This easy Beer Bread recipe has pieces of crispy smoked bacon, flavorful, mildly spicy jalapenos, and a generous portion of sharp cheddar, all wrapped up in a moist loaf with a buttery crust. It is really hard to stop eating this bread! Consider yourself warned. This no-knead loaf comes together quickly using almost any non-light beer. It freezes well, so make an extra loaf to enjoy in a couple of weeks.
Well, after the walk yesterday, I decided that we had so much exercise that I would whip up a delectable savory loaf of beer bread. Have you ever tried beer bread? It is so divine. It is just simply amazing and so darn easy. There isn’t any yeast dissolving involved as the beer acts as a leavening agent, and the bread is always moist. This bread is a flavor-packed loaf that is perfect for chili, sandwiches, soup, or just by itself.
How to make Beer Bread
In a large bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, cumin, sugar, bacon, jalapeno pepper and cheddar cheese. Pour the beer over the mixture and mix just until combined. Do not over-mix the dough, as you do not want it to get tough. Spoon the dough into the loaf pan. Pour the melted butter over the top of the batter. Bake for almost one hour or until lightly browned on the top and set. Let the pan cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before inverting, and let it cool again before slicing.
What beer is best for beer bread?
I have used all kinds of non-light beers with great success. Stay away from the flavored microbrews unless they complement the flavor of the bread. A pumpkin ale or peach IPA is not going to go well with the other flavors in this bread. However, a maple bacon stout might be excellent.
Tips for making Beer Bread
- Use excellent quality bacon and cheddar.
- Look for younger jalapeno peppers that are smooth and green all over with no striations or blemishes. These young green peppers are less stressed and more mild.
- Use any non-light beer. Stay away from the flavored microbrews unless the flavor complements the bread.
- Do not over-mix the dough.
- The bread loaf is done when set and lightly browned. You can use the toothpick test on this bread, but it may come out with a little cheese on it and still be done.
- Remove the cooked bread from the pan as soon as possible and let it cool for at least twenty minutes.
- Other shredded cheese to try include Pepper Jack, Gouda, Colby, or Parmesan.
- Try dried herbs like oregano or marjoram or fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or dill.
- Store leftovers in a storage bag or airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, first fully cool and then wrap in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
What to serve with beer bread
- Soup – try my 15 bean soup, loaded potato soup, stuffed pepper soup, Italian sausage soup, or cabbage soup
- Chili – my favorite is pumpkin chili, but close seconds are Cincinnati chili, turkey chili, and crock pot chili
- Stew – cowboy stew, hamburger stew, mulligan stew, Irish stew
- Scrambled eggs, poached eggs, or make egg sandwiches. Trust me, you will love it.
Do not be intimidated by the jalapeno peppers. They are perfect in this tender loaf and complement all the other flavors perfectly. If you like the heat, add a couple more tablespoons! Put this treat on the list for this coming week! You will not be disappointed. I prepared eggs over easy sandwiches with it this morning, and they were so scrumptious!
This tasty quick bread recipe can be whipped up in no time at all. Prep time on it is only about 15 minutes. This bread is wonderful for breakfast sandwiches, burgers, and leftover meatloaf. It is a little piece of heaven. Leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator. Slice off what you want and heat in the microwave for about 20 seconds at 60% power. Tastes just like it did when you took it out of the oven.
More Bread Recipes you will love!
Best Beer Bread
This homemade beer bread recipe is made with crisp bacon, fresh jalapenos, and tasty cheddar. It is perfect for sandwiches, chili, soup, stew, or just because you love bread. For an extra special treat, toast a slice and lather on some real cream butter.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 50
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10
- Category: bread
- Method: bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 6 slices crispy cooked bacon coarsely chopped
- 3 tablespoons jalapeno pepper finely minced
- 2 1/4 cups grated cheddar cheese
- 1 beer (12 ounce) at room temperature
- 3 tablespoons butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, cumin, sugar, bacon, jalapeno pepper and cheddar cheese. Pour beer over the mixture and mix just until combined. Do not over-mix. Spoon into loaf pan. Pour melted butter over the bread.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until set and lightly browned. Move to a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes. Remove from the pan and allow to cool for at least 20 minutes before cutting into the loaf.
Notes
- Use excellent quality bacon and cheddar.
- Look for younger jalapeno peppers that are smooth and green all over with no striations or blemishes. These young green peppers are less stressed and more mild.
- Use any non-light beer. Stay away from the flavored microbrews unless the flavor complements the bread.
