Best Easy Beer Bread

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
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This oh-so-buttery and easy beer bread recipe needs only 10 minutes of prep and 6 simple ingredients! With a tender crumb, buttery crisp edges, and a subtle hint of beer, this no-yeast bread couldn’t be any easier to make.

Beer Bread Recipe Rundown

  • Taste: Slightly sweet with a unique flavor from the yeasty beer.
  • Texture: Dense and buttery, with the best crispy edges.
  • Skill Level: Beginner friendly! Just stir the batter, pour into a pan, and bake it.
  • Buttery Goodness: Weโ€™re talking melted butterย underย andย on topย of the batter!
  • Simple Ingredients:ย Just 6 pantry staples you likely have on hand.

I first made this beer bread years ago along side a bowl of my chunky beef chili, and it instantly became a family favorite. We love it even more than cornbread! It has now become famous with our entire extended family as the only bread recipe they all make over and over again. If youโ€™re new to bread-making, this is a great recipe to start with as itโ€™s practically foolproof!

⭐️ Test Kitchen Approved ⭐️

Six slices of golden, rustic beer bread are arranged on white parchment paper. The bread has a fluffy, slightly crumbly interior and a crisp, lightly browned crust.

“This truly is the BEST beer bread recipe and we have probably made it 50 times by now. And no, I am not exaggerating! It’s buttery as can be, with the perfect crust, and comes together in no time. Sometimes, I make chili just so l have an excuse to make this bread!” โ€” Haley, busy mom of two and passionate home cook and baker.

Learn more about our Test Kitchen โž”

Bowls of ingredients for this easy beer bread recipe, from top to bottom: bottle of beer, baking powder, sugar, butter, salt and flour.

Key Ingredients

If you already have a bottle of beer, you likely have everything you need on hand! Below you will find helpful notes and substitutions for a few key ingredients for this beer bread recipe. Visit theย printable recipe cardย below for the full ingredient list and amounts.

  • Flour: I use all-purpose flour as I always have it on hand, but you can swap it for self-rising flour. Just eliminate the added baking powder and salt.
  • Sugar: Use white granulated sugar, or swap it out for 1/4 cup honey or agave instead!
  • Beer: Use a 12 ounce bottle of your favorite beer. (See below for beer suggestions.)
  • Butter: Melted butter poured on top of the batter helps with browning and creating a wonderfully crisp and buttery crust. If you prefer to use less butter, you can cut it down to just 4 tablespoons.

What Type of Beer is Best for Beer Bread?

A medium bodied beer with a mild flavor like a lager or pale ale works best. I personally like to use something like Yuengling traditional lager, Modelo especial or Shiner Bock. This will give you a balanced, rich beer flavor that is not overpowering or bitter.

However, I have often used a light beer with great success. Whenever I visit my parents, all they usually have on hand is Miller Lite. It still makes a very tasty beer bread! You can even use a non-alcoholic beer and it will not alter the final taste or texture.

Easy beer bread cut into slices on a wire rack.

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How to Make This Easy Beer Bread Recipe

The beer stands in for yeast and eliminates any rising time in this beer bread recipe, keeping it extra easy to make. Gather the few items needed and get ready to be wowed by the easiest loaf of bread you’ll ever bake. Below is a quick step-by-step recipe overview, please scroll down to theย printable recipe cardย for full instructions.

Butter being poured into a bowl of flour, salt, sugar and baking powder.
Stir the beer into the dry ingredients.
Raw dough placed in a loaf pan over melted butter.
Add melted butter then batter to loaf pan.

When making beer bread, the key technique lies inย not over-mixingย the batter. Stir just until the flour is incorporated to avoid a tough or dense loaf.

Be sure toย pour melted butter into the pan before adding the batter. This helps the bread not to stick to the pan, but also create a crispy, golden crust on the bottom. If you prefer, you can also line your pan with parchment paper to make the loaf lift out even easier!

Butter poured over the top of bread batter in a loaf pan.
Top with more melted butter.
A baked loaf of bread in a baking loaf pan.
Bake until golden brown.

Drizzle more butter on top before baking to develop that signature rich flavor and deep golden top. While rare, some readers said their butter leaked over the edges of the pan as the bread baked. So I recommend setting the loaf pan on top of a baking sheet to prevent any potential mess!

Let the bread rest for about 10 minutes after baking before slicing to allow the crumb to set. Then use a serrated knife when slicing to preserve the tender texture and buttery crust of the loaf.

Two slices of buttery warm beer bread on a cooling rack with a pad of butter on the top slice and a bite taken out of the bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

What goes with beer bread?

It pairs beautifully with my slow cooker chili, soups, stews, and grilled meats. Itโ€™s also delicious with a drizzle of honey, compound butter, or whipped honey butter.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Double it and bake all of the batter at once in a 9×13 baking dish instead. Start checking in on it around 40 minutes to check if it’s done.

How do I know when beer bread is done baking?

The top should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. It usually takes 50 to 60 minutes depending on your oven.

Is beer bread ok for kids to eat?

Yes! The alcohol evaporates while baking, leaving behind an irresistible bread that is safe for everyone to enjoy. Still worried? Use non-alcoholic beer instead!

Can I make this beer bread as muffins instead of a loaf?

Yes, we do this often! Bake the batter in a standard muffin pan, this recipe will make about 10 muffins. Bake at 350ยฐF and start checking for doneness around 18 minutes.

Can I add cheese, herbs, or other mix-ins?

