Cooking With Beer – Rustic Beer Bread

Festive foods take on new meaning when made with serious beer. And here’s a great recipe for Beer Bread—a rustic, crusty loaf that’s packed with the flavor and easy to make and with your favorite lager. No kneading required!

Although this recipe would work with a wide variety of lagers, we went with Scrag Mountain Pils, a 4.8% ABV Czech-Style Pilsner from Lawson’s Finest Liquids that’s a tribute to Waitsfield, Vermont’s pure water source which comes from an ancient aquifer deep beneath Scrag Mountain.

So, let’s do this!

Rustic Beer Bread

Yields: 1 loaf
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Rise Time: 2-3 hours
Bake Time: 40-45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 3 cups (375g) all-purpose or bread flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons sugar (optional, enhances yeast activity)
• 2 teaspoons instant or active dry yeast
• 1 cup beer (Scrag Mountain Pils, but any craft lager will do)
• ¼ cup warm water (as needed)

Instructions:

1. Mix the Dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Pour in the beer and stir until a shaggy dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a bit of warm water (1 tablespoon at a time).
2. First Rise:
   Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Let the dough rise at room temperature for 2-3 hours, until it doubles in size.
3. Shape & Second Rise:
   Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently shape it into a round or oval loaf. Place on parchment paper and let it rest for 30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
4. Preheat & Bake:
   • If using a Dutch oven: Place it in the oven while it preheats. Carefully transfer the dough (on parchment paper) into the hot pot. Cover and bake for 30 minutes, then remove the lid and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
   • If baking on a sheet: Place the dough on a baking stone or sheet, adding a pan of hot water to the oven for steam. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the crust is deep golden.
5. Cool & Enjoy:
   Let the bread cool completely before slicing to allow the flavors to develop fully.

Expert Tips

Cheese & Herb Variations:

• Stir in shredded cheddar, rosemary, or garlic for extra flavor.

Whole Wheat Option:

• Swap 1 cup of flour with whole wheat for a heartier loaf.

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