Garlic Cheddar Beer Bread Recipe

Garlic Cheddar Beer Bread is the perfect combination of savory, cheesy, and comforting all in one loaf. It’s incredibly easy to make, no yeast required, and perfect as a side for soups, stews, or just a snack on its own. Here’s a simple recipe that’s packed with flavor:

Garlic Cheddar Beer Bread

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder (optional)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 (12 oz) bottle of beer (a lager or ale works best)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
• Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

   • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder (if using), and black pepper.

3. Add the Cheese:

   • Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. This helps distribute the cheese evenly throughout the bread.

4. Add the Beer:

   • Pour in the beer and stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. The batter will be thick, which is normal.

5. Prepare the Garlic Butter:

   • In a small bowl, melt the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic.

6. Assemble the Bread:

   • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
   • Pour the garlic butter mixture over the top of the bread batter. This will create a beautiful, buttery garlic crust as it bakes.

7. Bake:

   • Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Cool and Serve:

   • Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
   • Slice and serve warm, topped with more butter if desired. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.

Tips:

• Beer Choice: The beer flavor does come through, so choose one you enjoy drinking! A light beer will create a milder flavor, while a darker beer will give the bread a richer taste.
• Cheese Variations: Try using a mix of cheeses—like sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even some parmesan mixed in for extra flavor.
• Add-ins: If you want to add more flavor, you can stir in chopped scallions, cooked bacon bits, or even jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Storage: This bread is best eaten within a couple of days, but you can store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It also freezes well—just slice it first, and freeze individual slices to thaw later.

This garlic cheddar beer bread is hearty, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious, with a crispy top and soft, warm interior. Perfect for pairing with your favorite comfort foods or serving at a party.

Would you like to try making a variation of this bread, like adding herbs or another type of cheese?