Beer Bread
I love a good beer bread! It's such a simple loaf to make and almost fool proof. I've been working with a recipe I found online to create a loaf of beer bread that's just right. I'm really happy with it now. :D
Beer bread is perfect with beef stew or chili, and even yummy as a grilled cheese!
Beer bread is perfect with beef stew or chili, and even yummy as a grilled cheese!
Ingredients
- 3 cups flour - see the next step about how to measure it properly!
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 12 ounces of beer - room temp is better, but not necessary
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
I reduced the sugar from the original recipe and also halved the butter. The first time I made it, I thought it was a little strong tasting: too sweet AND too buttery. It was almost like a hoppy dessert.
You can really use any beer you want - I wanted to try a chocolate stout this time, but the boy convinced me to go with an ale for this batch. I've yet to experiment with putting cheese in it, but I think next time I want to add a handful of cheddar and maybe some jalapenos!
Oh, also! You'll need a loaf pan. I'm using an 8 in x 4 in one. The dough is way too wet to go freeform. :)
How to Measure Your Flour
To get the best results out of this bread (and many baking recipes!) it's important to measure the flour correctly.
Instead of scooping it from the bag or container with the measuring cup, spoon it into the measuring cup. This will ensure that you're not packing the flour in the cup and adding more than you should.
Instead of scooping it from the bag or container with the measuring cup, spoon it into the measuring cup. This will ensure that you're not packing the flour in the cup and adding more than you should.
Preheating + Mixing
Because this bread comes together so quickly, preheat your oven to 375 F first thing. Also take the beer out of the fridge if it's been hiding in there.
Measure out your dry ingredients and stir them together in a large bowl with a fork. Melt the butter in a small bowl as set aside to cool. Open your beer and pour it down the side of the measuring cup so you don't end up with a head on top. Measure out 12 oz and drink the rest. :P
Pour the beer into the dry ingredients and mix JUST until you can't see any dry flour left. Make sure not to overmix!
Measure out your dry ingredients and stir them together in a large bowl with a fork. Melt the butter in a small bowl as set aside to cool. Open your beer and pour it down the side of the measuring cup so you don't end up with a head on top. Measure out 12 oz and drink the rest. :P
Pour the beer into the dry ingredients and mix JUST until you can't see any dry flour left. Make sure not to overmix!
Baking
Spray your loaf pan with a little cooking spray or grease with butter.
Spoon the dough into it and press down on the top with the spoon to even it out. Pour over the melted butter.
Bake the bread at 375 F for an hour. Once it's done, let it cool in the pan for a few minutes, and then turn the loaf out and let it hang out on a rack. Try to let it cool for 15-20 minutes because it'll be easier to cut and will firm up a little more.
The finished bread should have a lovely, crunchy crust all around from the melted butter and a dense and slightly chewy crumb. Yum!
Spoon the dough into it and press down on the top with the spoon to even it out. Pour over the melted butter.
Bake the bread at 375 F for an hour. Once it's done, let it cool in the pan for a few minutes, and then turn the loaf out and let it hang out on a rack. Try to let it cool for 15-20 minutes because it'll be easier to cut and will firm up a little more.
The finished bread should have a lovely, crunchy crust all around from the melted butter and a dense and slightly chewy crumb. Yum!