Basic Beer Bread

While I mainly post sweet recipes on this blog there are several other baked goods I make on a regular basis. This is one of those recipes.

Who doesn’t love a piece of soft, warm bread directly from the oven? It can really round out a meal but who has the time to go through the steps and make a yeast based bread? Don’t get me wrong, I love me some old fashioned bread but when you are looking for a recipe that requires minimal input of energy and time with a maximum output of taste and versatility look no further than this quick bread.

I have used this as my ‘go-to’ quick bread recipe for years and it continues to remain one of my favorite recipes to whip up.I love this recipe for a few reasons, first and foremost because it tastes wonderful, especially out of the oven when it is all warm and slightly crumbly. It gets no better. This bread has a more dense crumb than a yeast bread but that makes it all the better to slather with Peanut Butter or to dip into a bowl of piping how soup or chili!

I also love this recipe because it is so super simple and uses ingredients I keep on hand on a regular basis (yes beer is usually in my fridge or at least the garage). Like I said, I can whip this bread up in less time than it takes to watch an episode of Dexter (under 60 minutes for those not familiar with one of the best shows on tv). Lastly, this recipe holds a place in my heart because it is so versatile. You can change up the flavor just by changing the beer you use.

If you want a wheatier (is that a word) flavor use a fuller bodied brew, for lighter taste use a honey wheat. The possibilities are endless. If you are worried about using alcohol in recipes for your family do not fear, you can easily substitute a non-alcoholic beer or soda for the beer in this recipe.

I have had great success using Diet Mt. Dew or Sprite, just know your bread will be slightly sweeter unless you cut some of the sugar down a bit in the dry ingredients.If you are feeling really adventurous why not use an orange soda or how about a grape one and slather some Peanut Butter on toasted bread for a unique PB&J!

I have been inspired as well and besides the original, have had great success playing around with the recipe. I have added cheeses and herbs to my dough (when using beer) with great results.I added toasted walnuts and butterscotch chips to a loaf using Mt. Dew. This was good toasted!I have added a few TBS of peanut butter to the batter when using Mt. Dew for a mild PB taste that went great with jelly!Use your imagination and come up with some great combinations!

I rate this recipe a 9.5

Basic Beer Bread
3 cups  all-purpose flour
3 TBS granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 TBS baking powder
12 ounces beer
2 TBS butter, melted

Heat oven to 375°. Spray a loaf pay with PAM
In a large bowl combine flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.Gently fluff  with fork until mixed. Slowly add in beer (or beverage of choice) and mix just until combined.You batter will be thick.
Spread in prepared pan and carefully pour melted butter over the top.Bake until golden brown and a toothpick stuck in the center comes out clean, about 45 minutes.
Cool in the pan on a rack for 10 minutes.
Remove from pan and cool 10 more minutes.
Serve warm or at room temperature.

*If you want to add in herbs or cheese, add to dry ingredients before adding beer. You can also sprinkle some on the top of the loaf prior to bak