Authentic Cuban Sandwich Loaf
Delight in the flavors of Cuba with this traditional Cuban Sandwich Loaf recipe! This beautifully soft and slightly sweet bread is perfect for creating delicious Cuban sandwiches filled with your choice of meats, cheeses, and pickles. With a unique blend of ingredients including bread flour, pork fat, and active dry yeast, this recipe yields 30 generous 8-inch loaves that are perfect for sharing at gatherings or for meal prepping lunches. Its fluffy texture and rich flavor make it a favored choice for sandwich lovers. Bring a taste of Cuba to your kitchen today!
30
Servings
600
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bread Flour
5 lbs (Measurement only, no preparation needed.)
Water
1 liter (Room temperature, measured.)
Active Dry Yeast
1 ounce (Measure out for the first part.)
Additional Bread Flour
8 lbs (Measured for the second part.)
Pork Fat
4 ounces (Measured and ready to mix.)
Salt
1 1/2 ounces (Measured for blending.)
Additional Active Dry Yeast
1 ounce (For the second part, measured.)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl or using an electric mixer, combine the 5 lbs of bread flour, 1 liter of water, and 1 ounce of active dry yeast. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the mixture rest in a warm, humid environment for 4 hours. This will allow the yeast to activate and flavor to develop.
2
After the rest period, add the 8 lbs of additional bread flour, 4 ounces of pork fat, 1 1/2 ounces of salt, and the additional 1 ounce of active dry yeast to the dough. Using a dough hook attached to an electric mixer, or continuing by hand, knead the dough until smooth and elastic, approximately 10 minutes.
3
Once kneaded, divide the dough into 13-ounce pieces. Using a rolling pin, roll each piece into a rectangle that fits your baking tray.
4
Take the rolled dough and shape it into a log. Arrange 4 to 5 logs on each tray, then cut each log into thirds to form 3 separate loaves. Repeat this process with the remaining dough pieces.
5
Cover the trays with a damp cloth and place them in a warm area for 2 to 3 hours, allowing the dough to rise until it doubles in size.
6
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the loaves in the preheated oven for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped.
7
Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Nutrition Information
6.67g
Fat
120g
Carbs
20g
Protein
3g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Authentic Cuban Sandwich Loaf?
An Authentic Cuban Sandwich Loaf is a soft, slightly sweet bread made with bread flour and pork fat, specifically designed for making traditional Cuban sandwiches.
How many loaves does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 30 generous 8-inch loaves, making it ideal for large gatherings or meal prepping.
What are the primary ingredients in this Cuban bread?
The primary ingredients include bread flour, water, active dry yeast, pork fat, and salt.
What gives Cuban bread its unique flavor and texture?
The inclusion of pork fat (lard) and a long two-stage fermentation process gives the bread its signature soft texture and rich flavor.
How long is the initial rest period for the dough?
The initial mixture of 5 lbs of flour, water, and yeast must rest in a warm, humid environment for 4 hours.
Why must the dough rest for four hours initially?
The four-hour rest period allows the yeast to activate and helps the deep flavor of the bread to develop.
How much total bread flour is used in this recipe?
A total of 13 lbs of bread flour is used: 5 lbs for the initial mixture and an additional 8 lbs for the main dough.
How much active dry yeast is required?
The recipe requires 2 ounces of active dry yeast in total, split into two 1-ounce additions.
How long should the dough be kneaded?
The dough should be kneaded for approximately 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
What is the weight of each individual dough piece?
Each piece of dough should be divided into 13-ounce portions before shaping.
How do you shape the Cuban sandwich loaves?
Roll each dough piece into a rectangle and then shape it into a log before placing it on a tray.
How many logs should be placed on each baking tray?
You should arrange 4 to 5 logs on each baking tray.
How are the logs divided into separate loaves?
Once the logs are on the tray, cut each log into thirds to form three separate 8-inch loaves.
How long is the second rise period?
The shaped loaves should rise in a warm area for 2 to 3 hours until they double in size.
What temperature should the oven be for baking?
The oven should be preheated and set to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius).
How long do the loaves need to bake?
The loaves bake for approximately 30 to 40 minutes.
How can you tell when the bread is finished baking?
The loaves are done when the tops are lightly golden brown and they sound hollow when tapped.
What is the calorie count for one loaf?
Each loaf contains approximately 600 calories.
How much protein is in a single serving?
Each serving contains 20g of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is approximately 6.67g of fat per serving.
Does this bread contain fiber?
Yes, each serving provides 3g of fiber.
What type of yeast is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses active dry yeast.
How much pork fat is needed?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of pork fat.
What type of flour is best for this recipe?
Bread flour is best as its high protein content provides the necessary structure for the loaves.
How should the bread be cooled?
Remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before slicing.
What is the carbohydrate count per loaf?
Each loaf contains 120g of carbohydrates.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, because it makes 30 loaves, it is excellent for prepping lunches for a week or more.
What is the preparation for the water used in the dough?
The water should be measured and used at room temperature.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized under Breads.
Can I use this bread for other sandwiches?
Absolutely; its fluffy texture and rich flavor make it a great choice for any sandwich lover.