Cheddar Gluten-Free Beer Bread (Quick Recipe)

If you are intimidated by gluten-free baking then this extra easy recipe for gluten-free beer bread is the perfect place to start! With only 6 simple ingredients and 5 minutes prep, cheddar beer bread is a gluten-free recipe anyone can handle with ease!

Easy Recipe for Gluten-Free Beer Bread

Before transitioning to a gluten-free diet, I turned to a quick beer bread recipe when I needed an emergency loaf to serve with meals, soups, or a satisfying, comforting snack.

Just like highly-rated banana bread made with gluten-free flour or gluten-free biscuits, gluten-free beer bread uses a handful of readily-stocked ingredients, requires no yeast or kneading, and always results in an incredible moist and delicious texture.

Since beer is off limits for those with celiac or gluten sensitivities, I didn’t think it would be a possibility to enjoy my favorite bread recipe any longer. But, fortunately times have changed and there are many gluten-free beer brands to make this quick bread possible again!

Below I will show you just how easy gluten-free beer bread is to make, along with many expert tips, mix-in ideas, and modifications to make this recipe work flawlessly every time. This quick bread is perfect for serving alongside chili, dinner salads, or hearty soups, like homemade and hearty gluten-free chicken rice soup.

Ingredient Tid Bits

Just like all the recipes shared on the site and in my gluten-free cookbook, I always strive for affordable and easily accessible ingredients. Gluten-free beer is the exception to this, but below I share other options for using beer in bread.

• Gluten-free flour blend – Traditional wheat flour recipes use self-rising flour, such as Bisquick, but I like to avoid having to buy expensive speciality ingredients whenever possible. Use your preferred gluten-free all purpose flour, but I highly recommend Cup4Cup GF flour for best taste, texture, and a moist crumb.
• Sugar – Adding a bit of sweetener enhances the overall taste. Honey may also be substituted.
• Cheddar Cheese – For the cheese flavor to shine through, I recommend freshly grated extra sharp cheddar. However, any cheese may be used. For a dairy-free recipe, omit the cheese and increase the amount of salt by 1/4 teaspoon.
• Gluten-Free Beer – Since the market and availability has expanded in recent years, I’ve created an entire gluten-free beer list resource, including which popular brands are low gluten or GF.
• Butter – Melted butter drizzled on top before baking adds a little fat to increase moisture of the bread and a nice golden, buttery crust.

Let’s Make This Together!

(Below shows step-by-step photos and modified instructions. For the complete recipe, along with ingredient amounts, scroll down to the recipe card.)

Unlike this recipe for extra soft gluten-free dinner rolls, beer bread requires no rising before baking. Simply mix, pour in a loaf pan, and bake for freshly baked bread with minimal effort!

Alternatives for Gluten-Free Beer to Use In Bread

Gluten-free beers may be expensive or hard to locate in your area. Or, you may still want to enjoy this recipe with what you have on hand. Fortunately, there are many options to replace beer in bread!

• Use an equal amount of soda or seltzer water. This also works when making homemade gluten-free fried fish. Since you will be eliminating that yeasty beer flavor, I suggest adding dried herbs, such as 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning or cheddar cheese with cooked and crumbled bacon stirred in.
• Make a sweeter tasting bread. Increase the sugar (or honey) to 1/4 cup and replace the beer with lemon-lime soda, such as Sprite or Mountain Dew.
• Make an orange loaf by replacing beer with an equal amount of orange pop, adding 1 tablespoon orange zest, and increasing sugar to 1/4 cup.
• Replace the beer with another preferred carbonated beverage, such as ginger ale or hard cider.

Variations and Mix-Ins

Along with some of the alternative versions mentioned above, there are several options to compliment the beer flavor. Any of these flavor additions would work just as well in savory gluten-free cheddar bay biscuits as well.

• Cheesy herb – Use sharp cheddar or a mixture of cheddar and parmesan. Stir in 1 teaspoon each rosemary, basil, and thyme to the dry ingredients.
• Bacon- Add 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon with the cheese.
• Garlic Parmesan – Stir in 1 tablespoon minced garlic and 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan instead of cheddar.
• Spicy – Use pepper jack cheese or cheddar and stir in 1 finely chopped jalapeno.

Did you make this recipe? I love hearing from you! Leave a star rating and comment below the recipe card. It helps others when searching for recipes and I appreciate feedback from our community. You will always hear back from me! -Melissa