Whisk together the dry ingredients in a large bowl.

Step 2. Pour in the beer and stir until just combined.

Step 3. Transfer the batter to a greased loaf pan.

Step 4. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top.

Step 5. Bake in the preheated oven at 375°F for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.

Step 6. Allow to cool for a few minutes before removing from the loaf pan. Slice and enjoy!

What Beer Is Best for Beer Bread?

The best beer for beer bread depends on how much beer flavor you want. A light beer or lager, such as Coors or Budweiser, gives the bread a milder taste, while a darker beer, porter, or Guinness adds a stronger flavor. You can also use an IPA, but hoppy beers may add some bitterness.

My biggest tip is to use your favorite beer since some of the flavor will come through. Have fun trying different beers to find the type of beer you like best!

Baking Tips

• Don't over-mix: Stir the batter only until combined. Over-mixing can make the bread more dense and dry.
• Measure the flour correctly: Spoon the all-purpose flour into your measuring cup and level it off. Too much flour can affect the texture.
• Use room temperature beer: It mixes more easily into the batter than cold beer.
• Check for doneness: The bread is ready when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let it cool: Allow the bread to cool for a few minutes before removing it from the loaf pan and slicing.

Serving Suggestions

My favorite way to enjoy this beer bread is warm from the oven with a slab of butter on top! It also makes an easy side for soups, chili, stews, casseroles, and more. Here are a few of my favorite pairings:

• Butter or honey: Keep it simple and serve a warm slice with butter, honey, or both.
• Jam: Add my Instant Pot Mixed Berry Jam for a sweet option.
• Soup: Serve alongside a bowl of Ultimate Chicken Noodle Soup
• Chili or stew: Pair it with my Game Day Chili or Best Ever Beef Stew.

Storage & Reheating

This beer bread is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers store well too!

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for 2-3 days to keep the bread soft and fresh.
• Freezer: Wrap the loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheat: Warm an individual slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until warmed through.

Beer Bread Recipe FAQs

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