Basil Beer Bread

Makes 1 loaf

This bread is SO easy and SO yummy... A perfect thing to make as a side for a soup dish or to munch on while watching football games all fall and winter - not that you or Chad ever spend time watching football!

ingredients

Olive oil (spray works fine as well) for the baking sheet
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (note: I think sometimes I used whole wheat flour for part of it)
1 1/4-ounce package active dry yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 cup (3 ounces) grated Parmesan
1 12-ounce bottle beer, preferably ale (note: Newcastle works well)
Flour for the work surface
1 cup chopped or torn fresh basil

directions

1
Heat oven to 400° F. Oil a baking sheet.
2
In the bowl of a standing mixer on low, or in a large bowl using a spoon, combine the flour, yeast, salt, pepper, and Parmesan. Add the beer and mix just until the dough comes together. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Sprinkle with the basil and knead gently just until incorporated. Shape the dough into a round loaf and transfer to the prepared sheet. Bake until the loaf is lightly browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes. Transfer the loaf onto a wire rack. Let cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Source: Whitney Metzger