Cheese, Bacon and Beer Bread

Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp granulated sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, plus extra for the top
5 pieces bacon, cooked and diced
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
12 oz beer – a wheat beer works nicely, or a lager
4 Tbsp Unsalted Butter, melted
1 cup shredded Cheese

Method:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, half of the chopped cooked bacon (reserve half for the top), cheese (reserve a quarter cup for the top), black pepper and baking powder.
2. Stir in 2 Tbsp melted butter and 12 oz beer until just combined
3. Pour into a 1.5 qt loaf pan that has been brushed with a bit of the butter
4. Pour the remaining 2 Tbsp melted butter over the top
5. Sprinkle with remaining bacon, cheese an a grind or two of pepper
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top has turned golden brown

Variation:
If you’d like to spice up your St. Patrick’s party, add the following to the bowl at the beginning:
1/2 tsp chili powder (or 1/2 tsp smoked paprika)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp minced jalapenos

Source: Kerrygold