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You are here: Home / Recipes / Breads and Baking

4 Ingredient Beer Bread

By Susie Weinrich · Date Jun 28, 2023· 18 Comments · May contain affiliate links.

Easy Beer Bread Recipe Pinterest Image
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This Beer Bread recipe is easy to make and only requires 4 ingredients! It comes out of the oven with the most beautiful textured golden crust. By covering the dough in butter before you pop in in the oven you create a crispy, buttery top. When you bite into a fresh slice you can literally hear the crunch of the crust, followed by the soft bread inside.

beer bread on a cutting board with slices

The flavor is truly unique. It reminds me of a mellow sourdough with a hint of beer in the background. In a subtle, can’t place the flavor, kind of way.

Easy Beer Bread Recipe

Is there a smell better that baking bread? I’m going to answer that for you, NO! Or how about the taste of a freshly sliced piece of homemade bread with (real, salted) butter melting over the top. My mouth is watering!

But let me quickly break you out of this carb trance with the the thought of kneading, proofing, kneading, proofing, waiting….exhausting….boring! I do not have time for all that. Do you??

A loaf of 4 ingredient beer bread cooling on a cooling rack

That is why I was thrilled when my sister gave me this recipe a few years ago!! It requires no kneading, no proofing, no waiting! You just sift flour, open a beer, pour, and mix. Anyone can do that. Even my husband can do that, maybe.

How to Make 4 Ingredients for Beer Bread

Yep, only 4 simple ingredients for this beer bread recipe. If you happen to have self rising flour (that is not expired) in your pantry then you can make this now! All you need is:

  • 12 oz beer
  • 3 cups self rising flour
  • 2 tablespoon sugar
  • 3 tablespoon butter
4 ingredients for beer bread
  1. Beer
  2. Start by pouring a 12 oz beer into a large bowl. Pour it down the side of the bowl so it doesn’t get too fizzy!

  3. Self Rising Flour + Sugar
  4. Then in a separate bowl whisk together 3 cups of self rising flour and 2 tablespoon of sugar.

  5. Combine
  6. Pour the flour mixture into the beer. Stir lightly JUST UNTIL IT comes together. Over mixing will cause your beer bread to be tough.

    batter for beer bread
  7. Pour Into Loaf Pan + Bake
  8. Pour the bread dough into a greased loaf pan. Then melt the 3 tablespoon of butter and pour over top of the dough. That is what will give you a golden crispy crust! YUM

    beer bread dough topped with melted butter

    Now bake the beer bread on 375 degrees for 40-45 minutes.  Let the butter cool for about 5 minutes before digging in.

Variations on Beer Bread

This bread can be spiced up, literally, to go with the menu you are serving or to use up herbs you have in your fridge.  Here are some ideas for adding flavors to your bread:

  • chopped fresh rosemary
  • italian herb mixture
  • fresh minced garlic
  • dill
  • shredded cheddar cheese and garlic
  • chopped chives
  • kalamata olives

Beer for Beer Bread

From the research I have done online it looks like you can use just about any beer you would like, pilsner, light beer, stout, IPA. Just like using wine in food, use a beer that you would like to drink. Although I would recommend staying away from some of the new flavored beers, like lime and orange.

slices of beer bread with butter smeared

I have used Miller Light, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra Light and Boulevard Pale Ale and they have all worked perfectly!

Let me know in the comments what type of beer you choose to use in the recipe!

Serving Beer Bread

4 Ingredient Beer Bread makes an amazing table bread, especially if you are able to serve it straight out of the oven when it is crispiest! If you choose to make this bread ahead follow these steps to make the most delicious golden toasty table bread:

  • Cut bread into thick slices
  • Butter both sides and place them on a sheet pan. Add any seasoning you would like (garlic).
  • Place in a 400 degree oven for 5-8 minutes, flipping the slices half way thru.

More Great Bread Recipes

  • cornbread with a sliced turned to the side and covered in honey
    Homemade Buttermilk Cornbread
  • three slices of banana bread on a plate with butter
    Easy Banana Bread
  • bone breadsticks on a table with marinara sauce
    Bloody Bone Breadsticks

Susie leaning on the kitchen counter

💛💛💛💛💛

Did you make this recipe?

I would love to hear your review, especially if you have tips and tricks to add! Pop down to the comment section and connect with me

Rate This Recipe→
beer bread cut into slices

4 Ingredient Beer Bread Recipe + Video

A super easy beer bread recipe made with only 4 ingredients. No kneading, proofing or waiting. Simply mix the 4 ingredients together and pop it in the oven. Customize the flavor with any herbs you would like.
5 from 6 votes
Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes minutes
Servings: 1 loaf
Calories: 1932kcal
Author: Susie Weinrich

Equipment

  • loaf pan

Ingredients

  • 3 cups self rising flour
  • 2 Tbsp. sugar
  • 3 Tbsp. butter - melted
  • 12 oz can of beer (or bottle)
  • **optional- spices or herbs (garlic, chives, olives, rosemary)

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven to 375. Prepare your loaf pan with baking spray.

