Beer bread is so easy, you can make it in five minutes! You can make it even easier if you use my homemade baking mix, Quick Mix (or a store-bought baking mix). I’m going to tell you how to make it from scratch two ways, too, if you aren’t a baking mix user at all.
I started making beer bread because we have so much leftover beer around from when the little corn husk doll was sowing her wild oats.
And you know what happened to her. I’m afraid if I don’t use it up, the Crooked Little Hen will get into it. Look at her watching me while I was making beer bread yesterday. She really wanted that beer!
You know she’s got a naughty streak.
Okay, seriously, we have all this beer around because when the donkey hoof-trimmer comes over, he asks for a beer. You gotta keep the donkey hoof-trimmer happy or you’ll have to trim your own donkeys’ hooves and I don’t think I can handle Jack.
If you think you can handle Jack, you don’t know Jack.
But we don’t have the donkey hoof-trimmer over every day so I get tired of all the beer taking up space in my refrigerator. We’re not beer drinkers. But beer bread! That’s a whole ‘nother story.
Beer bread is wonderful–and fast. You can pop this loaf in the oven in a few minutes and have hot, warm, delicious slices on your dinner table tonight. It’s so quick and easy, you can even make it after work and bake it while you’re fixing some homemade Hamburger Helper.
You’re out of excuses not to have your own fresh bread. Get in the kitchen!
Printer-Friendly
How to make Beer Bread:
3 cups Quick Mix (or store-bought baking mix)*
12 ounces beer (any kind–bread flavor will vary depending on beer used)
*You can make this recipe from scratch without a baking mix two ways. 1) Use 3 cups self-rising flour in place of the baking mix and add 1 tablespoon of sugar, or 2) Use 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt in place of the baking mix.
Note: Sweet or not so sweet? You choose. For plain beer bread, I use the baking mix without any added sugar. If you prefer a sweeter plain beer bread, add sugar (up to 1/3 cup) to the 3 cups of baking mix, and you can also increase the sugar in the scratch method.
Blink, and you’ll miss the directions because they’re so fast!
Place 3 cups of baking mix (or your scratch ingredients) in a bowl.
Pour in the beer. (It doesn’t matter if it’s cold or room temperature. It doesn’t matter what kind of beer you use. You can use dark beer. You can even use “lite” beer. You can use whatever kind of beer your donkey hoof-trimmer likes. Oh wait, that’s me, never mind.)
I think my Quick Mix is drunk!
Stir just enough to moisten the mixture then spoon it into a greased loaf pan.
It looks all light and airy and intoxicated.
You’re done! Pop it in the oven at 350-degrees for one hour. If you like, in the last 10 minutes of baking, take it out and drizzle a little melted butter on top then stick it back in the oven to finish baking. If you’re making a sweet beer bread, sprinkle a little sugar on top of the butter. If you want to go savory, sprinkle some herbs or cheese on top.
Behold the glory that is beer bread.
And for more sweet and savory beer bread options, add whatever you like right into the mixture! The basic beer bread recipe is only the beginning.
Raisin Beer Bread: Increase the sugar and add 1 cup of raisins.
Cheddar-Onion Beer Bread: Add 1 cup shredded cheddar and 1 cup chopped onion.
Herb Beer Bread: Add 2 teaspoons dried herbs (any).
You can come up with more combinations to suit your family’s tastes–make your own gourmet beer bread!
Make a Beer Bread Mix: You can make a mix by placing the measured dry ingredients in a baggie–tuck into a basket or pretty bag along with a bottle of beer. Add your own printed label and directions! Do you know how much beer bread mixes cost? Seriously. Go look. (That’s RIDICULOUS. And it doesn’t even come with the beer!)
You can make beer bread biscuits, too. (Make them as drop biscuits.) And try using them for your Chicken ‘n’ Biscuits, in dressing, or to make some really awesome croutons. (Wow!) You can also use either plain or savory loaf slices for very tasty sandwich bread.
Okay, who’s making beer bread today and what kind?
See this recipe on Farm Bell Recipes and save it to your recipe box.