- Do not over-mix the dough.
- The bread loaf is done when set and lightly browned. You can use the toothpick test on this bread, but it may come out with a little cheese on it and still be done.
- Remove the cooked bread from the pan as soon as possible and let it cool for at least twenty minutes.
- Other shredded cheese to try include Pepper Jack, Gouda, Colby, or Parmesan.
- Try dried herbs like oregano or marjoram or fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or dill.
- Store leftovers in a storage bag or airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, first fully cool and then wrap in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Keywords: what is beer bread, how to make beer bread, what to serve with beer bread
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StarTraci
Oh, my goodness! I cannot wait to make this for my Texas family when they come up to visit. YUMMY!
★★★★★
Mary
I’ve never had beer bread before. The ingredients make this sound so flavorful! I’ll have to try this real soon.
Lasonia
Beer bread is the best. I just love your recipe with bacon, jalapeno, and cheddar. Just the right balance of flavors.
Ree
Who knew that beer bread could taste so darn delicious. I will make this again and again. Absolutely yummy with your loaded potato soup.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Ree! So glad that you liked it.
Tanya
Oh, the combination of smoked bacon, jalapenos, and cheddar in this Beer Bread sounds irresistible! 🥓🌶️🧀 The warning is duly noted, but I’m pretty sure I’d have a hard time resisting too. Thanks for sharing this mouthwatering recipe and the freezing tip for future indulgence! 🍞🍻😋
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Tanya! I sure hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Luna S
This looks amazing! I don’t think I’ve had this before but this looks like something myself and my family would love. Thanks for sharing this.
Tammy
Ooh this was so good! I loved how flavorful it was ..perfect loaf for soups and stews especially! Such a comforting recipe.
Judith
This beer bread is so flavorful! Try it with scrambled eggs or eggs over easy. Or as sandwich bread with your favorite lunch meat. You will love it.
Sammie
This is our new favorite bread. So much flavor and so easy to make. I served it with a little chili and everyone loved it.
★★★★★
Mayuri
Wow! I am going to try this recipe…I just wanted to know if I can use Guinness beer for this bread.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Yes you can.
Allyson Zea
When I saw that there were jalapeños in this recipe I was sold! It was so tasty!
★★★★★
Karen
oh this bread was so delicious!!! Bacon, Jalapeno, and cheddar!!!! It is a winning combination….I can’t wait to make it again.
Sandra
This was a huge hit at my house! It is so flavorful!
★★★★★
Claudia
Holy cheesy deliciousness, Batman! I have to make this for my husband and son. They’re going to love it.
★★★★★
Erin
This is the best beer bread recipe ever! If you have not tried it then you really should. So flavorful!
Shirley
Making for 2nd. time today! Was an awesome hit the 1st. time. 2 new tasters to try it this time. I had it with an Italian White Bean, Kale, & Andouille Sausage Soup; this is a fall favorite at our house ( Classy Cooking ).
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
That sounds like a great meal. So glad that you like it.
Annie
This is absolutely the best bread I have ever made! I am not a baker and I was amazed at how crusty the outside was and how great the inside was. I will add more jalapeños next time. Can’t wait to make it again. Great gift also!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Annie! I am so glad that you liked the beer bread. It is one of my husband’s favorites.
Shirley
Could I use diced green Chiles that come in a can, instead of jalapenos? Also use REAL bacon bits that come in a bag? ( That you put on salads)
Beth Pierce
Sorry about the delay, Shirley. My life has been nuts lately. Yes, you most certainly can but be sure to drain the green chiles as much as you can.
Marg
Can I make it with gluten free flour
Beth Pierce
I am not familiar with gluten free flour. Perhaps one of the readers will know.
Dawn
I have made it three times with 1:1 Bob’s Red Mill gluten free flour, and it worked great. Am getting ready to put a loaf in the oven with Montery Jack, pepperoni, and onions. Going to use spaghetti sauce as a dipper. Did find that I need more than 12 oz. of beer. Have fun.
Howard
Can you use other cheese than cheddar?
Beth Pierce
Yes try Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Gruyere.
Dana
What brand of beer have you used in this recipe?
Beth Pierce
I have used Sam Adams Boston Lager, Stella Artois, and Michelob Ultra
Anne
Have made this twice. Beer was too old second time around so the yeast had lost its punch. Ended up tossing the loaf. But the premiere loaf was superb. Especially toasted and topped with smashed avocado, finely chopped tomato and a poached egg. Wow!!
Beth Pierce
I bet that was delicious! I would love to have that right now! Yummy!