  • Pour beer into a large bowl, and set aside.
    12 oz can of beer (or bottle)
  • Measure 3 cups of self rising flour into a separate bowl. Add the sugar to the flour and stir to mix. (add herbs/mix-ins here, if using)
    3 cups self rising flour, 2 Tbsp. sugar
  • Pour the flour mixture into the beer and mix JUST UNTIL MOIST & COMBINED. Overmixing will cause your loaf to be tough.
  • Pour dough into prepared loaf pan.
  • Top with melted butter.
    3 Tbsp. butter
  • Bake for 40-45 minutes, until golden and crisp on the top.

Recipe Tips and Notes:

BEER- just about any beer will work. I have tried Bud light, Miller lite, Michelob Ultra, and even a Boulevard Pale Ale. I would just avoid some fruity flavored beers like lime or orange.
Did you make this recipe?Connect with me and let me know by commenting below!
Jump to Comments
Serving: 1loaf | Calories: 1932kcal | Carbohydrates: 314g | Protein: 47g | Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 307mg | Potassium: 478mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 1116IU | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 3mg

About Susie Weinrich

Susie Weinrich is the recipe developer, food photographer, and content creator behind Mom's Dinner. She has over 20 years experience in the food industry. Currently, Susie shares all her recipes and food knowledge on Mom's Dinner. You will find her recipes are easy to follow and full of tips and tricks to make sure the recipe you are making turns out perfect!

Comments

    5 from 6 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Myrna says

    July 28, 2023 at 11:26 am

    Will this work using gluten free beer?

    Reply
    • Susie Weinrich says

      July 28, 2023 at 12:26 pm

      That should work just fine

      Reply
  2. Jerri says

    July 19, 2023 at 6:19 am

    I have been making beer bread for 50 years. Using Papst Blue Ribbon Beer. I mix them pre heat the oven allowing the bread to rise a little, Sometimes when I forgot about it 30 minutes went by and it turned out great.

    Reply
  3. Adele says

    July 18, 2023 at 11:15 pm

    Hello Friend 👋!! Just Just wanted to thank you for such a wonderful quick recipe 😋. Had to make it right away. But I used milk instead of beer, I only had one can of beer left, and I was saving it 😅. Great recipe

    Reply
  4. Della says

    July 18, 2023 at 7:19 pm

    5 stars
    I made this for supper and everyone really liked it,I will be making this again. Thanks so much.

    Reply
  5. J says

    April 08, 2020 at 10:34 pm

    Do you have to use self rising flour? I only have regular flour , would that work

    Reply
    • Susie says

      April 09, 2020 at 7:45 am

      No, unfortunately it only works with self rising flour.

      Reply
      • Jamie says

        November 07, 2022 at 7:20 pm

        So does the yeast bake out of the bread?

      • Susie Weinrich says

        November 08, 2022 at 7:16 am

        Im not sure I understand the question. Do you mean the alcohol?

    • Esmeralda Ortiz says

      May 14, 2020 at 5:19 pm

      No, you can add baking soda and salt I believe (sorry I don’t have the substitutions on hand) and it works too. I made it with those substitutions and it was delicious and so easy. My first attempt at baking homemade bread and I was so impressed with how simple it was.

      Reply
    • Esmeralda Ortiz says

      May 14, 2020 at 5:25 pm

      No. I made it by adding this and it was delicious.
      TIP: If you don’t have self-rising flour on hand, add 1 tbsp of baking powder and 1 tsp of salt to all purpose flour in it’s place.

      Reply
      • Susie says

        May 15, 2020 at 8:24 am

        Thank you so much for adding this, Esmeralda!

  6. Patty Stone says

    February 04, 2020 at 1:51 pm

    Is the beer supposed to be cold or room temperature? Since I’ll only be buying beer to make bread I don’t want to take up fridge space unless needed.

    Reply
    • Susie says

      February 04, 2020 at 2:18 pm

      I have only made it with cold beer. But I think a room temp beer would work just fine!

      Reply
    • LD Salverson says

      July 25, 2023 at 3:41 pm

      5 stars
      Either room temperature or cold works. I always use a light colored beer, not a dark heart ale. 75% of the alcohol bakes out, leaving a bit that gives this bread it’s flavor.
      I’d like to know if anyone adds anything else to this batter bread besides cheese.

      Reply
  7. Jeanette says

    May 08, 2019 at 12:28 pm

    Salt!!!!!!

    Reply
  8. Tawnie Kroll says

    April 05, 2019 at 10:04 am

    5 stars
    this was so easy to make an my entire family LOVED it!!! thank you!!

    Reply
  9. John says

    April 04, 2019 at 8:13 am

    5 stars
    I love good bread and this is great bread! The taste and textures are amazing!!! 🤤😋🤤😋

    Reply
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Meet The Author:

Susie Weinrich is a professional food photographer and recipe developer. Her thoroughly tested recipes and step-by-step guides give readers confidence in the kitchen.

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