One might ask how we go about looking for new things to cook. Our inspiration comes in all forms. This decision to make this came from one of our website visitors. Not in the traditional sense, though. I am pretty crazy when it comes to looking at stats about our web visitors; one of the stats is the search query that was used in a search engine to get to a particular page. This morning someone searched for homemade bread with beer. The user ended up at our page for homemade white bread. While I am happy that the user ended up on our site, I am discouraged because they didn’t likely stay very long. We didn’t answer their question. Starting right now, we will.
I have had beer bread before. From one end of the spectrum to the other, really good homemade at a party once, and really bad, can’t remember the source for that one. We were even given some in mix format in a basket or something. No reason why I can’t throw a loaf in the oven. Now that it’s done, we will definitely make it again.
I wasn’t sure what I should use for beer to make the best bread that I could. I think I may have a bottle or two of Bud or Bud Light left over from a party or something. I wouldn’t drink it myself, so why bake with it. I did a quick look at the Beer Advocate website and quickly found a thread about this exact subject. Long story short, a darker maltier brew will work best. Avoid really a really hoppy beer like a pale ale, or IPA. Couple suggestions of Newcastle brown ale. I happen to like that, so that we have a winner.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup white sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 (12 ounce) beer
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Grease a 9 x 5 loaf pan and set it aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix in the beer.
- Pour the batter into the greased pan.
- Carefully pour the melted butter on top of the bread.
- Bake it in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes.
- Let it rest in the pan for a few minutes and then remove to a wire rack to cool.
- Use a good dark beer if you can. I used Newcastle brown ale and it was great!