See All My Recipes
Printer-Friendly
TXLady says:
Our elec co-op produces a little quarterly magazine and it always has a recipe page/s section in it and believe it or not…This month it was all about bread…One of the recipes was about making beer bread.. Title..There’s no knead to fear (bread making)
https://www.texas-ec.org/texascooppower/ the web site and the recipe page..
and the recipe page..
https://www.texas-ec.org/texascooppower/current_month/system/recipes.aspx
Check out the beer bread recipe …it has choc chips, dried cranberries and pecans…
How good does that sound?
On February 6, 2010 at 1:20 am
Hrist says:
I’m eating beer bread too – but a different kind. I threw some of the spent grains from my latest batch of beermaking in with my normal bread dough. It’s surprisingly tasty!
On February 6, 2010 at 2:12 am
Nic, SD says:
Hmm. Husband and I are really not beer drinkers… We only have hard cider hanging around.
The plan is to drink it, but I wonder if that sort of thing would work???
On February 6, 2010 at 4:33 am
Nic, SD says:
For bread, I mean. (The drinking definitely works.)
On February 6, 2010 at 4:34 am
auntbear says:
…sometimes the comments are pretty funny too.Thanks for my early AM laugh.
On February 6, 2010 at 7:01 am
kate says:
Nice post Suzanne, but…… I drink my beer. That’s what it’s for.
But I suppose if I had your brand of beer, I might bake it too. :airkiss:
On February 6, 2010 at 7:14 am
Leah says:
I’ll need to go on a beer run first,and make somemore of your Quickmix. I doubt I have 3c left….darn pancakes! 😆
On February 6, 2010 at 7:41 am
Box Call says:
I have got some nasty ole beer left over from Christmas visitors that I need to use up. Corona Beer Bread should hit the spot today while watching WVU and Marshall basketball games on the tellie. Thanks for the idea.
On February 6, 2010 at 7:45 am
CindyP says:
LOL…Leah, make a beer run!!! Sounds like you’re having a party!!!
But this looks just amazingly easy!!!! and good!! One more reason you really need to open the Slanted Country Store………with a bakery! 😆 Thank you for the recipe!
On February 6, 2010 at 7:46 am
carol says:
Unless you count the butter you pour over it or the butter you will slather on each piece, there’s not fat in this!!! Amazing….no fat equals healthy, right? I am in beer bread heaven. Can’t wait to try this recipe.
But, Box Call, I’d sure rather drink that good Corona than put it in bread! Living in Texas, you’d be shot if someone saw you add Corona OR Shiner to anything other than a glass.
Have a beautiful Saturday, everyone!
On February 6, 2010 at 8:20 am
Susan at Charm of the Carolines says:
I’m not a beer drinker, but I used to date one. One of the best benefits was having an ample supply of beer in the house to make beer bread, beer cheese soup, etc. I love this stuff!
Now that we’re not dating, I really don’t need to go buy a whole 6-pack for beer bread. Can you just buy one?
Maybe it would be easier (and more fun) to just throw a party. I’ll be sure and invite the crooked little hen. She’s my kind of gal!
susan
Susan
On February 6, 2010 at 8:23 am
Debnfla3 says:
Well now, I guess I’m going to be making some beer bread today…LOL
It looks fun and easy…use up some beer.
Thanks Suzanne!
Deb
On February 6, 2010 at 8:33 am
KentuckyFarmGirl says:
Okay, I have to try this using the ingredients for my cinnamon Amish Friendship bread or maybe the lemon or the chocolate. You have to add a box of dry pudding mix (whatever flavor you want) and a few other things to the batter. Of course, it may turn out horrible adding those flavors to the beer but if it works, it will be a lot quicker than waiting on the starter for 10 days!
On February 6, 2010 at 8:39 am
5kathleen2 says:
Thanks Suzanne! I have a boat load of beer hanging out in the garage refrigerator. I am going to make cheese herb beer bread today. Yum! We have a snow storm going on so perfect day to bake. :chef:
On February 6, 2010 at 9:09 am
Betty Ireland says:
This is too funny. For about a year now, I have been buying beer bread mix from Tastefully Simple for about $16 for a box that makes 3 loaves. Now I can make my own at a fraction of the cost! Thanks, Suzanne.
On February 6, 2010 at 9:10 am
Janessa says:
Yum I think this might have to be an addition to whatever else we decide to eat (while drinking some beer too) for the Super Bowl.
On February 6, 2010 at 9:31 am
Mary says:
I’m going to check out my basement refrigerator and see if there’s any left over beer from Christmas. If nothing else your story made me click on “A Cautionary Tale” and laugh all over again!
On February 6, 2010 at 9:32 am
Judy says:
I “stumbled upon” your blog a few days ago and am really enjoying it. Love beer bread – so easy and tasty!
On February 6, 2010 at 9:47 am
Phyllis Ryan says:
Bread looks great and since I have some grated cheese to use up and half an onion I know what we will be having.
On February 6, 2010 at 10:11 am
Connie Trippett says:
what does beer bread taste like? I tried doing chicken on the grill once that was basted in beer and herbs and husband told me dont cook with beer again. was horrible
On February 6, 2010 at 10:11 am
debbie says:
Heh! This takes me waaayyy back to what is lovingly referred to as “The Blizzard of ’77 around these parts. Everyone was snowed in, no trucks or trains could get in to deliver supplies and stores were running out of the basics like bread and milk and such. Most people couldn’t get out of their houses to get any groceries,any way. All the radio and TV stations were giving out recipes for beer bread because nobody back then (except me and a few die-hards) baked their own bread so wouldn’t have yeast in the house but they were sure all true Buffaloanians would have plenty of beer. 😆
That idea sent my old school Baptist mama into a tizzy, I can tell you. :hissyfit:
On February 6, 2010 at 10:12 am
Susan says:
Hi Suzanne – thanks for the recipe, I think I’ll make this for the big game tomorrow and have it with some chili.
On February 6, 2010 at 10:19 am
thistlewoodmanor says:
Mmmmmmmmmm, cheddar and onion beer bread today! I’ve got 3 bottles in the fridge because my husband’s friend always brings his own beer and can’t seem to remember that we don’t drink it! Can’t wait to taste it!
On February 6, 2010 at 10:44 am
Runningtrails says:
This brings back memories! I used to make beer bread when we were first married! It is so delicious!
On February 6, 2010 at 10:48 am
Jessica says:
My mom used to make beer bread all the time and then we kinda forgot about it. I had my grandmother’s recipes but lost it when I moved. I am so glad you posted this and reminded me about it! It looks a lot like her recipe and I cant wait to try it again!
On February 6, 2010 at 10:51 am
kerri says:
Looks scrumptious! Your pictures make me want to bake it right up, ‘cept I don’t have any beer because we rarely drink it. Must buy some and try this recipe.
Yesterday I made your Lemon Chess Pie for our daughter and SIL who are up visiting from The Big Apple this weekend. We all loved it! Yum! :eating:
Are you getting socked with snow again from that huge storm, or is not so bad there? We have clear weather here, but cold.
Have a great weekend, Suzanne. :sheepjump:
On February 6, 2010 at 11:28 am
rain says:
we made this forever ago-I remember now :wave: -and we definitely loved it !! have a great day! :snoopy: :purpleflower:
On February 6, 2010 at 11:41 am
catslady says:
I’m guess you had this blog written ahead of time or else you would be talking about the snow – we have 2 feet outside of Pittsburgh and I’m guessing you do too?
On February 6, 2010 at 11:47 am
Phyllis Ryan says:
Missed the greased pan instruction, but the bread smell so good that I don’t really care. I’ll get it out of the pan somehow, and will remember next time. Thanks.
On February 6, 2010 at 12:02 pm
debbie says:
Phyllis- to get it out of the pan, try really soaking a couple of dish towels in water and wrapping them around the pan while the pan is still hot. If it’s too late for that and the pan has cooled already, try using really, really hot water on the dish towels. Can’t promise you anything, but hope it helps.
