It’s cold, windy, and rainy in our area. We all know what that means. It’s soup weather! I’ve been sharing some of our favorite soups recipes over the past few weeks but now it’s time to share the perfect accompaniment; our Easy Italian Cheese Beer Bread recipe. This one-bowl homemade bread mixture comes together in under 15 minutes and doesn’t need to rise or proof before baking.
Italian Cheese Beer Bread Recipe
I don’t drink beer but enjoy using it for cooking. When I know I will need beer for a recipe I purchase one (24-ounces) can. I usually use a cup of beer in my recipe and have a couple of cups left over for something else. I’m always on the lookout for extra beer to make this delicious easy Italian Cheese beer bread recipe.
I discovered the original version of the recipe for basic beer bread at Genius Kitchen years ago. Then I changed it around a bit to give it some “oomph.” The original version was good, but I like my version with the changes better.
There’s a funny story attached to my last beer purchase. I placed my groceries on the conveyor and chatted politely with the cashier. She picked up the beer, scanned it, and placed it on the shelf beside the debit card machine. “You want me to leave this out so you can drink it?” she asked.
“No, thank you,” I said. About this time the register beeped to check for ID. “Oh!” she exclaimed, yanking it down and stuffing it in a bag. “Never mind!” She was so embarrassed she forgot to check my ID, although I’m pretty sure I look over 21. 🙂 She did receive my recipe for beefy beer stew so it turned out to be a win for both of us.
Substitutions
- I use self-rising flour, but you can use all-purpose. If you use all-purpose, you’ll need to add 3 teaspoons of baking soda and 1 teaspoon salt.
- Use different spices to replace the Italian seasoning. Good choices include basil, parsley, oregano, or rosemary.
- If using fresh herbs, you’ll need to substitute 1/4 cup fresh herbs for the 2 tablespoons dried.
- Use your favorite flavor of sharp cheese to replace the Italian blend. Asiago, Cheddar, and Parmesan are good choices.
Baking Tips
- I usually cook my version in either an 8″ by 8″ or a 9″ by 9″ pan to reduce the cooking time. This means it can be sliced into thin slices or cut into squares like cornbread.
- If you prefer to use a loaf pan you will have to adjust the cooking time. It will take approximately 40 to 50 minutes to cook.
- Use a clean knife inserted in the center of the loaf to check for doneness. When the knife inserted in the center comes out clean, the loaf is done.
- To spread the butter evenly over the top of the batter, use a spoon to drizzle it over the top and then spread it with a pastry brush if you have one available.
Gluten-Free Adaptations
- Make the bread gluten-free by replacing the self-rising flour with all-purpose one-to-one baking flour. Replace the beer with a gluten-free version or with a gluten-free hard cider.
Vegan Adaptations
Prepare a vegan version of this bread by replacing the butter and cheese with vegan butter and vegan cheese.
Printable Recipe
Easy Italian Cheese Beer Bread Recipe
Ingredients
3 cups self-rising flour
1/4 cup sugar
2 cups shredded Italian-style cheese
2 cups beer of your choice
1/4 cup of melted butter
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Spray a 9″ by 9″ pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, mix the flour, sugar, seasoning, and cheese until blended.
- Pour beer into the flour mixture and stir until mixed.
- Spread the batter evenly across the 9″ by 9″ pan.
- Spread the butter evenly across the top of the batter.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean, the bread is done.
Have you ever tried a homemade beer bread recipe or Italian cheese beer bread? What are your favorite additions to give it a unique taste?
Yummm! I can’t wait to make this with a big bowl of chili! Looks delicious. I think it’s the perfect idea for Sunday’s football game.
It looks amazing! I love beer bread with chili!
I need to give this a try! Looks SO good!
I have heard of this bread but have never tried it. I am sure my husband is going to love it.
This looks amazing, I can almost smell my screen! I bet this would be great for a potluck too!
I love having beer bread. This recipe sounds amazing. I haven’t made beer bread in so long.
Oh my word…. this …. I could DIVE into this! Italian cheese beer bread? I love the recipe, too – super simple ingredients that I already have on hand.
OH this looks delicious! It is so perfect for soup or for dips!
I feel like I’ve been living under a rock because I’ve never tried beer bread. This recipe looks so delicious that now I have to try it! I can’t think of a better accompaniment than soup!
My favorite–easy and tasty. Can’t wait to give it a try.
Those flavors sound incredibly tasty. I’d love to pair the bread with a warm, comforting dish!
That sounds so good! Bread is one of my favorite foods. I can see pairing this with a hearty soup or stew.
Beer bread is one of my favorites and this one sounds extra good! I CANNOT wait to make it.
This looks so good, perfect with a bowl of soup. Can’t wait to try the vegan version of this recipe.
That is the perfect compliment to almost any dish! I can’t wait to serve this up with a nice bowl of soup.
It looks like a great bread and I love that you can substitute and make it vegan. If I have a free moment i will review this and try and bake it myself.