A hearty, herb-kissed stout bread with a dense, flavorful crumb and the perfect balance of rustic charm and savory goodness.
Herb Stout Beer Bread – The Perfect Morning Toast or a Hearty Anytime Bread
For St. Patrick’s Day, I wanted to create something hearty and comforting, but cooking with spirits and beer is something I enjoy year-round. There’s just something about the depth of flavor they bring to a dish. A beer bread like this Herb Stout Beer Bread, is the ultimate one-bowl, no-knead way to make a herb-packed loaf with minimal effort. Using a dark malt stout adds a deep, roasty richness with a touch of caramelized maltiness that pairs so well with the savory herbs. After making this bread countless times and tweaking it to get it just right, it has become a favorite. It’s dense, but once cooled, slicing and toasting before serving makes all the difference. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Vegan & Egg-Free – No dairy, no eggs, and no special substitutes needed—just simple, plant-based ingredients. Perfect for those looking for an egg-free bread option, especially with shortages.
No Yeast, No Fuss – The beer acts as a natural leavening agent, so there’s no need for yeast, proofing, or kneading.
Deep, Roasty Flavor – The stout beer adds a rich maltiness with subtle caramel and toasty notes that pair beautifully with the savory herbs.
Easy One-Bowl Recipe – Just mix, pour, and bake—no complicated steps required.
Hearty and Satisfying – This bread has a dense, rustic texture that’s perfect for slicing and toasting.
Gluten-Free Option – Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make this a GF-friendly recipe.
Ingredient Highlight: Stout Beer
Stout beer isn’t just for drinking—it’s a fantastic ingredient for baking! Its dark, roasted malts bring a deep, slightly bitter sweetness with notes of coffee, chocolate, and caramel, making the flavor of this bread more complex than a standard beer bread. Using an Irish stout, like Guinness, enhances the bread’s richness, but any dark beer with a smooth, malty body will work. If using a lighter beer, expect a milder flavor.
Madly Delicious Must-Know Tips and Questions
- For the best texture, always let the bread cool before slicing—then toast for extra crunch and flavor.
- Use a dark stout for the richest, most flavorful loaf. A lighter beer will yield a milder taste.
- If using fresh herbs or maple syrup, reduce the beer to 1 ½ cups to prevent sinking. Add a splash more if needed.
- Store properly by keeping the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Can I use a different beer?
Yes! A dark stout brings the best flavor, but a porter or even an amber ale can work. Just avoid overly hoppy IPAs, which can make the bread taste bitter.
Why did my bread sink in the middle?
Too much liquid can cause the center to collapse as it cools. If using fresh herbs or maple syrup instead of sugar, reduce the beer to 1 ½ cups to prevent excess moisture. If the batter feels too thick, add a small splash of beer until it reaches a thick but pourable consistency.
How do I store and reheat this bread?
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. For the best texture, slice and toast before serving.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Just check that your beer is also gluten-free, as most traditional beers contain gluten.
Let’s Dish About Beer Bread: Did You Know?
Beer bread is believed to date back centuries, with variations appearing in different cultures. The modern version we know today became popular as a no-fuss, yeast-free alternative for home bakers. In Ireland, stout beer has long been used in both savory and sweet recipes, adding depth and richness to everything from breads to stews. Some Irish pubs even serve beer bread alongside traditional dishes like colcannon or Guinness stew!
If you love a hearty, flavorful bread that’s as easy as mixing and baking? Try my Herb Stout Beer Bread!
Whether you’re making it for St. Patrick’s Day or just want a rustic, herby loaf to enjoy, give it a try and let me know what you think. Tag @madly__delicious #MadlyDelicious on Instagram—I’d love to see your creations!
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Herb Stout Beer Bread (Vegan)
Equipment
- 1 large bowl
- 9×5 loaf pan
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp dried parsley*
- 2 tsp dried rosemary*
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 ⅔ cup Irish-Stout (or your favorite dark beer)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together 3 cups all-purpose flour and 2 tsp baking powder, ensuring no clumps. Tip: Recommended to sift the dry ingredients into the bowl to break up clumps.Then go ahead and add 1 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp garlic powder, 2 tsp dried parsley, and 2 tsp dried rosemary.
- Add the Wet: Pour in ¼ cup olive oil, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 ⅔ cups Irish stout. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix! The batter will be thick and bubbly.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared tin, smoothing the top. Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool & Enjoy: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice when fully cooled and enjoy with butter, soups, or your favorite spreads!