Bacon and Cheese Beer Bread: Step by Step

Beer Bread is just awesome. Boyfriends, girlfriends, puppy friends, they all love it. And, it's something you probably already have in your cupboard without even realizing it! I'll show you step by step how to do this terribly delicious version. 

Now, this particular recipe I originally got from gimmesomeoven (hey, not all names can be this obvious that it is a baking blog), and I've used it a thousand times! It's just so fool proof and easy. I even had the power go out mid baking during one time, and it still turned out pretty okay! So definitely save this one. 

What beer should I pick?: Since I happen to be in love with a beer "snob" I have learned some things about beer. You will want a lighter beer that isn't too heavy, unless you're doing a super sweet bread (I've made a version with graham cracker crumbs, cinnamon, and extra honey once), so no porters/stouts or hopadillos (yes, that's a real beer from a local brewery, Karbach). 

Who doesn't like a hot blond(e)?

I chose this gem (cauuuse it was in the fridge), but I've used Coronas, Real Ale (pale ales), and even a Bud Light with Lime once (don't tell the Boyfriend that I ventured into the "dark side" of beer). 

The cool "science" part of it, is that in the recipe you will add the beer to the flour, and no need to wait for yeast rise time. Beer is made with sugar, hops, yeast, barley, and water. I could tell you the whole story, but the only part you'd listen to is that the yeast eat the sugar and make the carbon dioxide out of their farts. 

That's right.

Yeast. Farts. 

Every brewery tour you go to will make this joke, and.....it doesn't get old. 

So, the left over yeast is still in the beer. When you combine it with the dry ingredients (i.e. sugar), it will bubble! (why?) Because you're making more yeast farts!! That is how bread is made. By Farting.

 You're Welcome, America.  

Okay, here's how to make beer bread. (Complete with yeast farts!!)

Your Basic Beer Bread Ingredients

Bacon n Cheese Honey Beer Bread, Adapted from Gimme Some Oven

Ingredients: 

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 Tbsp. sugar
• 1 Tbsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• 2 Tbsp. honey or agave nectar
• 1 bottle (12 ounces) beer
• 4 Tbsp. (half stick) butter, melted 
• 1 cup shredded cheese (or cut up slices of American, which melt really nicely)
• 3 Tbsp. Bacony Bits (or more, if you'd dare...)

Method: 

Time: 1 Hr 15 min (max)

Tastiness: A whole freaking lot

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9″ x 5″ x 3″ inch loaf pan [Use plenty of grease]
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. 
3. Using a wooden spoon, stir the beer and honey into the dry ingredients until just mixed. [Pop honey in the microwave for 15 seconds if you want to make pouring easier] 
4. Pour half the melted butter into the loaf pan.
5.  Spoon the batter into the pan
6.  Pour the rest of the butter on top of the batter.  
7. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until top is golden brown and a toothpick/knife inserted in the middle comes out clean. [I usually only need 45. Depends on where you are and your oven]
8. Gorge theyself

Out of Baking Power? Mix 2 parts cream of tartar with 1 part baking soda in a pinch. (Tartar increases the acidity of the mixture)

Notes: I've found the long serrated knife cuts bread the best without crushing it. Or fingers work, as well. 

Variations: Pepper Jack Cheese & Jalapenos, Sub 1 cup flour for graham cracker crumbs with cinnamon and nutmeg versus cheese and bacon, whatever you want to make!

Here are some photos of my baking process: 

Mix Dry Ingredients

Add Honey

Induce Yeast Farts

Stir

........Give Cheese to a Puppy Friend

Add Cheese and Bacon          

Add Half of Melted Butter

Dump into pan (Pour Butter on Top)

Then you put into the oven! Viola.

Oh. My.