Angie
I want to make mini loaves of this bread. How do I adjust the cooking time?
Beth Pierce
I would start checking at 20 minutes and about every five minutes after that.
Gloria Webber
Could you use non alcohol beer? I have Heineken Non Alcohol Beer.
The recipe sounds delicious and I have peppers ready to pick and a block of cheese waiting to be used!
Beth Pierce
Yes you can! Enjoy!!
Ashlie
What kind of flour do you use for this? All purpose or self rising?
Beth Pierce
All purpose!
Val
Does this bread freeze well.
Beth Pierce
Yes it does
Rowena
I made this bread tonight with pork crusted medallions and steamed broccoli. I wish I could’ve shown you the excitement on my husband’s face! 😁 The bread was easy to make and delicious (even without the cumin)! Thank you for sharing this recipe!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome Rowena! I am so glad that you liked it. I love that bread!
Veronica
I used this as a base recipe. I “veganized” it by omitting the bacon and using shredded vegan cheddar cheese, topped with vegan melted butter. I’ve made it twice in one week. It’s soooo good! Love the chewy texture. Served alongside a vegan burrito mixed grain bowl. This recipe is a keeper!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Your whole meal sounds absolutely delicious! You are making me hungry!!
Leslie
I made this great bread to go with out Chili dinner. Only change I made was I used the bacon drippings with added butter to get the 3tablespoons. Added just that little extra,like it needed anything else. This was great
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Leslie! So glad that you liked it! Thanks for the tip! Sounds delicious!
Donna
Can this Jalapeno Bread be made in the Breadmaker? Thanks, Donna
Beth Pierce
I am not sure. I have never tried. Maybe one of the readers will know the answer.
Tammi Reid
I found this mouth watering receipe this morning and I made it this afternoon. I just took it out of the oven and wow!! It is delicious!! I had all ingredients on hand. My husband has threatened to eat all of it since his Red Stripe beer made it so delicious. I amped up the peppers, we like it hot and added some basil and fresh garlic. I will make again.
Beth Pierce
Awesome Tammie! So glad that you and your husband liked it. Did you get some before he ate it all up? I like things spicy too!
Melissa
So much flavor packed into this bread! It didn’t disappoint!
★★★★★
Natalie
Love how cheesy it looks! Love breads & love a little kick from the japapeno!
★★★★★
Eden
This was so good! We loved this recipe!!
★★★★★
Angie
I’m interested to try this recipe, but am wondering if I could make it as a drop biscuit instead of a loaf? Would I just brush the tops with melted butter? Do you think this would work?
Beth Pierce
I think it would work but I have never tried it. Yes I would brush the tops with the melted butter.
Dale
Great flavor. I came out more like a biscuit type of bread, which is a good thing. Will make for a great biscuit and gravy morning.
★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Dale! So glad that you liked it! My husband just loves that bread!
Kristen
What could you make with it for a main dish..? And the bread as a side for dinner
Beth Pierce
Chili, beef barley soup, corn chowder soup, hamburger soup, lasagna roll ups, baked spaghetti, Mississippi pot roast! So many delicious possibilities that it is hard to pick just one.
Jamie
Can I use baking soda in stead of powder?
Beth Pierce
No I would not.
Dthorses
OMG – this bread was amazing! I made it with Guinness which complimented the flavors perfectly. Thanks for the great recipe!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much! I am so glad that you liked it! We love it too! It is so yummy!
Amber
First time making this and OMG!!!!! I’ll never be skinny at this rate!!! Made with a spiral ham and beans!!!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
LOL! Thanks Amber!! So glad that you liked it!
Marty
Could you use jalapeños from a jar instead of fresh?
Beth Pierce
Yes you sure can. I would drain them real well!
Cynthia
Can u make this with self rising flour
Beth Pierce
I am not sure since the beer provides the yeast that makes the bread rise along with flavor and moisture. Not sure at all how it would turn out. I always use all purpose flour.
Kathy C
Can I use bread flour to make this?
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
I am not sure since I have not tried. After reading up on it I think that you could!
Tabatha
What is the best beer to use? I am not a beer drinker, cant get past the taste.
Beth Pierce
I like to use Boston Lager but you can use any unflavored beer.
Jaime
This bread is awesome. I spread hot pepper jelly mixed with cream cheese on mine. Devine
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
That sounds amazing. I am going to try that! So glad that you liked it!
Annie Green
This was an absolutely amazing recipe.It turned out perfect and was so tasty.Served with a bowl of chili,Winner and will definitely be making this again.
