High Altitude Cheddar Jalapeno Beer Bread

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An easy recipe for high altitude beer bread, made with Colorado ale, cheddar cheese and mild jalapenos. This cheesy jalapeno beer bread comes together quickly, and makes a delicious side dish to serve with soup, or used for grilled cheese sandwiches.

You might also love these high altitude recipes for cinnamon raisin oatmeal bread, no knead rye sandwich bread, and Irish brown bread. For a similar recipe to today’s beer quick bread, see my cheese and herbs buttermilk quick bread.

Beer bread with cheddar cheese and jalapenos.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy. This is a recipe for “quick bread”, meaning it doesn’t contain any yeast, but uses chemical leaveners (baking powder and baking soda) to make the bread rise. The batter comes together fast with just a bowl and spoon, and bakes in about an hour.

High Altitude Tested. I develop all the recipes on my site for Denver’s altitude of 5,280 feet. If you’re at a lower or higher elevation, please see my FAQs for guidance on adjusting recipes for your altitude.

Slices of beer bread with cheddar cheese and jalapenos.

See the recipe card at the end of the post for the full ingredients list and instructions.

Ingredients

Flour. All purpose flour gives the bread structure and strength.
Baking Powder + Baking Soda. Leavening agents, so the bread rises as it bakes.
Salt. Enhances the flavor of the bread.
Cheese. Grated cheddar cheese melts into the bread, making it extra moist and delicious. Mozzarella cheese or pepper jack would also be good options.
Jalapenos. I used mild jarred sliced jalapenos, which really aren’t very hot at all, and just add a nice flavor to the bread. These are optional, if you want to just leave them out.
Butter. Adds flavor and moisture.
Eggs. Gives the bread strength so it doesn’t crumble apart, and adds moisture.
Beer. Okay, I’ll just admit, I’m not a beer drinker. At all. I’ve never liked the taste, and never will. So I asked my husband to recommend something for this recipe, and he suggested ale, which he felt would have the best flavor for the bread. I used Colorado native amber ale, and a 12-ounce glass bottle was just the right amount for the recipe.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 F, and position a rack in the center of the oven. If using the USA 1-lb bread loaf pan, lightly brush the bottom and sides of the pan with butter. If using a pan that’s not non-stick, either line the pan with parchment paper, or grease it with non-stick baking spray or butter and flour.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
Scatter the grated cheese and chopped jalapenos over the flour mixture, then drizzle in the melted butter and beaten eggs.
Pour in the beer, and use a spatula to stir everything together just until combined into a moist, sticky batter.
Spread the batter into the prepared pan. Bake the bread for about 60-65 minutes, until golden brown on top and a sharp knife or cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, or a digital instant read thermometer inserted into the bread reads 195 F.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a cooling rack. Cool for about 30-40 minutes before slicing, if you want to serve the bread warm, or let it cool to room temperature.
Cool the bread completely before storing in an airtight container or freezer bag.

Step 1 for making beer bread with cheese and jalapenos.

Step 2 for making beer bread with cheese and jalapenos.

Be sure to read all of my BAKING FAQs where I discuss ingredients, substitutions and common baking questions, so that you can be successful in your own baking!

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I store leftover beer bread?

Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 3-6 months.

What loaf pan did you use?

I used the USA 1 lb Nonstick Bread Loaf Pan, dimensions 8.5 x 4.5 x 2.75 inches.

Is the flavor of the beer very strong in the bread?

To me, yes, the bread tastes very much like beer. Personally, I don’t like the taste of beer, but if you do, you’ll love the bread. You can always use less beer for a more subtle flavor. Simply replace some of the beer with the same amount of buttermilk.

Can I use fresh jalapenos instead of jarred?

You can certainly use fresh jalapenos, although they’ll add quite a bit more heat than the mild jarred jalapenos I used.

Beer bread with cheddar cheese and jalapenos, with several slices cut.

A loaf of Irish brown bread on a wooden cutting board. — Brown Bread

A slice of buttered oatmeal raisin bread. — Brown Bread

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