Easy Cheesy Cheddar Beer Bread

This easy cheesy cheddar beer bread recipe is simple to make with no yeast! It’s a savory quick bread that combines rich cheddar cheese with the malty notes of beer resulting in a flavorful and moist loaf perfect for pairing with soups or to enjoy on its own! 

I am no stranger to savory homemade breads and this cheddar beer bread is not only simple to make with no yeast and no kneading involved, but just like my Guiness beer bread the beer adds a unique flavor profile that pairs well with the cheddar cheese.

Since it’s a quick bread recipe, there is no kneading involved like my ham and cheese savory muffins or homemade cheese buns and you can have a loaf ready in just over an hour!

This beer bread with cheddar is perfect plain or top it with little butter! Serve it with a hearty bowl of soup or as a snack, either way this unique bread is rich, flavorful and will be a new favorite.  

Why You’ll Love Beer Bread with Cheddar

• Quick and easy bread recipe: The easiest way to have a fresh loaf of bread on the table in just over an hour! 
• Flavorful: With savory cheese and a light beer flavor, this homemade quick bread is unique and tasty! 
• Texture: While different from a yeast bread recipe, this cheese beer bread recipe is dense and hearty with a moist texture. It may crumble slightly as you slice it, but it has a very tender crumb! 

Easy Beer Bread Recipe Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the homemade bread.
• Baking powder: Used as a leavening agent for rise in the quick bread.
• Sugar and salt: Enhances the flavor of the bread. For a sweeter bread, you can add an additional Tablespoon of sugar.
• Cheddar cheese: I used freshly grated cheddar cheese but you can use colby, Pepper jack or Parmesan cheese. Any cheddar works from sharp cheddar cheese to mild. 
• Beer: Any room temperature bottle of beer works, just remember that the kind of beer will influence the flavor of the bread. 

How to Make Cheddar Beer Bread

Prep: Grease and flour a 9-inch loaf pan. Alternatively, line it with parchment paper. 

Dry ingredients: In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt and cheese.

Add beer: Add the beer and stir everything together until almost combined.

Spoon batter into the prepared loaf pan and top with grated cheddar cheese.

Bake for 50 minutes. Rest in the pan for a few minutes before serving the cheesy beer bread warm. Enjoy!

Substitutions and Variations

• Self-rising flour: If you are out of all-purpose flour, you can use self-raising flour just skip the added baking powder and salt.
• Non-alcoholic: Try using a non-alcoholic beer in place of actual beer.
• Honey: Substitute the sugar for honey for a slightly different flavor in this easy cheddar beer bread.  
• Bacon and jalapeno: Add some diced jalapenos and chopped, cooked bacon to the bread similar to my cheddar jalapeno bread but quicker. 
• Additional mix-ins: Add in additional dried herbs like Italian seasoning or oregano or try some freshly minced garlic, fresh thyme, rosemary or dill. 

Expert Tips to Make Cheesy Cheddar Beer Bread

• Use your favorite beer: I prefer a lighter beer such as a lager or ale in this bread. The beer flavors the bread, so choose what you like. Heavier beers like a stout or porter will make the bread sweeter or have a stronger flavor profile. 
• Remove bread from the pan 
• Serve warm: Or cool completely! I like to allow it to cool for at least 20 minutes and then serve it warm. 
• Avoid overmixing: Don’t over mix the ingredients or you will end up with dense bread. Fold in the beer lightly, mix to combine and then stop.
• Garlic cheddar beer bread: Try a garlic butter topping! Just mix melted butter, parsley and garlic powder together and brush on top right out of the oven.
• Muffins: If you need your bread quicker, try making it into muffins! Grease or line a 12 cup muffin tin with liners. Add batter to pan then bake at 350°F for 15-18 minutes.

FAQs

What type of beer is best to use in this bread?

I prefer a lighter beer with a light flavor profile, but you can use what you like. The flavor profile will affect the taste of the bread, so use one you like! I would avoid any speciality beers or seasonal flavors like coffee, pumpkin or fruity varieties. 

How to tell when the bread is done?

Beer bread is done baking when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with only a few crumbs attached. To avoid dry bread, avoid over-baking it. All ovens bake differently, so I recommend checking around 40 minutes. 

What to serve with beer bread?

This bread goes just as well with appetizer dips and spreads as it does with hearty soups, chilis and stews. I love it even toasted for breakfast with some butter and honey! 

How to store leftover Cheesy Cheddar Beer bread?

Store leftovers of the cheese beer bread recipe at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, store in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze this Cheesy Beer bread?

This bread freezes well so make two loaves to have one later in the week! Cool bread completely, wrap in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Place in a freezer bag and store frozen for up to three to four months. Thaw in the refrigerator, warm in the microwave for a few seconds and enjoy. 

You can also freeze the bread sliced and toast the beer bread directly from the freezer. 

More Easy Bread Recipes

• Homemade One Hour Bread
• Easy Buttermilk Bread
• Molasses Brown Soda Bread
• Simple Drop Biscuits
• Blueberry Bread