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Annie! I am so glad that you liked it! This is one of my husbands favorite recipes.
Debbie
I only drink light beer there for I would have to use light beer .u said no light ? What’s the reason? Thank u.
Beth Pierce
Using too light a beer might not add any flavor to it.
Doug
Can you make this in a bread maker?
Beth Pierce
I am not sure Doug. It has been years since I have had a bread maker. Maybe one of the readers will know the answer to this.
Chris Holtzapfel
Ok, thank you so much! Going bake up a couple leaves this weekend.
Chris Holtzapfel
Do you use all purpose or self rising flour?
Beth Pierce
All purpose flour!
Erin
This needs to happen at my house very soon!!
★★★★★
Melanie Bauer
Looks divine! I would love to give this a try, so much flavor packed that makes this so delicious!
★★★★★
Paula
You had me at bacon.
Taylor
Love all the delicious flavors. YUM!
★★★★★
Catalina
Bacon makes everything better, isn’t it? Looks so good!
★★★★★
Catalina
Love this beer bread! It’s so rich and flavorful! The jalapeno makes it irresistible!
★★★★★
Jacque Hooper
What a fun and filling recipe! Looks great; I could eat this all by itself!
★★★★★
Demeter
This sounds so flavorful! I know this will be a hit!
★★★★★
Porsha carr
This sounds really amazing. I’m wondering if it would be to hot for my little ones? Either way I’d love to try it.
★★★★★
Sara Welch
What a delicious recipe! I’ve never baked any bread before, but I will have to start with this one; it looks so good!
GiGi Eats
OMG A TRIPLE WHAMMY OF DELICIOUS!!! But seriously, this sounds absolutely out of this world tasty!
artchee
As long as there’s cheese on it and make it spicy, it would most likely taste good! :0)
★★★★★
Annemarie LeBlanc
I don’t have much success with making bread but I will still give your recipe a try. The mere mention of bacon in the ingredient list is enough reason for me to start baking!
★★★★★
Ronnie E.
I love the idea of this recipe! It’s like the perfect mix of all of my hubbies favorites. I need to try it out soon and see if it’s as much of a hit as I expect.
★★★★★
Wendy Polisi
I have a feeling I would eat every bite of this if I made it. I would have to make more than one batch!
★★★★★
Theresa
This bread looks ah-mazing. I can almost taste it smeared with some Kerrygold butter. This is going on my list of recipes to try asap!
Terri Steffes
This looks great! Some cheese has more fat than others, so that’s a really possibilty for your other commenter. Instead of butter, it could have been cheese. 🙂
Colleen
This is pure magic. It’s lke you took all the best parts of game day eats and combined them into one mega food. I think my husband is going to be one happy camper when I make this.
★★★★★
Snehal
I am thinking to make this one for tomorrow breakfast for the family I am sure everyone will love it. ?
★★★★★
sharon wu
i will literally eat anything with cheese in it haha need to try this!
Naomi
This sounds good I wonder if I could find a way to make it vegan!!
★★★★★
Liz
What a delicious, flavorful loaf! This would be perfect with a bowl of chili, though I’m happy to eat a slice mid-afternoon with a smear of butter!
★★★★★
Peggy
Zucchi is growing like crazy here. Think I could add some shredded? Or make the bread too moist?
Beth Pierce
No I think that would be good. Maybe 2/3-1 cup shredded. Don’t forget to check out my other zucchini recipes.
Lisa
Could I use the pan that has mini meatloaf opening For individual servings ? Or muffin tin
Beth Pierce
Yes you could use either one of those. The cooking time would decrease. I would probably check them after 35 minutes although it may take longer.
Nova
I have no beer. Will this work without the beer added?
Beth Pierce
No it really needs the beer. Perhaps you can borrow one from a neighbor!
Jillian
I made this over the weekend, as it rose and baked in the loaf pan the butter went all over the bottom of my oven. So smoky!! Next time will put a cookie sheet under the pan. Delicious anyway 🙂
Beth Pierce
So sorry to hear that. I have not had any trouble with that loaf doing that but I will certainly post the comment so people can place a cookie sheet or piece of aluminum foil under it.
Shana
I have learned from past recipes, but glad I did this because it did happen.
Beth
Made this this weekend and it is great. I will make again for salads and soups. I had a slice
toasted with an egg on for breakfast and it was wonderful.
Beth Pierce
My hubby adores that bread. So glad that you liked it. We eat eggs over easy on it too!!