Imagine a warm, golden loaf that combines the rich, tangy flavor of cheddar cheese, the aromatic touch of herbs, and the unexpected magic of beer - all baked into one irresistible bread. This Cheddar and Herb Beer Bread is not just a recipe; it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for more. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned home chef, this no-knead, incredibly easy bread will become your new go-to comfort food that looks and tastes like it came straight from a gourmet bakery.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried herbs (e.g., thyme, rosemary)
- 1 bottle (12 oz) beer
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your bread will bake evenly and rise properly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 cup of sugar. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well mixed and free of lumps.
- Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 tablespoon of dried herbs (such as thyme or rosemary) to the dry mixture. Stir gently to distribute the cheese and herbs evenly throughout the flour mixture.
- Open a bottle of beer (12 oz) and slowly pour it into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to stir the mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be slightly lumpy.
- Once the batter is mixed, pour in 1/4 cup of melted butter. Gently fold the butter into the batter until just combined. Again, avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Grease a standard loaf pan with cooking spray or additional melted butter to prevent sticking. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Smooth the top if necessary.
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice the Cheddar and Herb Beer Bread once it has cooled slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy with butter or your favorite spread!
Tips
- Choose your beer wisely: A lighter beer like a lager or pilsner works best, but don't be afraid to experiment with different styles to create unique flavor profiles.
- Don't overmix the batter: Stir just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense bread.
- Use fresh baking powder to ensure the bread rises properly and maintains a light texture.
- For extra flavor, try adding mix-ins like crispy bacon bits, jalapeños, or different cheese varieties.
- Check your bread's doneness by inserting a toothpick - it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Let the bread cool slightly before slicing to help it set and make cutting easier.
- Store the bread in an airtight container and enjoy within 2-3 days for maximum freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg
