Beer Bread Recipe: Easy Homemade Loaf with Dark Beer 2026

Beer bread is one of those homemade loaves that fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma while it bakes. The dark beer brings a deep, malty flavor and a beautiful golden crust, and the dough itself is made with just five everyday ingredients. With a short prep time and a simple rise, it is a great first bread for anyone who wants to bake at home.

The result is a rustic, aromatic loaf that is soft inside and crisp outside. It is ideal for serving with a cheese board, cured meats, or a comforting stew, and it also makes wonderful toast. This recipe yields 12 servings and comes together in about 45 minutes of active time, plus the rising and cooling periods.

Ingredients for Beer Bread

For 12 servings

• 250 g all-purpose wheat flour
• 5 g salt
• 7 g dry baker's yeast
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 165 ml dark beer at room temperature (or another beer to taste)

How to Make Beer Bread Step by Step

1. Mix the dry ingredients

In a bowl, combine 250 g of wheat flour, 5 g of salt and 7 g of dry baker's yeast. We use all-purpose wheat flour, the regular kind found in any supermarket, which gives a very good result. If you prefer, you can replace a quarter of the flour with whole wheat flour for a more rustic and equally tasty loaf.

2. Add the oil and beer

Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 165 ml of dark beer at room temperature. You can also use another type of beer to achieve different flavor notes. Stir until the dough begins to come together.

3. Knead and let rise

Knead at medium speed for 8 minutes. If you knead by hand, it will take about 10-12 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Shape it into a ball, cover with a clean cotton cloth and let it rise for 1 hour.

4. Knock back the dough

Press down on the dough to release the air and shape it into a ball again. Place the ball, seam side down, on a baking tray. The dough should have doubled in size.

5. Shape and second rise

Cover again with the cloth and let the dough rise for another hour, until it doubles in volume. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 200 °C (392 °F).

6. Let it rise again

After shaping, cover the dough and leave it to rise until it has doubled in size again. This second rise gives the bread a lighter texture.

7. Score and bake

For a more rustic style, spray the bread with water and sprinkle a little flour on top. Using a blade, make a few cuts on the top of the bread and place it in the oven. Bake the beer bread for 30 minutes until golden and crusty.

8. Cool and serve

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Once cold, you can slice it and use it as you like. It is delicious for making toast and ideal to accompany cured meats, cheese or a good stew.

Tips for the Best Beer Bread

Flour and yeast options

We use all-purpose wheat flour, but you can substitute a quarter of it with whole wheat flour for a more rustic loaf. If you prefer fresh yeast instead of dry, use about 15 g and mix it with a little warm water before starting.

Kneading by hand or machine

We always use a stand mixer for our breads, but this is a very easy dough that can be kneaded perfectly by hand. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 10-12 minutes by hand.

Storage and freezing

Once prepared, the bread can be frozen whole or sliced in an airtight bag, taking out portions as needed. It will thaw at room temperature in a short while, depending on whether it is sliced, and you can also toast it directly from frozen if you froze it sliced.

30 Top Recipes I Keep Coming Back to at Home

Like a lot of home cooks, I like having a go-to lineup that covers cozy classics, dishes from around the world, and sweets that make everyone happy.

When a rich, indulgent craving hits, my picks are usually this La Viña Molten Cheesecake recipe, this elegant Original French Crème Brûlée recipe, or a decadent Chocolate Mousse Cake recipe. And whenever something fruity and comforting sounds good, this classic French Tarte Tatin recipe is the one I reach for.

Some mornings I want an easy breakfast or a lighter plate, so I'll whip up these fluffy Oatmeal and Banana Pancakes recipe, a satisfying Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe, or these fresh Eggs Stuffed with Avocado and Salmon recipe. And for a gluten-free staple to keep in the pantry, this simple Gluten-Free Rice Flour recipe is one I rely on.

For tapas nights and Mediterranean flavors, I bounce between this bold Basque Tuna with Tomato recipe, crispy Patatas Bravas Air Fryer recipe, creamy Tirokafteri Greek Dip Sauce recipe, and refreshing Burrata Salad with Tomato and Pesto recipe. This crisp Italian Vitello Tonnato recipe also comes out whenever I want to serve something a bit more special.

For filling lunches and cozy dinners, my recommendations are this comforting Meatballs in Spanish Sauce recipe, traditional Meatballs in Almond Sauce recipe, rich Italian Bolognese Sauce recipe, and creamy Chicken Croquettes in Thermomix recipe. When I'm after something heartier, I'll bake this Greek Pastitsio Pie recipe, rustic Potatoes and Squid Stew recipe, or the ultra-comforting French Boeuf Bourguignon recipe.

Anytime I'm in the mood for street food or party-style plates, I'll usually make this juicy Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab recipe, crispy Salchipapas recipe, flavorful Mexican Pork Carnitas recipe, or these crunchy Korean Hobak Jeon recipe. These easy Air Fryer Zucchini Rings recipe also work great as a laid-back appetizer or snack.

And when I'm hosting guests with drinks and a full spread, dinner often gets paired with this refreshing Original Cuban Mojito recipe, this bold Long Island Iced Tea recipe, or a pitcher of this fruity Bleeding Spanish Sangria recipe. To fill out the table, I like adding this tangy French Remoulade Sauce recipe on the side or finishing with this striking Mediterranean Black Rice with Squid recipe.

Even More Tasty Recipes to Cook for the Family

After years of testing and tweaking recipes in my own kitchen, I've come to believe the best dishes are built on simplicity, dependable techniques, and big flavor.

Every recipe in this collection is one I genuinely come back to time and time again—whether it's a fast meal just for me or something special for friends and family.

For dessert, the rich and silky Orange Chocolate Mousse Recipe is a go-to when I want something elegant yet effortless. Another sweet favorite is the caramelized Trdelnik Slavic Pastry Recipe, inspired by the famous Central European chimney cake. If you enjoy baking, knowing how to make syrup for better texture in desserts is useful, and my Inverted Sugar Recipe explains exactly how I prepare it in my own kitchen.

When something fresh and simple is what I'm after, I usually reach for the classic Italian Caprese Salad Recipe or a perfectly cooked Simple Poached Egg Recipe. For heartier comfort meals, I often point people to the satisfying Meatball Sandwich Recipe, the creamy Russian Stroganoff Beef Recipe, and the quick weeknight favorite One Pot Pasta Recipe.

Traditional dishes from around the world are another thing I love to share, including the authentic Sorropotún de Bonito Fish Stew Recipe, crispy Chilean Pumpkin Sopaipillas Recipe, and the classic Spanish Cochifrito Segovian Fried Pig Recipe.

Air fryer recipes are another category I cook often, since they save time while still delivering great texture. My go-to options include Air Fryer Pork Ribs Recipe, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe, Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Peppers Recipe, Air Fryer Mixed Sandwich Recipe, Air Fryer Toasted Bread Recipe, and Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe.

And for anyone steering clear of wheat, my comforting Gluten-Free Lasagna Recipe shows that classic baked pasta can still be rich, cheesy, and completely satisfying without gluten.

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