Hands down, this Easy Cheesy Beer Bread is the best I've ever tasted. Not only was the malty, slightly sweet, nutty flavor of the beer I used dead-on (proving that yes, contrary to popular belief, it DOES matter what type of beer you use in beer bread), it harmonized perfectly with the cheese I used, a blend of triple cheddar.
Specifically made to pair with homemade chili, this beer bread rose effortlessly to the occasion. Complementing our meal, its flavor didn't overpower the chili at all. An added bonus? This bread's crisp, outer texture and dense, moist interior makes it perfect for sopping up chili and would also dip well in hearty stews and heavier, cream soups.
If I still haven't convinced you, maybe this last piece of information will: This recipe is insanely easy to make. With just a few ingredients and a couple moments of your time, you can have your own loaf baking and permeating your home with its delightful, earthy aroma.
Easy Cheesy Beer Bread
adapted from allrecipes.com
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3 cups self-rising flour
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3 tablespoons granulated sugar
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1/2 cup shredded triple cheddar cheese
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1 bottle (12) ounces beer (I highly recommend Paulaner Oktoberfest-Marzen)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9" x 5" loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray. In a large mixing bowl, add self-rising flour, sugar, and cheese, stirring ingredients until thoroughly combined. Add beer to mixture, stirring to incorporate. Do not overmix; batter will be thick & dense. Spoon batter into prepared loaf pan and bake in a 350 degree F oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted in center comes out clean (bamboo shish-kabob skewers work well here). Remove pan from oven, turn out bread, and allow to cool just slightly. Serve warm.
Yield: 1 loaf.
Recipe Tips & Substitutions
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For a sweeter bread, try adding up to 1/3 cup sugar (total) to this recipe.
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For extra depth & dimension, try substituting light or dark brown sugar in place of some or all of the granulated sugar.
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Don't have self-rising flour on hand? Make your own by combining 3 cups all-purpose flour, 3 teaspoons baking powder, and 1 & 1/2 teaspoons salt.
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Want a Easy Cheesy Beer Bread with a little more kick? Try substituting chipotle or hot pepper cheese in place of the triple cheddar.
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Feel freee to experiment with other varieties of beer to change the flavor, depth and complexity of this bread.
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Considering adding herbs: oregano, dill and basil would work nicely.
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At the end of baking, brush bread lightly with melted butter. If you're a garlic fan, sprinkle with a scant touch of garlic powder, too.
I would love a slice of this bread!
Posted by: Maria | 11/10/2010 at 08:40 AM
I have so been looking for a good beer bread. I doubt seriously that I can find Paulaner--what else do you recommend?
Posted by: Lisa McBrayer | 11/23/2010 at 08:10 PM