Easy Beer Bread Recipe
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Discover the easiest beer bread recipe using self-rising flour, sugar, beer, and melted butter. Ready in an hour with no yeast or kneading—perfect for beginners! Fluffy, buttery, and customizable. Non-alcoholic beer bread recipe variations.
There’s something truly magical about the aroma of fresh bread baking in the oven, especially when it’s as effortless as this Beer Bread Recipe. Made with just four simple ingredients—self-rising flour, sugar, beer, and melted butter—this quick bread comes together in minutes and bakes to golden perfection. No yeast, no kneading, no waiting for dough to rise. It’s the perfect side for soups, chilis, or even slathered with butter for a cozy snack. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, this easy beer bread will become a go-to in your kitchen. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Beer Bread Recipe
- Super Simple: Only 4 ingredients and minimal prep time make this ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- No Yeast Needed: The beer provides natural carbonation for a light, fluffy texture without any proofing.
- Customizable: Stick to the classic version or add mix-ins like cheese or herbs for endless variations.
- Quick Bake Time: From mixing bowl to table in just over an hour.
- Family Favorite: This beer bread has that irresistible buttery crust and soft interior that everyone raves about.
If you’re searching for an “easy beer bread recipe with self-rising flour,” this is it—foolproof and delicious every time.
Why you’ll love this family favorite bread recipe!
This beer bread recipe is so simple and easy to make! It is perfect for beginning bakers and cooks. It is always a much-loved part of the meal, and everyone loves it when you show up with this easy homemade bread for dinner! It is delicious with soups, stews, salads, and even the next morning for toast with muscadine jelly or your favorite jam. I also love how versatile it is! Add cheese or herbs or swap the beer for a non-alcoholic variety or even use club soda! It is a definite go-to bread recipe!
Ingredients for Beer Bread
You’ll need just a handful of pantry staples for this self-rising flour beer bread. Here’s what to grab:
- self-rising flour: The key to this quick bread’s rise—make sure it’s fresh for the best results. If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can easily make your own with my foolproof self-rising flour recipe.
- granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the beer’s flavor.
- beer: Room temperature works best. Any variety will do—light lager for mild taste, stout for deeper notes, or even non-alcoholic beer. Beer choice subtly affects the flavor. Avoid anything too hoppy if you prefer a neutral taste.
- butter: Melted butter is poured over the top for a crispy, golden crust. I prefer to use salted butter.
How to Make Beer Bread: Step-by-Step Instructions
This beer bread recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly. Follow these steps for perfect results.
- Add the flour, sugar, and beer to mixing bowl.
- Whisk just until combined.
- Pour into prepared loaf pan.
- Pour the melted butter over the top and bake.
Your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll have a loaf of warm, buttery beer bread ready to enjoy.
Tips for the Best Beer Bread
- Don’t Overmix: Stir just until combined to keep the bread tender.
- Room-Temperature Beer: Cold beer can make the batter too thick; let it sit out for 20-30 minutes.
- Pan Choice: Avoid glass if possible, as it may require adjusting the temperature down by 25°F.
- Testing for Doneness: The bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Avoid Dry Bread: Measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling off—don’t scoop directly from the bag.
Variations to Try
This basic beer bread recipe is versatile. Here are some fun twists:
- Cheesy Beer Bread: Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar or Gruyere cheese before adding the beer.
- Herb-Infused: Add 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme to the dry ingredients for a savory kick.
- Sweet Version: Increase sugar by a tablespoon and use a fruit-flavored beer like pumpkin ale for fall vibes.
- Less Sweet Version: Decrease sugar by a tablespoon and use a lower-sugar beer or substitute with club soda.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free self-rising flour blend.
- Jalapeno Cheddar: Mix in diced jalapenos and cheese for a spicy variation.
Experiment and make it your own!
How to Store Beer Bread
- Room Temperature: Beer bread is best the same day it is baked. You can also store it in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic for an extra day. Pro tip: This bread makes excellent toast or French toast the next day.
- Freezing: Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or in a toaster.
What to Serve with Beer Bread
Pair this easy beer bread with hearty dishes like chili, beef stew, or a simple salad. It’s also fantastic with butter, honey, or jam for breakfast. For a complete meal, try it alongside grilled meats or as the base for open-faced sandwiches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Any beer works! Light beers like lager keep it mild, while darker beers add richer flavor. Non-alcoholic beer is fine too.
Yes—substitute with non-alcoholic beer or even club soda for a similar rise, though the flavor will be subtler.
Overmixing or using expired self-rising flour can cause this. Fresh ingredients and gentle stirring are key.
My understanding is that most of the alcohol evaporates during baking, but trace amounts may remain. If you are concerned, use a non-alcoholic beer or even club soda.
This recipe is designed for oven baking, but you can try the dough cycle and then bake in the oven.
This beer bread recipe with self-rising flour is sure to impress with its simplicity and taste. If you try it, let me know in the comments below—I’d love to hear your variations!
Easy Beer Bread Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 cups (360 g) self-rising flour
- 1/4 cup (50 g) sugar, granulated
- 12 ounces (340 g) beer, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (113 g) melted butter, divided
Instructions
- Prep. Preheat oven to 375º F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan for baking with Cake Goop or your favorite baking spray.
- Make the bread batter. Whisk together the self-rising flour, sugar, beer, and 1/4 cup of melted butter. Pour into the prepared loaf pan. Pour the remaining 1/4 cup melted butter over the top of the batter.
- Bake and serve. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. Remove from the oven and cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Turn out of the loaf pan and cool for another 5 to 10 minutes. Slice and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Enjoy!
Robyn xo
