Chef's Table

Hophead IPA Beer Peanut Brittle

Hophead IPA Beer Peanut Brittle: A easy to make Peanut Brittle recipe that adds a nice hoppy element, giving a bitter balance to the traditionally sweet candy.

CourseCocktail Party, Dessert
CuisineBeer Cuisine, Vegetarian
Cooking Beer StyleAmerican India Pale Ale | IPA, American Pale Ale, Brut IPA, English Pale Ale
Pairing Beer StyleAmerican India Pale Ale | IPA, Belgian IPA, Brut IPA, English India Pale Ale | IPA
SeasonalFall Seasonal, Spring Seasonal, Summer Seasonal, Winter Seasonal, Year Around Seasonal
Food SectionButter, Candy, Nuts
Cooking MethodBaking with Beer, Boiling
Brewery3 Floyds Brewing Co, Bear Republic Brewing Co., Beer Advocate, Firestone Walker Brewing Co., Sierra Nevada, Stone Brewing
CompanyStraus Family creamery

Servings	Prep Time
12guests	5minute

Cook Time	Passive Time
25minute	10minute

Servings	Prep Time
12guests	5minute

Cook Time	Passive Time
25minute	10minute

Ingredients

1/2cup butter, unsalteda European style with a higher butter fat content in the high 85% range
1pound sugar, organic
1/2cup IPAsuch as Racer 5 IPA, Union Jack IPA, Two Hearted Ale or other American IPA
1teaspoon salt, kosher
1cup peanuts,shelled, lightly roasted (see directions below), unsalted

Instructions

Hophead IPA Beer Peanut Brittle Directions:

Lightly grease a baking sheet with butter or use a Silpat Non-Stick Silicone Baking Mat and set aside.
In a large saucepan, combine butter, sugar, IPA and salt, stirring over low heat until sugar is dissolved.
Increase the heat to high, bringing the candy mixture to a boil and cook to a hard crack candy stage, 300-310°F | 148.8 – 154.4°C for a lighter colored brittle and up to 325°F | 163°C for a darker color brittle.
Remove the pan from heat and immediately stir in peanuts pouring onto prepared sheet tray. Using a spatula, spread the brittle, creating an even thickness across the sheet tray.
For an extra dimension of flavor, add a tablespoon of finishing salt, evenly sprinkled over the cooling brittle. Try using a Fleur de Sel or Maldon Sea Salt Flakes.
Let the brittle cool to room temperature, then using your hands, crack the candy into bite size pieces. Store in an air tight container for up to 1 week.

How to Toast Peanuts Directions:

If you have raw peanuts, it is best to toast them before adding them to this peanut brittle recipe. It will intensify the peanut flavor, helping release some of the oils and improve the peanut crunch.
Preheat the oven to 350°F | 177°C. Place the peanuts onto a sheet tray and bake for 12 minutes, or until the peanuts are aromatic and they turn a light golden color. Remove from the oven and let cool before using.

Recipe Notes

Hophead IPA Beer Peanut Brittle Recipe Variations:

If you or any of your guests are allergic to peanuts, other nuts can be used to replace the peanuts. Try this recipe with almonds, cashews, macadamia, or even sesame seeds (both black & white).