Cuban Bread Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 cups (500g) bread flour 4 cups (500g) bread flour
• 2 teaspoons (10g) active dry yeast 2 teaspoons (10g) active dry yeast
• 2 teaspoons (10g) sugar 2 teaspoons (10g) sugar
• 2 teaspoons (10g) salt 2 teaspoons (10g) salt
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil
• 1 ½ cups (355ml) warm water 1 ½ cups (355ml) warm water

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 2g, 0.3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 36g, 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and vegetable oil.
3. 3.
   Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a shallow pan of water on the bottom rack of the oven.
6. 6.
   Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a loaf. Place the loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. 7.
   Using a sharp knife, make diagonal slashes on the top of the loaf. Brush the loaf with water.
8. 8.
   Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes or until it turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. 9.
   Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Yeast — Ensure that the yeast is fresh and active. If the yeast does not froth after being dissolved in warm water, it may be inactive, and the bread may not rise properly.

Tips & Tricks

• For a crispier crust, you can spray water on the loaf before baking.
• To achieve a more authentic flavor, you can use lard instead of vegetable oil.
• If you prefer a sweeter bread, you can increase the amount of sugar in the recipe.
• Experiment with adding herbs or spices to the dough for a unique twist on traditional Cuban Bread.
• Leftover bread can be used to make delicious French toast or croutons.

Serving advice

Cuban Bread is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the crust is still warm and crispy. Serve it as a side to soups, stews, or alongside your favorite Cuban dishes. It also makes the perfect base for a classic Cuban sandwich.

Presentation advice

To showcase the beautiful crust of the Cuban Bread, place it on a wooden cutting board or a rustic bread basket. Slice it diagonally to highlight the interior texture. Serve with a side of butter or olive oil for dipping.