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Cuban Bread Recipe recipe photo - Cuban Bread Recipe by Jan

Cuban Bread Recipe

Published: February 20, 2025 Prep Time: About 30 minutes Cook Time: About 25 minutes Total Time: About 3 hours 30 minutes Serves: 2 loaves Difficulty: Medium Category: Side Dish Cuisine: Cuban

Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
  • 2 tablespoons lard or vegetable shortening
  • 1 egg white, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, yeast, salt, and sugar
  2. Add warm water and lard, mixing until well combined
  3. Gradually add remaining flour until a soft dough forms
  4. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth
  5. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled
  6. Punch down dough and divide into 2 equal portions
  7. Shape each portion into a 12-inch loaf
  8. Place on greased baking sheets, cover, and let rise for 45 minutes
  9. Preheat oven to 400°F
  10. Mix egg white with 1 tablespoon water and brush over loaves
  11. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped
  12. Cool on wire racks before slicing

Special Notes

This authentic Cuban bread recipe produces the perfect bread for Cuban sandwiches. The lard gives it the traditional flavor and texture. The key is the double rise and the egg wash that creates the characteristic golden crust. This bread is best eaten the day it's made, but can be stored in a paper bag for up to 2 days. It's essential for making authentic Cuban sandwiches with ham, pork, Swiss cheese, and pickles.

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