This Beer Bread is a quick and satisfying homemade loaf that requires no yeast, making it perfect for busy cooks.
Bursting with savory cheddar and a golden, buttery crust, it delivers fiber-rich goodness from all-purpose flour and healthy fats from butter.
Easy to make and utterly comforting, it pairs wonderfully with soups, stews, or your favorite spreads.
Peanut Beer Bread
Equipment
- 1 × 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Parchment paper, enough to line pan with 2-inch overhang
- Sifter or fine-mesh strainer
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Oven
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour sifted
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 ½ tablespoons sugar
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese grated (divided)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted (divided)
- 1 12-ounce bottle or can of beer, room temperature
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Honey Butter:
- 1 stick 4 ounces unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons honey
- Pinch of flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Measure out 3 cups of sifted all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 ½ tablespoons sugar, 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (reserve a little for topping), ¼ cup melted butter, 1 bottle or can of beer at room temperature, and ¼ teaspoon each of black pepper and salt. Preparing everything ahead makes the process smooth and stress-free.
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature before baking. While the oven warms, spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray, then line it with parchment paper. Leave a 2-inch overhang on the sides so you can easily lift the baked bread out of the pan without sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Sifting ensures your bread will be light and fluffy, preventing clumps and uneven texture. Once sifted, gently toss in ¾ cup of grated cheddar cheese to infuse the dough with cheesy flavor.
- Add Butter for Richness: Pour 3 tablespoons of melted butter into the dry ingredients and gently stir it in. This will add a tender richness to your bread and help create a golden crust. Reserve the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter for drizzling on top of the batter before baking.
- Incorporate the Beer: Slowly pour the room-temperature beer into the dry mixture while stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix just until the ingredients are combined — do not overmix. The batter should be slightly sticky and thick; this is the perfect consistency for Beer Bread.
- Transfer Batter to Pan: Carefully scrape the sticky batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Smooth the top lightly with a spatula so the bread bakes evenly.
- Top with Cheese and Butter: Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of melted butter over the surface of the batter. Then sprinkle the reserved cheddar cheese evenly on top. This step creates a golden, flavorful crust with a cheesy finish that is irresistible.
- Bake Until Golden: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45–55 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center — it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent it loosely with parchment paper or aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Rest the Bread: Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it rest in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, using the parchment overhang, lift the bread from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Resting ensures the crumb sets properly and slicing won’t cause the bread to crumble.
- Prepare Honey Butter: While the bread cools, make the honey butter. In a small bowl, combine 1 stick (4 ounces) of softened butter with 3 tablespoons of honey and a pinch of flaky sea salt. Whisk until smooth and creamy. This sweet, buttery spread complements the savory cheddar notes perfectly.
- Slice and Serve: Once the bread has cooled to near room temperature, use a serrated knife to slice into 12 even pieces. Serve with the honey butter spread, or pair the bread with soups, stews, or chili. The combination of buttery crust, tender crumb, and cheesy flavor makes it a perfect accompaniment to any meal.
- Optional Add-Ins for Variation: Feel free to personalize your Beer Bread by adding herbs, spices, or extra cheese. Rosemary, thyme, or a pinch of garlic powder can elevate the flavor. You can also experiment with different types of cheese for a richer taste. Add these during the dry ingredient step for the best incorporation.
Notes
- This Beer Bread requires no yeast, making it quick and easy to prepare in under an hour.
- Sifting the flour and baking powder ensures a lighter, fluffier crumb.
- Using room-temperature beer prevents shocking the batter, which could affect texture.
- Melted butter drizzled on top produces a golden, flavorful crust that’s slightly crispy.
- Cheddar cheese adds a savory richness; feel free to experiment with other cheeses.
- Resting the bread before slicing prevents it from falling apart and ensures neat slices.
- Honey butter enhances the bread’s flavor, adding a touch of sweetness that balances the savory notes.
Chef’s Secrets for Perfect Bread
To achieve a beautifully baked Beer Bread, always start with a well-prepared pan — parchment paper with a 2-inch overhang makes lifting the loaf effortless.
Sift the flour and baking powder together; this small step helps the bread rise evenly and stay tender.
Stir the beer in gently; overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
A final drizzle of butter on top not only improves crust color but also enriches flavor.
For cheese lovers, adding extra sharp cheddar or a mix of cheeses can create a deeper, more complex flavor.
Remember, subtle variations in beer type can subtly affect taste — a light lager produces a milder loaf, while a rich ale adds depth and aroma.
Serving Suggestions for Every Occasion
This Beer Bread is versatile and pairs beautifully with many meals. Serve slices warm with honey butter for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
It’s equally delicious alongside hearty soups, creamy stews, or chili, soaking up flavors effortlessly.
For parties, cut the bread into small squares and serve as an appetizer with dips like spinach-artichoke, cheese fondue, or even a spicy aioli.
The bread also works as a base for sandwiches — the subtle cheesy flavor enhances both cold cuts and roasted vegetables.
Storage Tips to Keep Bread Fresh
Beer Bread is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored effectively to extend shelf life.
Once fully cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store at room temperature for up to 2 days.
For longer storage, slice and place in an airtight container or freezer bag, then freeze for up to 3 months.
To serve frozen bread, thaw at room temperature and lightly warm in the oven for 5–10 minutes.
Avoid refrigeration, as this can dry the bread and make it crumbly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use gluten-free flour for this bread?
Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure it contains a binding agent like xanthan gum.
The texture may be slightly denser, but it will still be moist and flavorful.
2. Does the type of beer affect the bread?
Absolutely. Light beers create a milder, subtle flavor, while dark ales or IPAs add richness and depth.
Experiment with your favorite beer to find the perfect taste for your loaf.
3. Can I make this bread dairy-free?
Yes. Swap butter for a plant-based alternative, and use dairy-free cheese.
The bread will remain soft and flavorful, though the crust may be slightly less golden.
4. Why isn’t my bread rising properly?
Check that your baking powder is fresh, and avoid overmixing the batter. Overmixing can reduce its fluffiness. Also, ensure your oven is fully preheated to 375°F for consistent rising.
5. Can I add herbs or extras to the bread?
Definitely! Herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley, or extras like sun-dried tomatoes or olives, can enhance flavor.
Add them to the dry ingredients for even distribution before mixing with the beer.