Yes, we make it as a jalapeรฑo cheddar beer bread often! Shredded cheddar, parmesan, garlic, rosemary, fresh herbs, or even jalapeรฑos all make great additions. Just mix them in with the dry ingredients before adding beer.

Can I make beer bread in advance?

Absolutely. It tastes great the next day. We like to pop a slice in the microwave for 10 seconds to make it taste freshly baked again. To really keep it moist, you can wrap it with a damp paper towel before reheating.

How to store leftovers?

Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices (individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a zip-top bag) for up to 3 months. Thaw on countertop at room temperature before serving.

Slices of bread stacked on top of each other showing the edges of the crisp and crackly crust this beer bread recipe creates.
4.4 from 484 votes
Print Pin Recipe
Yield: 8 slices

Best Easy Beer Bread Recipe

With a tender crumb, buttery crisp edges, and a hint of beer, this beer bread recipe is so easy to make and worth every bite!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time50 minutes
Total Time1 hour

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • ยผ cup granulated sugar, or honey
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 (12 oz) bottle beer, see notes below for beer recommendations
  • ยฝ cup (1 stick) butter, melted

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Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 350ยฐF. Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Line with parchment paper for easy removal (optional).
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Using a wooden spoon, stir the beer into the dry ingredients until just mixed.
  • Pour half the melted butter into the bottom of the loaf pan. Then spoon the batter into the pan, and pour the rest of the butter on top of the batter. Place loaf pan on cookie sheet in case there is any butter that spills over as it bakes.
  • Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Serve immediately with a smear of even more butter – or a drizzle of honey, if desired. I recommend using a serrated knife to slice the bread so that you donโ€™t tear the crust!

Notes

Store: Store bread in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3 days. Resist the urge to put it in the refrigerator, so bread doesnโ€™t dry out.
Reheat: To make it have that freshly baked feel again, pop a slice in the microwave for 10 seconds.
Freeze: Double wrap the cooled, baked loaf of bread in plastic wrap and a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 6 months.
Type Of Beer: A medium bodied beer with a mild flavor like a lager or pale ale is best. I personally like to use Yuengling traditional lager, Modelo especial or Shiner Bock. However, I have often used a light beer (like miller lite) with great success as well!ย 
Self-Rising Flour: Swap for all-purpose flour for self-rising flour and eliminate the baking powder and salt.
Double It: Need to double this recipe for beer bread? Double it and bake it in a 9ร—13 baking dish. Start checking it for doneness around 40 minutes
Muffins: Want to make single serving muffins? Using a standard muffin pan, this recipe will make approximately 10 muffins. Start checking them for doneness around 18 minutes.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1 slice, Calories: 321kcal, Carbohydrates: 44g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 12g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 0.5g, Cholesterol: 32mg, Sodium: 548mg, Potassium: 66mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 370IU, Calcium: 101mg, Iron: 2mg

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I can’t wait to try this recipe! Could I swap a Sprite instead of beer? Thanks!

Thanks for your reply! It, um, didn’t turn out so well. Very strange texture, little flavor, and took longer to bake (and I used honey). I wouldn’t recommend making that change. I look forward to making again according to original ingredients!

Without the beer you lose the yeast. Could that have been the problem?

If I add cheese, how much?

Do you have to let the dough rise at all before baking it?

5 stars
Baked two loaves this morning – added shredded cheddar and Colby jack to one loaf. I have made beer bread using different recipes over the years, but this is my new favorite – definitely a keeper!

5 stars
It’s baking now! I added cheddar cheese, basil from my garden and garlic. It sure smells good!!!

5 stars
I used pumpkin ale with a t spoon of cinnamon and it turned out fabulous !!

I just want to let you know this is one of our absolute favorite things in our family!!!! This recipe is so easy and the bread is AMAZING!!!! I make it several times a month!!!

5 stars
Always turns out great. Served it with a bacon onion jam this time. Yum!

Can you sue salted margarine in this recipe?

Can you use a bread machine

Could self rising flour be used?

I tried this today for the first time. It was a big hit in my house. I am going to try it again soon but gluten free version for my family thats gluten free.

Curious, why grease pan if you use parchment paper? Is it either/or ,or both ? Also, trying to part with one of my beers, Bad joke.

Just wanted to confirm that 1 Tablespoon of Baking Powder is used and not a lesser amount?

Does the beer have to be room temperature?

Can this be made with whole wheat flour or gluten free flour?

I have made this recipe twice now. Great recipe for beginners.

For my last loaf, I used half King Arthur bread flour and half King Arthur whole wheat with Guinness Stout. The flavor is wonderful.

What would happen if I mixed the melted butter into the beer? I think the crust would be closer to Irish soda bread. Pouring the melted butter on the dough softens the crust.

Any comments?

For a crustier finish like irish soda bread you can pull the loaf out if its on parchment paper and return it to the oven for 10 minutes on 425 or so.

I made this today with my 3.5 y.o. daughter but used ginger beer instead since I had no beer on hand! It was very delicious! It came out so soft and moist. I canโ€™t wait to try with beer next time! Thank you for sharing this recipe! Itโ€™s a keeper!

Can this recipe be used with a bread machine ?

This sounds great, but if I put less sugar would that affect the bread, I donโ€™t want it very sweet. Thank you!

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Jessica
For the past 15 years, Jorge & Jessica have loved getting to share their families' favorite recipes with all of you. They live in Florida with their 3 kids.