Sourdough Beer Bread 🍞🍺 Tangy, Malty, Naturally Leavened Flavor Bomb

No Commercial Yeast Needed

Sourdough Beer Bread brings the best of both worlds: the slow-fermented depth of sourdough starter and the malty boost of beer. It’s a great way to use up discard or active starter — and gives you a high-hydration, chewy crumb with bakery-level flavor.

Ingredients (Makes 1 large rustic loaf)

• 500g (about 4 cups) bread flour or all-purpose flour
• 100g (about ½ cup) active sourdough starter (or discard — see notes)
• 330ml (1 bottle) beer — room temperature (lager, pale ale, or wheat beer)
• 10g (2 tsp) fine sea salt
• Optional: 1 tbsp honey or sugar (for balance)
• Optional: 1 tsp garlic powder, herbs, or cheese for flavor add-ins

Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, mix flour, starter, salt, and beer until no dry spots remain. Dough will be sticky and shaggy. Let rest 30 minutes (autolyse).

Step 2: Stretch & Fold

Over the next 2–3 hours, perform 3–4 stretch-and-folds every 30–45 minutes to build strength. Cover between rounds. (This replaces kneading.)

Step 3: Bulk Fermentation

Cover dough and let it rise at room temperature until nearly doubled — about 6–8 hours depending on room temp and starter strength.

Step 4: Shape & Cold Proof

Turn dough onto a floured surface. Shape into a round or oval. Place into a floured banneton or towel-lined bowl. Cover and refrigerate overnight (8–12 hours).

Step 5: Bake

Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) with a Dutch oven inside. When hot, turn dough onto parchment, score the top, and carefully place into the Dutch oven. Bake covered 20 minutes, then uncovered 20–25 more until deep golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.

Step 6: Cool

Let cool completely before slicing (minimum 1 hour) — this sets the crumb and intensifies flavor.

Beer Style Tips

• Lighter beers (lager, Kölsch, wheat) = mellow, bready flavor
• Amber ales or IPAs = bolder, richer dough with a toasty edge
• Stouts or porters = deep, dark crumb and roasted notes — great with cheese or meats

Pro Tips

• Active starter = better rise; discard = more tang, less lift
• Want extra tang? Use cold beer and a longer ferment
• Add-ins like cheddar, jalapeños, or olives work well after the first fold
• Store at room temp wrapped in a towel or paper — avoid plastic to keep the crust crisp

Serving Ideas

• Toasted with butter and sea salt
• With soups, stews, or beer cheese dip
• As the base for bold sandwiches or grilled cheese
• Cubed for stuffing, croutons, or strata

Final Thoughts

Sourdough Beer Bread is bold, complex, and perfect for bread lovers who want next-level flavor without the sourdough snobbery. Whether you’re working with bubbly starter or cold discard, this loaf delivers serious crust, chew, and character.

Mix it. Fold it. Ferment it with beer. 🍞🍺🔥

🍞 Explore the Ultimate Beer Bread & Baking Collection

From savory loaves and cheesy rolls to sweet, stout-spiked twists and beer-soaked breakfasts — these recipes bring out beer’s baking superpowers. Easy, flavorful, and always a hit.

🍺 Beer Bread Recipes (Main Hub) – Your guide to all things beer bread: quick, cheesy, herby, sweet, and more.

🔹 Classic & Easy Favorites

🍞 Classic Beer Bread – The simple, 3-ingredient original that started it all.
⚡ Easy Beer Bread – Fast, foolproof, and perfect for first-time bakers.
🥖 Beer Bread Rolls – Soft, golden rolls with malty beer flavor.
🧀 Beer Cheese Bread – Sharp cheddar baked into every bite.
🥣 Beer Bread Dip – A creamy, tangy dip designed to pair with beer bread.

🧄 Savory & Cheesy Loaves

🧀🌶️ Cheddar & Jalapeño Beer Bread – Bold, cheesy heat in every slice.
🧄🌿 Herb + Garlic Beer Bread – Packed with herbs and roasted garlic flavor.
🥓🧀 Bacon Cheddar Beer Bread – Salty, cheesy, and bacon-loaded goodness.
🧄🧅 Everything Bagel Beer Bread – Topped with bagel seasoning and big flavor.
🌾 Rye Beer Bread – Earthy rye flour with malty depth.
🍀 Irish Beer Bread – Rustic, hearty, and perfect for stews or St. Paddy’s.

🍯 Sweet & Seasonal Breads

🍯 Honey Beer Bread – Slightly sweet, soft, and great with butter.
🍯🌾 Honey Wheat Beer Bread – A wholesome loaf with natural sweetness.
🍫 Stout Chocolate Chip Beer Bread – Malty stout + melty chocolate = dessert-worthy.
🍇 Raisin Beer Bread – A breakfast-style loaf with a hint of spice.
🍌 Banana Beer Bread – A beer-y twist on classic banana bread.
🎃 Pumpkin Beer Bread – Moist, spiced, and perfect for fall.
🍞 Sourdough Beer Bread – Tangy, crusty, and made with a bubbly starter.

🥞 Beer for Breakfast (Yes, Really!)

🧇 Beer Waffles – Light and crispy with a malty twist.
🥞 Chocolate Beer Pancakes – Rich and fluffy with cocoa and stout.
🥥 Coconut Porter Pancakes – Toasty coconut flavor meets dark beer in a tropical stack.

🌾 Special Diets & Alternatives

🌾 Gluten-Free Beer Bread – Made with GF beer and flour blends for everyone to enjoy.

🍕 Bonus Beer-Baked Recipes

🍕 Beer Pizza Crust – Crispy outside, chewy inside — a malty pizza dough upgrade.