Cara's Cuban Bread

Discover the art of baking with Cara's Cuban Bread, a delightfully soft and chewy loaf boasting a golden crust and a hint of richness from lard or butter. Perfect for everything from morning toast to crafting the ultimate Cuban sandwich, this easy-to-follow recipe uses simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, and a sprinkle of cornmeal for a rustic finish. With just 20 minutes of prep time, your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible aroma of fresh-baked bread in no time! This authentic Cuban bread features a beautifully airy crumb and crisp exterior, achieved through traditional kneading techniques and a rise that ensures perfection every time. Whether you're hosting a cozy brunch or just craving homemade bread with a touch of buttery indulgence, Cara's Cuban Bread is your go-to recipe for artisan-quality results straight from your oven.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 1

Ingredients

• 1.25 cups Warm water
• 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon Granulated sugar
• 3.5 cups All-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 2 tablespoons Lard or softened unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons Cornmeal

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

Step 2

Add 2 cups of the all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture, followed by the salt and softened lard (or butter). Mix until a cohesive, sticky dough forms.

Step 3

Gradually add the remaining 1.5 cups of flour, mixing well after each addition. When the dough comes together, transfer it to a lightly floured surface.

Step 4

Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle small amounts of flour as needed, but avoid over-flouring.

Step 5

Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 6

After the first rise, punch down the dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Shape it into a long loaf (about 12 inches in length).

Step 7

Lightly grease a baking sheet and sprinkle it with cornmeal to prevent sticking. Place the shaped loaf onto the prepared baking sheet.

Step 8

Cover the loaf loosely with a towel and let it rest for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 9

Using a sharp knife, make 3–4 diagonal slashes across the top of the loaf. Be gentle to avoid deflating the dough.

Step 10

Place the bread on the center rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 11

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Step 12

Enjoy your freshly baked Cuban bread with your favorite toppings, or use it to create authentic Cuban sandwiches!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(805.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1946.3

Total Fat 33.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 11.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 27.0mg	0%
Sodium 4732.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 355.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.7g	0%
Total Sugars 13.6g
Protein 47.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 59.6mg	0%
Iron 20.5mg	0%
Potassium 628.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 15.9%

Protein: 10.0%

Carbs: 74.2%