Authentic Cuban Bread (Pan Cubano) - Bakery Style
Crispy crust, pillowy soft inside! This easy Cuban bread recipe requires just 5 ingredients and no special equipment. Perfect for sandwiches or as dinner bread.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 4 cups 500g all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups 360ml warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast 1 packet
- 1½ tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp lard or vegetable shortening optional, for authenticity
Instructions
- Activate yeast: Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5-10 mins until foamy.
- Make dough: Whisk flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and lard (if using). Stir until shaggy dough forms.
- Knead: Turn onto floured surface. Knead 8-10 mins until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Place in greased bowl, cover. Rise 1-2 hrs until doubled.
- Shape: Punch down, divide in half. Roll into 14-inch logs.
- Second rise: Place on parchment-lined sheet. Cover, rise 45 mins.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Score tops diagonally. Bake 20-25 mins until golden.
Notes
| Traditional Pan Cubano with golden crust and airy texture, ready in 3 hours (mostly hands-off rising time). |