Listen, my darling, I have a story to tell you about Beer Bread, a golden loaf of simple but delicious bread that has stood the test of time and looks lovely on the dinner table of any Midwestern home.
A humble homage to our history of improvising and concocting something wonderful out of nothing, this two-ingredient recipe has been handed down from generation to generation.
Here in the Midwest, we love dishes that have a magical, down-to-earth quality, and this Beer Bread is no different.
It’s ideal for days when you’re craving something handmade but don’t have much on hand or when you’ve had a busy day and don’t have time to bother in the kitchen.
The chewy outside and soft inside of this bread make it the perfect accompaniment to a bowl of chili or stew, and it goes wonderfully with a fresh green salad that has dried cranberries and tangy feta cheese.
To add a little sweetness to your day, spread some apple butter or honey on a warm slice if you want.
Beer Bread with Just Two Ingredients for the Slow Cooker:
This recipe yields one loaf and calls for three cups of self-rising flour and twelve ounces of your favorite beer.
What to do
Whisk the beer and self-rising flour together in a large bowl until they are barely mixed.
A couple lumps here and there won’t hurt, so don’t worry about them.
Prepare your slow cooker for cleanup by greasing or lining the interior.
Use that cooking spray or butter without hesitation.
Third, put the dough mixture into the slow cooker with care.
You should know that the dough will naturally be sticky.
Cover and cook for 1 1/2 to 2 hours on high heat.
When you stick a toothpick in the middle and it comes out clean, that means it’s done.
The top should be firm as well.
Remove the lovely loaf from the oven and allow it to cool completely before cutting.
It will slice more cleanly when it has cooled down, so patience is key.
Tips and Variations
Now, feel free to get creative with this basic recipe; after all, we all appreciate a little diversity.
Toss in some fresh herbs or a generous shake of cheese if your cupboard has the space for it.
It only takes a little sharp cheddar or rosemary to make it shine.
Keep in mind that any kind of beer—light or dark—will work; the bread will benefit from the unique flavor that each.
Use a pale ale if you’re going for a lighter loaf.
Grab a stout or porter if you’re in the mood for something heartier.
An old-school kitchen trick:
if you can’t get self-rising flour, mix 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder with 1/4 teaspoon of salt for every cup of all-purpose flour.
Just be sure to combine everything well.
Good luck with your baking, my love.