Ingredients

For the Pan & Topping:

• **Butter:** 1 tablespoon (for greasing pan)
• **Melted Butter:** 2 tablespoons (for topping)

Dry Ingredients:

• **All-Purpose Flour:** 3 cups
• **Granulated Sugar:** 2½ tablespoons
• **Baking Powder:** 1 tablespoon
• **Salt:** 1 teaspoon
• **Garlic Powder:** 1½ teaspoons

Wet & Flavoring Ingredients:

• **Shredded Cheddar Cheese:** 1¼ cups
• **Fresh Chives, chopped:** 2 tablespoons
• **Light Beer (pilsner or lager):** 12 oz (1 standard bottle/can)

Instructions

1. **Prepare Pan & Oven:** Preheat oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Grease a **9×5-inch loaf pan** with 1 tablespoon of butter and set aside.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder.
3. **Add Flavorings:** Add the shredded cheese and chives, stirring to coat them in the dry ingredients.
4. **Add Beer:** Pour in the beer and stir gently until just combined.
   The batter will be thick. Do not overmix.
5. **Transfer & Drizzle:** Transfer the batter into the prepared pan and drizzle the top evenly with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
6. **Bake:** Bake for **40–45 minutes**, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. **Cool & Serve:** Cool in the pan for **10–15 minutes** before removing and slicing.

Tips & Variations

• **Richer Flavor:** Try a **darker beer** like amber ale or stout for a deeper, maltier flavor profile.
• **Spicy Kick:** Add a pinch of **cayenne** or **smoked paprika** for a subtle warmth.
• **Cheese Swap:** Swap the cheddar for **pepper jack** or **gouda** for a different twist.
• **Serving Suggestion:** Best served **warm with butter** — or alongside soup or chili!