Cheddar Beer Bread Recipe: A Cheesy Delight for Every Occasion
Our Cheddar Beer Bread Recipe is a perfect blend of rich, cheesy goodness with the delightful bitterness of beer, infused with the aromatic flavors of garlic and mixed herbs. This quick bread is incredibly easy to make, ideal for anyone looking to whip up a flavorful, satisfying treat in no time. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, part of your breakfast, or as a savory side, this beer bread will never disappoint.
This recipe combines the hearty texture of all-purpose flour with the sharpness of cheddar cheese, balanced by the slight sweetness of sugar and the depth of garlic and herbs. The beer adds an extra layer of flavor that helps the bread rise beautifully, creating a fluffy, golden crust. Paired with a cup of coffee or served alongside a fresh, zesty dip, this bread makes for a perfect snack at any time of day.
Cuisine: Continental
Course: Appetizer
Diet: Vegetarian
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (serves 8-10)
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 1 ½ cups |
| Cheddar Cheese, shredded | ½ cup |
| Garlic, finely chopped | 4 cloves |
| Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Baking Powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Beer | 1 ¼ cups (freshly opened) |
| Butter (Salted) | 2 tablespoons |
| Mixed Herbs (Dried) | 2 teaspoons |
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 kcal |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 20mg |
| Sodium | 400mg |
| Sugar | 2g |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by greasing a loaf pan with butter, ensuring every corner is well-coated, and then dust it lightly with flour. This will prevent the bread from sticking. Set it aside. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) so that it’s ready for baking once the batter is prepared.
Step 2: Infuse the Butter with Garlic and Herbs
In a small pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic to the pan and sauté until it turns a light golden brown. This should take about 2 minutes. Once the garlic is browned, turn off the heat and stir in the mixed herbs, allowing them to release their fragrance into the butter. Set this aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Add ¼ cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and gently combine these ingredients. Make sure everything is well-distributed before proceeding.
Step 4: Add the Beer and Herb-Infused Butter
Once the dry ingredients are mixed, pour in the garlic and herb butter that you set aside earlier. Then, pour in the beer (ensure it’s freshly opened to keep the fizz). Using a whisk, gently stir until the batter is smooth and slightly thickened. You should have a thick yet pourable consistency.
Step 5: Transfer to the Loaf Pan
Carefully pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to make it even. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the batter to create a cheesy crust once baked.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, check the bread by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the bread is done; if not, bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until fully cooked.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Afterward, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
This Cheddar Beer Bread is incredibly versatile. For a satisfying snack or appetizer, serve it with a refreshing Tzatziki Recipe – a cool, creamy Greek yogurt dip that complements the richness of the bread perfectly. Pair it with a Hot Coffee Latte for a delightful afternoon break.
If you’re enjoying it as part of breakfast, elevate your meal by serving the Cheddar Beer Bread with a hearty Spicy Moroccan Eggs Recipe or Spicy Jalapeno Scrambled Eggs Recipe for an energizing start to your day. For a well-rounded meal, add a side of Chopped Spinach and Pomegranate Salad Recipe, bringing a touch of freshness and crunch to balance the cheesy, savory flavors of the bread.
Tips and Variations
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Herb Variations: You can experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano, to change the flavor profile. For a more intense garlic taste, try roasting the garlic before adding it to the butter.
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Beer Selection: The type of beer you choose can significantly impact the flavor of the bread. Opt for a pale ale or lager for a subtle, crisp flavor, or use a stout for a deeper, richer taste.
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Cheese Options: While cheddar is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or even blue cheese for a unique twist.
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Storage: This Cheddar Beer Bread stays fresh for about 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer shelf life, slice and freeze the bread to enjoy later. Simply toast slices before serving.
This Cheddar Beer Bread Recipe is the perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. It’s quick, easy, and sure to impress at your next gathering, whether it’s for a casual snack or a full meal. Don’t be surprised if it disappears faster than you can bake it!