On February 6, 2010 at 12:19 pm
Barbee' says:
I had forgotten all about beer bread! Thank you for the reminder and the instructions. I have no idea where mine are after so many years and one house move.
On February 6, 2010 at 12:30 pm
Tiffany says:
We love beer bread here. I just use 3 cups of self rising flour and a bottle of beer and pop it in the oven. It couldn’t be any easier and since I live with a beer drinker we almost always have beer handy. My hubby saves beer every once in awhile that he wants me to make into bread like the Sam Adams cherry wheat which makes a very tasty bread.
On February 6, 2010 at 12:40 pm
Linda says:
You cannot know how glad I am to have found your blog. Your stories put laughter in my day and as some readers have noted, the comments are pretty funny too! Wondering about Bud Light Lime bread…. 🙂
On February 6, 2010 at 1:05 pm
Marymac says:
I have made beer bread before but never put anything into it. I think I will put some dill pickles in it, does that sound good? Or maybe bread and butter pickles. Wonder if I could use some of those canned rustic apples, ……the list goes on…. thanks for the inspiration suzanne.
On February 6, 2010 at 1:52 pm
Diane says:
Darn I was thinking about buying some beer just in case we got snowed in. lol. But I am the only one who can drink it in my house so I passed. Wish I would of now. I could of made that bread. That is when the electrictiy came back. We were without for severals hours today. But was prepared. 🙂 Camp stoves are great to have around and so are propane stoves.
On February 6, 2010 at 2:13 pm
Melinda says:
Considering the Saints frenzy going on around here, the men I encountered in the store thought I was buying beer for the big game……I said “nope, going to try to make beer bread” The looks I got were worth it even if the bread fails lol. I don’t think they had ever heard of it and thought I was nuts!
On February 6, 2010 at 2:37 pm
Barbara Wilson says:
:eating: Hey I have to make this Beer Bread & fix a pot of beans to go with it as we are snowed in , this sounds great & easy to make
On February 6, 2010 at 2:46 pm
Laurie says:
Sounds like YUM! We have no beer right now but when I do, I will make some. You could work as a food stylist too, your food pictures look DELICIOUS! :hungry:
On February 6, 2010 at 3:01 pm
Melinda says:
Just an update: Beer bread was made and looked beautiful. I made it plain with no additions. Waited (forever!) for it to cool down and cut a slice to sample. Excuse me now while I go eat the rest of the loaf! :shimmy:
Thanks Suzanne for another excellent adventure in baking!!
On February 6, 2010 at 4:23 pm
mrnglry says:
Just wonderin’ if old beer would work? We don’t drink around here, either, so have had some in the fridge in the garage for over 6 years. One of our friends brought it to our music jam and left it here.
I tried to throw it out once when my son was here, and he said: “Mom, don’t throw good beer away”! But, then he didn’t drink it either, and that was several years ago. Probably flat by now, huh?
That bread sure looks good….
Grace
On February 6, 2010 at 5:01 pm
Suzanne McMinn says:
Grace, I don’t know re old beer, but if it was me, I’d just try it and find out! (Like I tried the beer cold, without bringing it to room temp, and it worked fine.)
On February 6, 2010 at 5:27 pm
Yvonne M. says:
I would NOT use the ‘old’ beer!!!!!
On February 6, 2010 at 8:48 pm
scorwin says:
Does this bread taste like beer?? I’m going to try it when I have a kitchen back!
On February 6, 2010 at 10:35 pm
Heather says:
I’m not a beer drinker, but this sounds great. Will make some tomorrow with ham and bean soup. I have left-over “guest beer” and have been using it to make beer batter for fish, chicken, veggies…
On February 6, 2010 at 11:23 pm
Alice-Anne says:
It’s late so i am going to wait until tomorrow to make bread. I think I have one of the expensive mixes in the cupboard that you have reminded me of. I forgot about it because we don’t drink beer, but now, thanks to you I remember that I have it AND I have a beer in the fridge that some friends brought over and left on Christmas eve. It took your blog for me to put 1 and 1 together. Now I am going to go out and buy some beer to ekkp on hand and make some mix too. I love homemade bread. Thanks. Love your blog too.
