Beer Dutch Oven Bread
Beer Dutch Oven Bread is a simple, no-knead bread that’s made with just a few ingredients.The key component—beer—adds a unique depth of flavor to this hearty loaf, while the Dutch oven ensures a crispy, golden crust. Perfect for pairing with soups, stews, or just enjoying with butter, this bread is incredibly easy to make and only requires a handful of pantry staples.
Equipment
- 1 Dutch oven (4-6 qt)
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 cutting board (for shaping dough)
- 1 wire rack (for cooling bread)
- 1 Measuring Cup and Spoons
Ingredients
- 3 cups 360g All-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons 8g Salt
- 1 tablespoon 12g Sugar
- 1 tablespoon 15g Baking powder
- 12 ounces 355ml Beer (lager, ale, or any beer of your choice)
- 2 tablespoons 28g Melted butter (optional, for brushing on top)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place the Dutch oven (with the lid) inside the oven to preheat as well.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder. Stir to distribute evenly.
- Add Beer: Pour in the beer and stir gently with a wooden spoon until the dough comes together. It should be shaggy and slightly sticky—don’t overmix.
- Shape Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently shape it into a round loaf without kneading.
- Preheat Dutch Oven: Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Sprinkle a little flour in the bottom to prevent sticking or line it with parchment paper. Place the dough inside.
- Bake Covered: Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and bake for 30 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: After 30 minutes, remove the lid and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the bread to brown and form a crispy crust.
- Cool: Once done, remove the bread from the Dutch oven and let it cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Beer Selection: Feel free to experiment with different types of beer! Lighter beers like lagers give a milder flavor, while darker beers like stouts will add a richer, more complex taste.
- No Dutch Oven?: If you don't have a Dutch oven, a heavy baking dish or even a regular oven-safe pot will work, though the crust may not be as crispy.
- Storage: This bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread and toast it when ready to serve.
- Add-ins: Want to spice it up? Feel free to add herbs like rosemary or thyme, or fold in cheese for extra flavor.