Cuban Bread Recipe - Pan Cubano

Angled view of a Cuban baguette with two slices leaning on the loaf. Hostess At Heart

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4.70 from 10 votes

Cuban Bread Recipe - Pan Cubano

Cuban bread or Pan Cubano, is a simple and delicious recipe that is easy to make at home.

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 18

Rise Time 1 30

Total Time 2 8

Servings

Author Julie Menghini

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Ingredients

1 tbsp active dry yeast
2 tbsp sugar
1¼ warm water (divided) no hotter than 110 °F
1 tsp salt
2 cups all-purpose flour see instructions
2 cups bread flour see instructions
¼ cup lard melted

Instructions

Grease a large bowl and set it aside.
Place the yeast, sugar, and 1/4 cup of the warm water in a small bowl. Set the bowl in a warm place until it bubbles or becomes foamy approximately 10 minutes.
Measure out the lard in a glass measuring cup and melt it in the microwave for 1 minute or until melted.
Place the yeast mixture in the bowl of an electric stand mixer, fitted with the dough hook attachment. Add the remaining warm water and the salt. Mix on low until combined.
In a large bowl, sift the two flour varieties together.
Add the melted lard alternating with the sifted flour. Use only enough of the mixed flour until the dough is pliable and smooth and pulls away from the side of the mixer. It will be sticky. The remaining flour will be used to roll out the dough.
Place the dough into the greased bowl, turning it until the dough is coated with grease on all sides. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and allow it to rise until doubled in size, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Dust your working surface with flour. Turn the dough out and shape it into one 12x20-inch rectangle or two 6x10-inch rectangles. Dust the top with flour and roll the dough into a cylinder shape with a slight taper on both ends. Pinch the loose flap of the rolled dough into a loaf , making a tight seam.
Grease a baking sheet and sprinkle it with flour or cornmeal. Place the dough diagonally across the baking sheet or if making two loaves side by side. Dust the top with flour and cover loosely with a piece of plastic wrap. Set it in a warm area and allow it to rise 2-1/2 times it's original size.
Preheat the oven to 450 °F. Place one baking rack in the center of the oven and place a pan of water on the lowest rack setting.
Score the loaf with a sharp knife down the center stopping within 2 inches of each end. Brush or spritz with water.
Place the loaf on the center rack in the preheated oven and bake for 5 minutes. Brush or spritz the loaf with water and allow it to bake until lightly brown, 12 to 18 minutes total baking time.

Notes

Bread can be baked into one large loaf or two smaller loaves.

Watch baking time closely. Once the bread is lightly browned, it's finished baking.

Nutrition

This recipe was calculated using the exact brands and measurements I used to make this recipe. If you are following a strict diet please note changing anything will cause the nutritional info to change. My calculations are intended as a guide only.

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