Introduction
Soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet — Pandesal is the quintessential Filipino bread roll that brings warmth to every Filipino breakfast table. Often enjoyed with coffee, cheese, or simply dipped in hot chocolate, pandesal has stood the test of time as a comfort food staple in Filipino homes. This homemade pandesal recipe gives you bakery-style results with a golden crust, pillowy inside, and that irresistible breadcrumb coating — no need to leave your kitchen!
Ingredients (Makes ~24 rolls)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups bread flour
- ½ cup white sugar
- 5 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1¼ cup fresh milk (lukewarm)
- 1 pouch rapid-rise yeast (about 2¼ tsp)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (for coating)
Tips for Perfect Pandesal
- Milk Makes It Better: Using warm milk instead of water enhances flavor and softness.
- Yeast Activation: Make sure the milk is lukewarm (not hot!) to activate the yeast properly.
- Flour Blend: Combining bread flour and all-purpose flour gives the ideal chewy-soft texture.
- No Rush Rising: Letting the dough rise twice ensures fluffy and airy rolls.
- Breadcrumbs Finish: This signature coating adds a subtle crunch and a traditional look.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, mix lukewarm milk, yeast, and 1 tbsp sugar. Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, bread flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the egg, melted butter, oil, and activated yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough for 10–12 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball, place it in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Rolls: Punch down dough, divide into 4 portions. Roll each into a log, cut into small equal pieces.
- Coat in Breadcrumbs: Roll each piece in breadcrumbs and place on a baking tray, spaced at least 1 inch apart.
- Second Rise: Cover and let rise again for 20 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes or until light golden brown.
- Cool & Serve: Let them cool slightly before serving warm with butter, jam, or cheese.
Nutritional Information (per roll)
- Calories: 130
- Total Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 95mg
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Calcium: 35mg
- Iron: 1mg
- Potassium: 60mg
*Values are approximate and may vary based on serving size and ingredients used.
Healthier Baking Tips
If you’re looking to enjoy pandesal more mindfully, try these substitutions:
- Use Whole Wheat Flour: Replace 1 cup of white flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Low-Sugar Option: Reduce sugar to ¼ cup or use coconut sugar for a lower-glycemic version.
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk like almond or soy and vegan butter.
- Egg-Free: Swap the egg for ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce.
- Boost with Seeds: Add chia or flaxseeds for a fiber and omega-3 boost.
Storage & Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 1 month.
- To Reheat: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–8 minutes or microwave for 15 seconds.
Conclusion
Pandesal is more than just bread — it’s a piece of Filipino heritage, baked into golden rolls of comfort. Whether you enjoy it with your morning coffee or as a snack on the go, this homemade version guarantees freshness and flavor in every bite. Bake a batch today and enjoy a warm slice of tradition!