Beer and cheese bread recipe is my favorite indulgence and a true culinary addiction. This bread blends cheddar cheese, beer, bread flour, melted butter, warm buttermilk, water, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and egg to create a rich, flavorful loaf.
I have made this beer and cheese bread recipe several times, sometimes following a bakery-style method and other times adding my own tweaks to enhance the cheesy taste and texture.
The bread rises beautifully and bakes into a golden, soft loaf. I will now show step-by-step how to make this delicious beer and cheese bread recipe from start to finish.
About This Beer And Cheese Bread Recipe
This beer and cheese bread recipe delivers a rich, savory flavor that delights the palate. Sharp cheddar cheese melts into the dough, creating pockets of gooey, cheesy goodness throughout.
The beer adds a subtle, malty undertone that enhances the bread’s depth and character. The crust turns golden and slightly crisp while the interior stays soft, airy, and tender.
A hint of garlic and butter enriches the taste, giving each slice a warm, comforting quality. This beer and cheese bread recipe carries a hearty, flavorful profile that pairs well with meals or can be enjoyed on its own.
How To Prepare Beer And Cheese Bread Recipe?
Recipe Details
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including rising time)
Course: Bread / Side
Cuisine: American
Yield: 12 servings
Kitchen Utensils
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or fork
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Loaf pan (9×5 inch)
- Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
- Oven
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ teaspoons Platinum Yeast from Red Star (1 standard packet)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 can (12 ounces) beer, room temperature
- 3 cups bread flour
- ½ cup buttermilk, warmed to about 110°F
- ⅓ cup water, warmed to about 110°F
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon salt
How To Make Beer And Cheese Bread Recipe
1. Activate the yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the warm buttermilk and water with the sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and stir lightly. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix wet ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, and beer. Once the yeast mixture is ready, add it to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
3. Add dry ingredients:
In a separate bowl, combine the bread flour, garlic powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon or using a stand mixer with a dough hook until a sticky dough forms.
4. Incorporate cheese and knead:
Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese. Knead the dough for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for about 4–5 minutes.
5. First rise:
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Shape and bake:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Gently punch down the dough and transfer it into the pan. Let it rise for another 15–20 minutes. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
Notes: Use a beer you enjoy drinking, as the flavor will affect the bread. Cheddar can be substituted with a sharper or milder cheese depending on preference. Ensure liquids are at the correct temperature to properly activate the yeast.
Nutrition Facts Beer And Cheese Bread Recipe
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Protein | 7g |
| Sodium | 400mg |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This beer and cheese bread recipe impresses with its rich, cheesy flavor and soft, tender texture. The golden crust provides a slight crispiness that contrasts beautifully with the airy interior.
The beer adds a subtle depth that enhances the savory notes of cheddar, while melted butter and a touch of garlic enrich the overall taste.
Baking this beer and cheese bread recipe fills the kitchen with a warm, inviting atmosphere, and slicing into it reveals pockets of melted cheese that delight the senses.
This beer and cheese bread recipe creates a hearty, flavorful loaf that feels both comforting and special.
Why My Recipe Works
My beer and cheese bread recipe works because the ingredients and process create the ideal balance of flavor, texture, and rise.
Yeast activated in warm buttermilk and water ensures soft, airy dough. Beer adds depth while the melted butter enriches the loaf.
Shredded cheddar evenly folded into the dough creates pockets of savory flavor in every slice. Kneading develops gluten for structure, and proper rising allows the bread to expand without collapsing.
Baking at the right temperature produces a golden crust while keeping the inside tender. This careful method guarantees consistent, delicious results every time.
What To Serve With Beer And Cheese Bread Recipe
Beer and cheese bread recipe pairs well with a variety of foods and drinks. Serve it alongside hearty soups like tomato, potato, or broccoli cheddar to soak up rich flavors. It works perfectly with stews or chili, adding a cheesy, soft side.
Sliced for sandwiches, it complements roasted meats, ham, or turkey. Spread with herb butter, cream cheese, or garlic butter for a simple snack.
It also pairs nicely with fresh salads or charcuterie boards. A cold beer or a light white wine enhances the malty and cheesy notes of the bread.
My Tips For Success!
1. Warm the buttermilk and water to about 110°F to activate the yeast properly and encourage good rising.
2. Scoop and level the flour carefully, or weigh it for precision, to prevent dense or gummy bread.
3. Allow the dough to rise in a warm, calm spot until it doubles in size for a light, fluffy texture.
4. Gently fold the cheddar into the dough to ensure every slice has flavorful cheese throughout.
5. Fully preheat the oven to bake the loaf evenly and create a golden crust.
6. Cool the bread slightly before slicing so it holds its shape and the cheese stays melted inside.
Storage Information
Beer and cheese bread recipe can be stored to maintain freshness and flavor. Once completely cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
At room temperature, the bread stays fresh for 2 to 3 days. For longer storage, slice the loaf and freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months.
To enjoy, thaw slices at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes. Avoid storing bread in the refrigerator, as it can dry out and lose its soft texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different cheeses?
Cheddar works best for a classic flavor, but you can experiment with gruyere, pepper jack, or smoked cheese. Mixing cheeses creates a layered taste and unique texture in every slice.
Which beers give the best flavor?
Lighter beers like lagers, pilsners, or amber ales complement the bread without overpowering it. Dark beers or stouts can add bitterness, so use them carefully or in small amounts.
Can this bread be made without beer?
Yes, replace beer with equal parts warm milk or buttermilk. The bread will remain soft, slightly less malty, and still full of cheesy flavor.
Can I add herbs or seasonings?
Fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives work well. Spices like smoked paprika or onion powder enhance flavor. Fold them into the dough before rising.
Can I adjust the crust or texture?
For a softer crust, brush the loaf with melted butter after baking. For a crunchier crust, bake a few extra minutes uncovered. Adjusting rising time also affects crumb texture.
Conclusion
This beer and cheese bread recipe is amazing and brings joy every time it is baked. I enjoy making it and serving it to family and friends, as the rich, cheesy flavor always receives compliments.
The process is easy to follow, and the results are consistently soft, tender, and flavorful. I share my simple method so others can experience the same satisfaction and delicious bread at home.
I hope you will try this beer and cheese bread recipe, enjoy baking it as much as I do, and create memorable meals every time.
Amazing Bread Recipes Like You
Bacon And Cheese Bread || Comfort Food Recipe
Brazilian Cheese Bread || Gluten-Free
Asiago Cheese Bread Machine Recipe – Healthy
Air Fryer Banana Bread Recipe || Moist & Easy
Homemade Apple Banana Nut Bread Recipe
Beer And Cheese Bread Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or fork
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Loaf pan (9×5 inch)
- Stand mixer with dough hook
- Oven
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ teaspoons Platinum Yeast from Red Star 1 standard packet
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
- 1 can 12 ounces beer, room temperature
- 3 cups bread flour
- ½ cup buttermilk warmed to about 110°F
- ⅓ cup water warmed to about 110°F
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Activate the yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm buttermilk and water with the sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and stir lightly. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Mix wet ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, and beer. Once the yeast mixture is ready, add it to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
Add dry ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, combine the bread flour, garlic powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon or using a stand mixer with a dough hook until a sticky dough forms.
Incorporate cheese and knead:
- Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese. Knead the dough for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for about 4–5 minutes.
First rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shape and bake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Gently punch down the dough and transfer it into the pan. Let it rise for another 15–20 minutes. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing.