Rosemary-Garlic Beer Bread Recipe

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Cook Time: 50 minutes

This rosemary beer bread is the epitome of simplicity with incredible flavor. No need to activate yeast, wait for rising, or deal with a long list of ingredients. The shortcut? Homemade Bisquick. It saves time and effort, and you can even keep a batch in your fridge for those last-minute baking moments. If you'd prefer, you can use store-bought Bisquick instead. No one's judging!

Feel free to customize the bread however you'd like. Weve gone with rosemary, garlic, and a few herbs to amp up the flavor, but you can swap or add ingredients like cheddar, onions, or even jalapeos for your perfect beer bread experience.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 3 cups Homemade Bisquick (recipe below)
• 3 tablespoons white sugar
• 2 tablespoons dried rosemary
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons thyme
• 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 can light beer (such as Miller Lite)
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (for garnish)

For Homemade Bisquick:

• 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons baking powder
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 cup chilled vegetable shortening or unsalted butter

Directions

For Homemade Bisquick:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Make sure to thoroughly whisk the mixture to aerate and evenly distribute the ingredients.
2. Using a food processor, pastry blender, or your fingertips, cut the chilled shortening and/or butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles sand.
3. Store the mixture in an airtight in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. This can be used in place of Bisquick in any of your favorite recipes that call for all-purpose baking mix.

For Rosemary Beer Bread:

1. Preheat your oven to 375F (190C). Grease the bottom of a 9x5 loaf pan with 1 tablespoon of butter and set it aside.
2. In a large bowl, stir together 3 cups of Homemade Bisquick, sugar, dried rosemary, garlic powder, thyme, garlic salt, and cayenne pepper.
3. Pour in the beer and stir until smooth.
4. Pour the beer mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for about 50 minutes, or until the bread turns golden-brown.
5. Let the bread cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, brush with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
6. Transfer the bread to a wire rack and garnish with fresh rosemary. Allow it to cool for another 15 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving	Amount
Calories	597
Total Fat	25g (32%)
Saturated Fat	10g (50%)
Cholesterol	18mg (6%)
Sodium	1482mg (64%)
Total Carbohydrate	78g (28%)
Dietary Fiber	3g (9%)
Total Sugars	9g
Protein	9g (17%)
Vitamin C	1mg (1%)
Calcium	277mg (21%)
Iron	4mg (23%)
Potassium	135mg (3%)

Origin Story: Beer bread is a rustic creation with a history rooted in practical simplicity. The tradition of using beer as a leavening agent goes back to the early 19th century when it was first used in place of yeast to simplify the bread-making process. By using beer, bakers could skip the traditional step of proofing yeast and waiting for dough to rise. Rosemary, a common herb in Mediterranean cuisine, adds aromatic depth, while garlic infuses the bread with savory flavor. Rosemary-garlic beer bread merges these two elements, creating a savory, hearty treat thats as easy to make as it is delicious.

Regional Characteristics:

Rosemary-Garlic Beer Bread draws inspiration from Mediterranean and American baking traditions. In Mediterranean regions, rosemary is often paired with garlic in both bread and savory dishes, offering a fragrant, earthy flavor profile. In contrast, beer bread has its roots in American home kitchens, especially during times when baking with yeast wasnt as common. The use of beer as a leavening agent makes this bread particularly quick to prepare, without the need for yeast activation or rising time. Today, this version has been adapted into various regional kitchens, gaining popularity due to its ease and unique flavor.

What Sets It Apart:

This rosemary-garlic beer bread differs from other similar breads, like classic soda breads or yeast-based loaves, because it uses beer for leavening, which gives the bread a slightly denser texture and rich, malty flavor. Unlike soda bread, which typically uses buttermilk and baking soda, beer bread relies on the carbonation in the beer to provide the necessary lift. The inclusion of rosemary and garlic also gives it a distinct, savory flavor, making it more suitable as a side dish or accompaniment to hearty meals rather than just a plain bread.

Where It's Typically Served:

This savory beer bread is often served in casual settingsperfect for pairing with soups, stews, or even grilled meats. Its robust, hearty flavors make it an excellent accompaniment to rich, savory dishes like beef stew, chili, or roasted vegetables. Youll also find this bread at barbecues and gatherings where a flavorful, easy-to-share bread is appreciated. It can be served as an appetizer, or as a side to a main dish, and can even stand alone as a snack, especially when slathered with butter.

Fun Facts:

• The tradition of beer bread can be traced back to ancient civilizations that fermented grains to make beer, and those fermented grains were often used to make bread.
• Rosemary was considered a sacred herb in ancient Greece and Rome, often associated with memory and clarity, which is why its commonly found in both culinary and medicinal contexts.
• Beer bread doesnt require yeast to rise, making it an excellent choice for quick baking. The addition of beer ensures that the bread is both flavorful and fluffy, even without the usual rise time.
• The use of beer in baking is often seen as a shortcut in recipes, as it eliminates the need for yeast activation, proving especially handy for beginner bakers or those looking for fast results.

FAQ about Rosemary-Garlic Beer Bread Recipe