How to Make Beer Bread
There are a lot of variations out there, but our Test Kitchen’s trials found this easy 4-ingredient beer bread recipe had the best flavor and texture.
Step 1: Heat Oven and Prepare Loaf Pan
Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan ($9, Target) with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Combine Beer Bread Ingredients
Combine self-rising flour, beer, melted butter, and sugar in a large mixing bowl ($24, Bed Bath & Beyond) until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here to ensure a good rise on your beer bread. Test Kitchen Tip: No self-rising flour on hand? Learn how to easily make your own.
Step 3: Bake Beer Bread
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes or until the top is golden-brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the beer bread loaf comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes before removing. Cool completely before serving.
Storing Beer Bread
Place cooled beer bread in an airtight container with a paper towel or wrap securely in plastic wrap for up to 3 days at room temperature. To freeze, wrap in plastic wrap and wrap again with a layer of aluminum foil or place in an airtight container. Freeze up to 3 months. Use our guide to storing quick bread for more tips.
Best Beer for Beer Bread
During testing, our Test Kitchen found that making the beer bread recipe turned out best using a brown ale beer. Other good choices include lagers and crisp hard ciders. IPAs and stouts aren’t recommended.
Beer Bread Recipes
By definition, beer bread is any bread made with beer, so there are plenty more recipes out there featuring the boozy beverage as a flavorful ingredient in the mix. Try our bread machine beer bread or a slow cooker beer bread recipe next. And if you have too much self-rising flour left, be sure to keep these recipes handy to finish off the bag.
