Pan de Jamón

Recipe

Pan de Jamón

Savory Venezuelan Christmas Bread: Pan de Jamón

Pan de Jamón is a traditional Venezuelan dish that is typically enjoyed during the Christmas season. This delectable bread is filled with a combination of ham, bacon, olives, and raisins, creating a unique and savory flavor profile.

Jan Dec

30 minutes

30-35 minutes

2 hours 35 minutes

8 servings

Medium

Omnivore, Dairy-free (if using dairy-free butter substitute), Nut-free, Soy-free, Shellfish-free

Wheat, Milk, Eggs

Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, Egg-free, Paleo

Ingredients

Nutrition

  • Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
  • Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 6g
  • Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 12g
  • Protein: 13g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

  1. 1.
    In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and instant yeast.
  2. 2.
    Add the warm milk, sugar, softened butter, eggs, and salt to the bowl. Mix until a dough forms.
  3. 3.
    Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  4. 4.
    Place the dough back into the bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  5. 5.
    Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangular shape.
  6. 6.
    Spread the ham, bacon, olives, and raisins evenly over the dough.
  7. 7.
    Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, forming a log shape.
  8. 8.
    Place the rolled dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  9. 9.
    Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
  10. 10.
    Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  11. 11.
    Bake the Pan de Jamón for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.
  12. 12.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

  • Ham — Use thinly sliced cooked ham for the best texture and flavor.
  • Bacon — Cook the bacon until crispy before crumbling it for the filling.
  • Olives — Opt for high-quality pitted green olives for a delicious briny taste.
  • Raisins — Soak the raisins in warm water for a few minutes to plump them up before using.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a twist, you can add a sprinkle of grated cheese on top of the filling before rolling the dough.
  • Make sure to tightly roll the dough to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
  • Serve the Pan de Jamón warm or at room temperature for the best taste and texture.
  • Leftover Pan de Jamón can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • To reheat, wrap individual slices in aluminum foil and warm in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes.

Serving advice

Pan de Jamón is best served as a main course during Christmas gatherings. Slice it into thick pieces and serve it alongside a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of ponche crema.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of Pan de Jamón, you can brush the top of the bread with a beaten egg before baking. This will give it a shiny golden finish.