Herb & Honey Beer Bread

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 50 min
🍽 Serves: 8

Herb & Honey Beer Bread is the perfect recipe for when you want fresh, homemade bread without the fuss. It's got a rustic charm thanks to fragrant herbs, a touch of sweetness from honey, and the yeasty depth of a good lager. Ideal for sharing or savoring solo!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy — no kneading or rising time required.
  • Aromatic and flavorful with dried herbs.
  • Minimal ingredients, maximum taste.
  • Customizable to suit your pantry or preferences.

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp dried rosemary
1 tbsp dried thyme
1/4 cup honey
12 oz lager beer
2 tbsp melted butter

Ingredients Explained

The base of this bread is all-purpose flour, which provides structure. Baking powder is the leavening agent, giving rise to the loaf. A bit of salt enhances flavor and balances sweetness. Dried rosemary and thyme give the bread its distinct herbal notes. Honey adds a subtle sweetness and helps with browning. The star, lager beer, infuses a rich, malty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the herbs. Finally, melted butter drizzled on top creates a golden, delicious crust.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you don't have lager, any light beer will work. The flavor might change slightly, but it will still be tasty.
  • For a more pronounced herb flavor, gently crush the dried rosemary and thyme before adding them to the flour.
  • Use a serrated knife to slice the bread once it's cooled to avoid crushing it.

Detailed Instructions

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it's heating, grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray to ensure your bread releases easily after baking.

In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of dried rosemary, and 1 tablespoon of dried thyme. Mix these dry ingredients until they are evenly distributed.

Next, stir in 1/4 cup of honey. It helps to warm the honey slightly so it mixes in smoothly. Then, pour in the 12 ounces of lager beer. Stir until the mixture is just combined — the batter will be lumpy, but that's okay. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf.

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of melted butter evenly over the top. This step is crucial for getting that beautiful, golden crust.

Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. You'll know it's done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Simplified Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, rosemary, and thyme.
3. Stir in the honey and beer until just blended. Do not overmix.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and drizzle melted butter on top.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

This bread pairs wonderfully with a hearty soup or stew. It's also a fantastic side for a cheese platter, complementing sharp cheeses with its sweet-savory balance. For breakfast, try it toasted with a pat of butter and a drizzle of honey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh herbs, but you'll need to triple the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
What if I don't have honey?
Maple syrup or agave nectar can be a good substitute, adding a similar sweetness and moisture.
How long does this bread stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, it should keep for 3-4 days at room temperature. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.

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