On February 6, 2010 at 11:30 pm
Wyld Woman says:
Scorwin – The beer bread doesn’t exactly taste like beer, but it has a wonderful, yeasty aroma and flavor. It sure does make the house smell good. It’s supposed to be cold here tomorrow, and this will be a fun and easy recipe to make before the big game. I’m thinking of adding some French’s fried onion to the mix, and maybe some dill weed.
On February 7, 2010 at 12:56 am
Jane says:
Yum! I made this yesterday. We’re beer drinkers so I didn’t have the “run to the store” task that others reported. I chose the non-sweet version with melted butter and shredded cheddar on the top during the last 10 minutes of cooking. I used a bottle of MGD and it gave a very slight beer taste. This is so delicious and so EASY!!
(Hope your power doesn’t stay out long and that enough snow melts that you can get to town when you need to!!)
On February 7, 2010 at 5:37 am
Lisa in California says:
I’m going to make some right now. I had no idea it was so easy. My family will think I am the best baker. THANKS!!!!
On February 7, 2010 at 2:37 pm
missjanesplace says:
Suzanne, this sounds wonderful and yummy! I’ll try it. Thanks for the recipe. I love reading your blog!
Hugs, missjanesplace
On February 7, 2010 at 5:03 pm
ataylor says:
In the tastefully simple beer bread mix you can substitute sprite in place of the beer can you do the same with this?
On February 8, 2010 at 10:09 am
Suzanne McMinn says:
Amanda, I haven’t tried that, but if it works in the mix, I bet it would work in this. Now that makes me want to try it and see!
On February 8, 2010 at 10:30 am
cake says:
The beer bread is so easy & was very tasty slathered with butter. BUT try this with leftovers: Butter both sides and toast in a hot skillet on both sides (pan toast, is what we call it). Drizzle with honey or marmalade. Good with a cup of herb spice tea on a cold afternoon.
On February 9, 2010 at 4:51 pm
whaledancer says:
Made the beer bread last night and it was a big hit. I thought it would be biscuit-like, but it has a chewy, quick-bread texture. The beer makes it smell kind of yeasty. I made french toast with it for my husband this morning (with pumpkin pie spice added to the egg mixture), and he liked it that way, too.
Since it was my first time making it, I made it plain, but I can’t wait to try variations. I’m thinking cheese and green chili, or olive and rosemary, or apple and cinnamon.
It was unbelieveably easy. I think the prep took all of 5 minutes. Winner!
On August 30, 2010 at 4:14 pm
TeresaJM says:
ok, here goes – ready for the oven; I licked off my finger & the dough tastes awful – let’s hope the oven works some majic. I did tweak the recipe a bit- replaced 1 c of flour with 1/2c oats & 1/2 c corn meal. I also just threw in some ground golden flax.
I’ll get back to ya’s after the family taste test.
On September 9, 2010 at 3:34 pm
trina says:
yet another decadent beer bread add in is BUTTER!!!
i do the simple mix, add a cup of shredded cheddar get that in the loaf pan then melt a stick of butter and pour that over it right before it goes in the oven. Trust me you won’t regret it! :hungry:
On January 9, 2011 at 12:52 pm
sdsue says:
Suzanne! Thanks for this recipe. Our son is in the Army and he comes home and buys beer, which we don’t drink. It sits in the fridge until I throw it away (ugh, wasteful). When I read this post I laughed because my “donkey hoof trimmer” aka “son” likes Guinness and that is what I made the bread out of. It was the best bread ever. So, I mixed up the regular ingredients (don’t have the mix) put them into a zip bag, placed it inside a loaf pan, wrote out the recipe, and mailed the loaf pan with mix to my son. Here is what he said about the “surprise”: “Hi! I got it yesterday and I made it with Guinness and took it to a dinner party where it got both rave reviews and totally consumed! That was great, thanks Mom!” So, thanks Suzanne you made a hit with the US Army Rangers! LOL :woof:
On February 20, 2012 at 8:17 pm