Beer is the all-star ingredient in this delicious bread. This is the perfect bread to make fresh for dinner because you can mix it together quickly and you'll have time to prepare the rest of dinner while it's baking. Then serve this freshly cut (perhaps let it cool a bit before slicing) alongside your main dish. It's perfect for soups, stews, casseroles and – our favorite – just on its own. No kneading, no rising, no waiting, but full of flavor and texture. Thanks to the beer, this bread rises without the need for any yeast. We can't promise that this bread won't take the spotlight.
Trying to think of something equally yummy to serve with? Let us help you with us Easy Tomato Basil Soup or Old Fashioned Beef Stew.
Why our recipe?
- 45 minutes from start to finish so you can eat homemade bread with any meal!
- No yeast is needed because it is the beer that makes this bread rise.
- We use a mixture of white and wheat flour for the perfect chewy bread.
Using beer in bread is brilliant for several reasons. One, carbonation creates a light and airy texture. Two, beer imparts a subtle malty and savory flavor to the bread. Three, the beer's extra moisture ensures a soft, supple texture. Our recipe combines both all-purpose and whole wheat flours, giving the bread a delicious chewy texture.
Material notes
- Flour: This recipe calls for a combination of all-purpose and whole-wheat flour. This mixture is essential for the density and texture of the bread. You can use just all-purpose flour for a fluffier loaf, but you'll lose a denser, chewier crumb.
- Old Fashioned Rolled Oats: These oats add some texture to the bread. Quick oats can be used in the same amount, but they won't have the same chew.
- Baking powder: Be sure to use fresh baking powder for optimal rise. Baking powder loses its potency over time, so check the expiration date before use.
- Beer: Any type of beer works in this recipe, so feel free to use your favorite! Light beers will have a more subtle flavor, while darker beers such as stouts or porters will have a richer, maltier flavor. We recommend starting with something lighter, like a lager or pilsner. But if you're feeling adventurous, try an India Pale Ale or a stout.
- Salted Butter: You can also use unsalted butter.
Cheese, please!
Mix shredded cheddar cheese into your batter before pouring it into the loaf pan because – well, it's cheese. Beer and cheddar cheese are like two BFFs, holding hands while frolicking in the meadow, and then we eat them. We're not even sorry. We believe the flavor combination of beer and cheddar cheese was inspired by the food gods.
Your beer selection
Feel free to hold onto your beer because the good news is that any beer works!
Light beer (lager, pilsner): If you're new to beer brewing or prefer a more subtle flavor, start with a lighter beer like a lager or pilsner. These options give the bread a mild, slightly malty flavor.
Dark Beer (Stout, Porter): For a richer flavor, try using a stout or porter. Dark beers lend deep, malty notes.
Amber or Red Ales: If you want something with a little more flavor but not too heavy, amber or red ales offer a nice balance of sweetness and malt.
India Pale Ale (IPA): Feeling adventurous? IPAs add a bit of a hoppy bite to your brew, which can give it a unique, slightly bitter finish.
Nonstick or glass loaf pan
All your baking will change depending on the type of loaf pan you use. If you are using a glass loaf baking dish, lower the oven temperature by 25 degrees and be prepared to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time. Watch your bread closely to make sure the sides don't brown too dark.
Easy cleanup tip
We recommend placing a layer of aluminum foil on the rack directly under the loaf pan or placing your loaf pan on a baking sheet. Due to carbonation in the beer during baking, there may be some spillover depending on the size of your loaf pan and the type of beer you use, and this liner will ensure an easy cleanup – just in case.
Storage instructions
Store at room temperature Store in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 days.
Freeze the bread For long storage. Slice it first, then wrap the individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a reusable plastic freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
to reheat, Warm slices in the microwave for 10 seconds or toast in a toaster for a crispy finish.
More simple breads to go with dinner…
Watch the video below where we take you through each step of the recipe with a video demonstration.
