Easy Beer Bread

This beer bread tastes like the classic Tastefully Simple style beer bread mix that showed up at so many in-home parties, only you can make it from pantry staples for a fraction of the cost. The flavor is the same comforting, slightly malty quick-bread profile with a crisp buttery crust, and the method is as simple as stir, pour, and bake. At CopyKat.com, the goal is always to recreate familiar “box mix favorites” with everyday ingredients, and this is one of those recipes you will keep on repeat when you want homemade bread without yeast.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Why this recipe works

This recipe nails that “boxed mix” flavor by keeping the ingredient list simple and using the same flavor drivers: self-rising flour for structure, a little sugar to round out the flavor, beer for lift and maltiness, and butter for that golden, crisp crust. It is also a one-bowl recipe, so it comes together quickly and bakes up reliably even if you do not bake bread often.

What makes this Beer Bread recipe the one you should try

There are various recipes for beer bread out there, but none as tasty and simple as this one. This recipe makes a very hearty beer bread with a beautiful yeasty/malty flavor that’s not at all beer-y or overwhelming. It tastes…comforting. And let’s not forget the crunchy, buttery crust. 

If making homemade bread isn’t on your schedule but the bread box is empty, this recipe has you covered! You can make a perfect crusty loaf in about one hour.

Note: Your children can eat beer bread. Most, if not all, of the alcohol cooks out, leaving behind just the yeasty and savory flavors.

Beer Bread recipe ingredients

This is one bread you can whip up quickly to serve with dinner, since you’ll probably have most of the ingredients on hand. You don’t need yeast because this is beer bread with self-rising flour, and the beer itself contains yeast:

• Self-rising flour – provides the built-in leavening you would typically get from yeast.
• Sugar – balances the savory notes and supports browning.
• Beer – adds carbonation for lift and a subtle malty flavor.
• Butter – creates the signature crisp, golden crust.

Ingredient substitutions

If you don’t drink beer, you can substitute a lemon-lime soda or even ginger ale for the beer.

CopyKat Tip: If you use a non-alcoholic beverage instead of beer, add two teaspoons of bread machine yeast or a packet of active dry yeast to get a good rise.

Beer recommendations

There is no single best beer for beer bread, but if you use a light beer, you won’t really taste it. So go with a darker beer, so more of that beer flavor gets infused into the loaf. Here’s a beer guide to help you:

• Beer Lover’s Choice. Use a fully flavored beer, such as a craft IPA.
• Middle Ground. Amber beers strike a nice balance. The beer flavor is present and pleasant, but not as pronounced as in beer bread made with a good IPA.
• Go Seasonal. Try making beer bread with a nutty brown winter ale, pumpkin ale, or even hard cider.
• Irish Beer Bread. For a St. Patrick’s Day recipe, use an Irish beer, make Guinness beer bread or make a bread with an Irish red ale such as Smithwick’s.

How to make beer bread

This easy beer bread recipe only takes a few simple steps:

1. Combine the flour and sugar in a large bowl.
2. Add beer.

3. Stir until thoroughly combined. The dough will be sticky.

4. Pour the batter into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
5. Brush the top with melted butter.
6. Bake at 350°F for 50 to 60 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
7. Cool the bread in the pan for 10 minutes.
8. After 10 minutes, remove the bread from the pan and place the bread on a wire rack and allow it to cool to room temperature before slicing it.

3 Tips for preparing beer bread

1. Use a beer that’s at room temperature. A cold one straight out of the fridge might cause your bread to bake unevenly. 
2. Sifting the flour will give you better bread. Just scooping the 1-cup measure into the flour canister and leveling it off compacts the flour and can turn your bread into a hard brick.
3. Mix the dough well, but don’t go overboard. Unlike bread made with yeast, overmixing can make your bread dense.

Beer Bread Recipe Variations

This easy beer bread recipe lends itself to variations. Here are a few ideas to create your own beer bread mixes:

• Honey Beer Bread: Add ¼ cup of honey instead of the sugar to make honey beer bread. 
• Herbed Beer Bread: Stir in 2 teaspoons dried herbs or 1 tablespoon fresh – try rosemary, basil, or thyme.
• Garlic Beer Bread: Mince a clove or two of garlic and add it to the mix.
• Cheese Beer Bread. Fold in 2/3 cup shredded cheese. Cheddar is classic, pepper jack gives a little spice, and fontina or gouda is fun for an Italian twist.
• Parmesan Beer Bread: Fold in ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (great combined with herbs and garlic).
• Some other savory additions could be bacon, jalapeño, or green onion.

How to Serve Beer Bread

• This beer bread is sensational for club sandwiches and also makes a killer grilled cheese sandwich.
• Top a slice of beer bread with a fried egg, cheese, and crispy bacon for a delicious open-faced breakfast sandwich. 
• Beer bread is just meant for dipping into soups or stews.
• Beer bread, plus a yummy bruschetta, makes a perfect side dish or appetizer!

What goes well with beer bread

Beer bread works as a side to many hearty main dishes, including:

• Cheeseburger Soup
• CrockPot Chili
• Instant Pot Beef Stew

Storage and freezing

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Do not refrigerate.
• Freezing: Wrap cooled bread in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze up to 6 months.
• Thaw and reheat: Thaw overnight, then toast, warm in a low oven, or microwave slices briefly.

Love homemade quick bread? Try these recipes!

• Apple Bread
• Boston Brown Bread
• Homemade Zucchini Bread
• KFC Biscuits
• Red Lobster Biscuits
• Rhubarb Bread
• Sour Cream Cornbread

Our favorite recipes that use beer

• Beer Battered Shrimp
• Beer Biscuits
• Beer Cheese Fondue
• Beer Dip
• Beer Margarita

Check out more of my easy bread recipes and the best DIY recipes here on CopyKat!