Description
This homemade Beer Bread features a moist, tender crumb infused with rich cheddar cheese and smoky bacon, all brought together with the unique flavor of Guinness beer. Perfect for a savory snack or a hearty side, this easy recipe requires minimal prep and bakes into a golden crusty loaf that’s delicious warm or cooled.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons sugar
Add-ins
- 1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped (about 1/4 cup)
Wet Ingredients
- 12 ounces Guinness beer (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted, divided
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bread pan thoroughly with butter to prevent sticking and set it aside while you prepare the batter.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until well combined to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents.
- Add cheese, bacon, and beer: Create a well in the center of the dry mixture. Add approximately three-quarters of the shredded cheddar cheese and the chopped bacon into the well. Pour in the room-temperature Guinness beer. Stir gently using a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to avoid a dense bread texture.
- Transfer to pan and add toppings: Pour the batter into the greased bread pan. Evenly sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the batter. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of melted butter over the cheese to help develop a golden crust.
- Bake initial phase: Place the bread pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. This initial bake allows the bread to rise and set.
- Add remaining butter and continue baking: Remove the bread from the oven and drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter over the top of the loaf. Return the bread to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool the bread: Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack. Let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully remove it from the pan to cool completely on the wire rack. Optionally, brush additional melted butter over the warm loaf for extra richness.
Notes
- Recipe adapted from Food.com.
- Bring the beer to room temperature before mixing to ensure proper rising.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent dense bread.
- For accurate flour measurement, fluff the flour, spoon it into the measuring cup, then level off.
- Shred your own cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Storage: Keep leftover bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm beer bread in the microwave, oven, or toaster oven; monitor to avoid drying out.
