Savory Bacon and Cheddar Beer Bread
This irresistible Bacon and Cheddar Beer Bread is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any gathering or as a tasty side to your favorite soup or stew. Inspired by popular recipes on Pinterest, this delectable loaf combines the rich flavors of crispy bacon and shredded cheddar cheese with the delightful kick of beer, creating a moist, flavorful bread with a wonderfully crisp crust. Surprisingly easy to make, you’ll go from mixing ingredients to enjoying warm, freshly baked bread in under 75 minutes. Whether shared with friends or enjoyed on your own, this bread is sure to tantalize your taste buds and become a staple in your kitchen!
N/A
Servings
182
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
3 cups
baking powder
1 tablespoon
salt
1 teaspoon
sugar
3 tablespoons
shredded cheese
1 1/4 cups ((Cheddar or a mix with Monterey Jack and Colby works well))
beer
12 ounces
bacon
4 slices (cooked and chopped (or 1/4 cup real bacon bits))
butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with melted butter and set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until fully combined.
4
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the cooked, chopped bacon, 3/4 of the shredded cheese, and the beer.
5
Gently stir the mixture with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Top with the remaining cheese and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of melted butter.
7
Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the bread and drizzle the remaining melted butter over the top.
8
Continue baking for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the top.
9
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Feel free to brush with more melted butter for an extra indulgent finish before serving.
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
22g
Carbs
5g
Protein
0.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Bacon and Cheddar Beer Bread?
It is a quick bread that uses beer for leavening, flavored with crispy bacon and shredded cheddar cheese for a savory, moist finish.
How long does it take to make this beer bread?
The entire process from mixing to baking takes less than 75 minutes.
What type of beer should I use?
You can use any 12-ounce beer; lagers, ales, or stouts all provide different flavor profiles, though a standard lager is most common.
Can I use non-alcoholic beer?
Yes, non-alcoholic beer works perfectly because the carbonation still helps the bread rise.
What kind of cheese works best in this recipe?
Cheddar is traditional, but a mix of Monterey Jack and Colby also works very well.
Can I use bacon bits instead of fresh bacon?
Yes, you can substitute the 4 slices of fresh bacon with 1/4 cup of real bacon bits.
Do I need to sift the flour?
Sifting isn't necessary; simply whisking the flour with the other dry ingredients is enough to remove lumps.
What size loaf pan is required?
This recipe is designed for a standard 9x5-inch loaf pan.
What is the correct baking temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for the best results.
How do I know when the bread is finished baking?
The bread is done when the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the top.
Can I make this bread without beer?
Beer provides the carbonation and flavor; you could use carbonated water, but it will lack the signature beer bread taste.
Why is my beer bread too dense?
Density usually comes from overmixing the batter; stir only until the ingredients are just combined.
Should I grease the baking pan?
Yes, grease the pan with melted butter to prevent sticking and add flavor to the crust.
Can I add jalapeños to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding chopped jalapeños is a popular way to give this bread a spicy kick.
How do I achieve a extra-crispy crust?
Drizzling melted butter over the top before baking and again halfway through ensures a wonderfully crisp crust.
Can I use self-rising flour?
Yes, but if you use self-rising flour, you should omit the baking powder and the salt from the recipe.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store any remaining bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Can this beer bread be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the loaf by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months.
Is this bread vegetarian?
The standard recipe is not vegetarian because of the bacon, but you can easily omit the bacon to make it vegetarian.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 182 calories per serving of this beer bread.
What should I serve with Savory Bacon and Cheddar Beer Bread?
It is an excellent side for soups, stews, chili, or simply enjoyed warm with extra butter.
Do I need an electric mixer for this recipe?
No, a wooden spoon or spatula is better to ensure you don't overmix the dough.
Why is butter added at two different times?
Adding butter at the start and middle of baking creates a deeper flavor and a more uniform golden crust.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
You can, but the bread will be much heavier and denser; a 50/50 split is usually a better compromise.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of sugar to help balance the savory flavors.
Can I substitute the bacon with another meat?
Yes, cooked crumbled sausage or diced ham would also work well in this recipe.
How much cheese goes inside versus on top?
Mix 3/4 of the cheese into the batter and save the remaining 1/4 to sprinkle on top before baking.
How long should the bread cool before slicing?
Let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then move to a wire rack to cool completely for the best texture.
Can I bake this recipe as muffins?
Yes, you can bake them in a muffin tin for about 20-25 minutes at the same temperature.
What can I use if I don't have baking powder?
You can substitute a mixture of baking soda and cream of tartar, though the beer's carbonation does some of the work.