If you want homemade bread without kneading, proofing, or worrying about yeast, Beer Bread is your new best friend. This recipe creates a thick, hearty loaf with a crunchy, buttery crust and a tender interior—using a simple trick: beer + baking powder for lift and flavor. It’s the kind of bread that feels rustic and comforting, perfect alongside soups, chili, barbecue, or just warm with butter.
The best part? You can have a fresh loaf in the oven in minutes, and it’s very forgiving—as long as you don’t pack the flour. (More on that below!)
Why You’ll Love This Beer Bread
No kneading, no rising time
Big flavor from the beer
Crispy, buttery crust with a soft center
Beginner-friendly and fast
This loaf is hearty and satisfying—exactly what you want from a quick homemade bread.
Ingredients
3 cups flour (sifted)
3 teaspoons baking powder (omit if using self-rising flour)
1 teaspoon salt (omit if using self-rising flour)
¼ cup sugar
1 (12-ounce) can beer
½ cup melted butter (¼ cup also works fine)
Directions
Preheat oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).Mix dry + beer
In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Pour in the beer and stir just until combined.Transfer to pan
Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.Add butter
Pour the melted butter over the top of the batter.Bake
Bake for 1 hour.Cool
Remove from the pan and cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Updated Notes and Pro Tips (Read This!)
Want a softer crust?
Instead of pouring the melted butter on top, mix the butter into the batter. This creates a softer, more traditional bread-like crust.
Sifting flour matters (seriously!)
For bread recipes, sifting flour (or at least spooning it into the measuring cup) prevents compacting. Scooping flour directly from the container packs it down and can make the loaf dense—more like a hard biscuit than bread.
No sifter? Use a spoon to lightly fill your measuring cup, then level it off.
Can I use non-alcoholic beer or soda?
Yes, but if you use non-alcoholic beverages, it’s highly recommended to add:
1 packet dry active yeast, or
2 teaspoons bread/machine yeast
This helps the loaf rise properly and prevents a heavy texture.
The goal
A thick, hearty, flavorful bread—not a brick.
Serving Suggestions
Beer bread is perfect with:
Chili, soup, or stew
BBQ meals (great for soaking up sauce)
Butter + honey for a simple snack
Cheese boards (especially if you use a stronger beer)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What kind of beer should I use?
Almost any beer works. Lighter beers make a mild loaf, while darker beers create a deeper, malty flavor.
Why did my bread turn out dense?
Most commonly: flour was packed (not sifted/spooned), batter was overmixed, or the oven temperature was off.
Can I use self-rising flour?
Yes. If you do, omit baking powder and salt.
Can I reduce the butter?
Yes—¼ cup melted butter still gives great results.
Can I make this without beer?
You can use a non-alcoholic beverage, but add dry active yeast or bread yeast for a better rise.
Beer Bread Recipe
Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
1 Hour
Total Time
1 Hour 10 Minutes + Cooling
Servings
10–12 Slices
Ingredients
3 cups flour (sifted)
3 teaspoons baking powder (omit if using self-rising flour)
1 teaspoon salt (omit if using self-rising flour)
¼ cup sugar
1 (12-ounce) can beer
½ cup melted butter (¼ cup works too)
Instructions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan.Step 2
Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a bowl.Step 3
Pour in beer and stir just until combined.Step 4
Pour batter into loaf pan.Step 5
Pour melted butter over top (or mix into batter for softer crust).Step 6
Bake 1 hour. Cool at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Important Information
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
Nutrition varies depending on beer type, butter amount, and slice size. This information is approximate and not intended as medical advice.
