Cheddar Garlic Beer Bread

Cheddar Garlic Beer Bread is the best way to satisfy your savory carb cravings with minimal effort. This foolproof quick bread boasts a golden, cobbled crust generously brushed with garlic butter, and a tender interior studded with cheddar cheese. With just a few simple ingredients and about an hour, you can enjoy cheesy beer bread alongside chili, soup, or as a simple snack!

I think we can all agree that traditional bread-baking is a labor of love, right?

Well, I've kneaded my way through countless loaves of Homemade White Bread and scored more than my share of Dutch Oven Breads - and honestly, I can get lost in the process of proofing, rising, and shaping when I have the time to spare. But as James Baldwin once said, "I do not dream of labor."

When I'm craving something freshly baked to complement my meal without the fuss, Cheddar Garlic Beer Bread is the perfect solution. This recipe is a type of quick bread - AKA the unsung heroes of busy home cooks and novice bakers. Quick breads rely on leavening agents like baking powder or baking soda instead of yeast, resulting in a tender crumb rather than the chewy, glutenous strands that require significantly more effort to develop. Easy and delicious bread is always a win in my book.

Why you'll love it

• CHEESY, GARLICKY GOODNESS. Garlic and cheddar cheese flavor the loaf, as well as a generous brush of garlic butter after baking. If you love Red Lobster's Cheddar Bay biscuits, this bread is going to be right up your alley.
• EFFORTLESS PREPARATION. No yeast, no kneading, no fuss! This quick bread comes together in minutes, with baking powder and beer providing plenty of leavening.
• VERSATILE SERVING OPTIONS. You can eat this cheddar beer bread on its own as a snack, use it for some next-level BLTs, sop up soup or gravy with it, and more. This is one of those recipes that you'll want to remake regularly because there's always a good reason to enjoy it.

Nothing beats cheesy bread

Sure, it's not the most elegant option, but when it comes to irresistibility, cheesy bread is at the tippy top of the baking list. Stuffed breadsticks, cheese-sprinkled biscuits, heck - pizza. Need I say more? If you want to really bake some bread up that people can't stop eating, cheese is the answer. Cheese is always the answer.

For this recipe, we use sharp cheddar cheese, and for good reason. Sharp cheddar brings a tangy, salty flavor that's bold enough to stand up to the beer and garlic without overpowering it.

Want to switch things up? ⇢ While sharp cheddar is our go-to, don't be afraid to experiment with other cheeses. A smoked gouda could add some depth, or adding in nutty Gruyère could further elevate the flavor profile. I've made blue cheese beer bread on here years ago - so the post is a bit old - but it will always be a good option if you're a fan of the funky stuff.

Choosing the best beer for your bread

Like with most foods cooked with alcohol, you don't have to be a huge beer fan in order to enjoy this bread. The flavors integrate in a way that adds depth to the beer bread without tasting like you just downed a six pack. However, that doesn't mean you don't taste it at all - the underlying flavor of the bread can change a lot based on which beer you choose!

For this recipe, I typically reach for lagers like Yeungling or Sam Adams Oktoberfest. These medium-bodied beers bring just the right amount of malty, deep flavor without overwhelming the cheese and garlic. They're the Goldilocks of beer bread - not too light, not too heavy, but just right.

It's all about what you like. ⇢ If you tend to reach for a nice amber ale or a mellow wheat beer, feel free to use those instead. Many different beers will work here, so if you have some floating around in your fridge, go with what you enjoy. Stouts are another great option that can add a rich, almost coffee-like depth if you're feeling adventurous. Just steer clear of super hoppy IPAs - they'll give your bread a piney taste that doesn't translate well. And maybe skip the fruit beers, unless you're aiming for some kind of fruity cheesy garlicky frankenstein of flavors. (But hey, if that's your thing, who am I to judge?)

The remaining ingredients

A few more pantry and fridge staples are all it takes to make this easy beer bread recipe! Here's what else you need to gather from the kitchen:

• Flour, Baking Powder, Salt - These basic baking ingredients provide the structural base and leavening for the bread. No yeast required!
• Sugar: A bit of sugar won't make the bread sweet, but it will aid in browning and help the bread to maintain moisture so leftovers don't go stale quickly.
• Garlic Powder and Cayenne Pepper: A generous amount of garlic powder is added to both the bread and the melted butter topping
• Butter: Brushed on before and after baking for a golden crust and rich flavor.
• Fresh parsley: A final sprinkle before slicing adds color and brightness.

How to make Cheddar Garlic Beer Bread

This recipe couldn't be simpler - here's a quick rundown:

1. WHISK together the dry ingredients and cheese.
2. POUR in the beer and stir until just combined.
3. TRANSFER the batter to a buttered loaf pan and drizzle with melted butter.
4. BAKE until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
5. BRUSH with garlic butter and sprinkle with parsley.
6. COOL slightly before slicing and serving!

Of course, you'll find more detailed instructions in the recipe card below, but you get the idea - this is a recipe that doesn't require any special skills or equipment. It's perfect for those days when you want something homemade but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen.

TIP! ⇢ If you do want to bust out the special equipment to make your life a bit easier, use the food processor with a grating blade to shred your cheese. I don't know why it took me so many years to switch over from hand grating everything, but the amount of time it saves (and fingertips) to just use the food processor is nothing short of a gift to mankind.

Tips for success

• Make sure your beer is at room temperature for the best rise.
• Don't overmix the batter - a few lumps are okay! Overmixing can lead to a tough bread.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this bread without beer?
A: While the beer adds flavor and helps with texture, you can substitute it with another carbonated drink like club soda or non-alcoholic beer for a similar effect.

Q: How long does this bread stay fresh?
A: Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, this bread will stay fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I add other mix-ins to this bread?
A: Of course! Crispy bacon bits, diced jalapeños, or caramelized onions would all make fantastic additions. Just be careful not to add too much, as it could affect the bread's texture.

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