Description
A deliciously moist and savory Beer Bread made with cheddar cheese and crispy bacon, perfect for a quick and easy homemade loaf with rich flavors and a golden crust.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons sugar
Cheese and Bacon
- 1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped (about 1/4 cup)
Wet Ingredients & Finishing
- 12 ounces Guinness beer, brought to 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 and set it aside to ensure the bread doesn’t stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until well combined.
- Add Cheese, Bacon, and Beer: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add about three-quarters of the shredded cheddar cheese, the cooked chopped bacon, and the room temperature Guinness beer into the well. Stir gently with a spoon until just combined, taking care not to overmix as this can make the bread dense.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter into the greased bread pan. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the batter to add extra cheesy goodness.
- Add Butter and Begin Baking: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of the melted butter over the cheese topping. Place the bread in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- Butter and Finish Baking: Remove the bread from the oven after 30 minutes and drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter evenly over the top. Return the bread to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack. Let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully take it out of the pan and allow it to cool further on the wire rack. Optionally, brush the top with more melted butter for extra richness before serving.
Notes
- This recipe is adapted from Food.com.
- Ensure the beer is at room temperature before mixing to promote proper dough rising.
- Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent dense bread.
- Fluff the flour before measuring, spoon it into the cup, and level for accuracy.
- Shredding your own cheese improves texture and flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze tightly wrapped bread up to 3 months for longer storage.
- Reheat gently in the microwave, oven, or toaster oven, watching closely to avoid drying out.
