Joan'S Cuban Bread
Cuban bread with a crispy crust and soft interior, perfect for sandwiches or as a side. Its traditional flavor complements any meal and suits bread lovers of all levels.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large mixer bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Heat water to 120° to 130°F.
- Add the warm water to the flour mixture.
- Beat with a regular beater until smooth for 3 minutes.
- Stir in an additional 6 cups of flour.
- Attach a bread hook to the mixer and knead for 12 to 15 minutes.
- Remove the hook, cover the dough, and let rest for 40 minutes.
- Divide the dough into 2 equal parts.
- On a floured breadboard, roll out each part into a 12 x 15-inch long loaf, similar to French bread.
- Lightly grease a cookie sheet.
- Sprinkle the sheet with cornmeal and place both loaves on it.
- Brush each loaf with water.
- Using a sharp knife, make 4 diagonal cuts across each loaf.
- Place the baking sheet in a cold oven and let rest for 20 minutes.
- Turn on the oven to 400°F and bake for 40 to 45 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and place on cooling racks.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use bread flour for a chewier texture. If you don't have cornmeal, semolina flour works as a great substitute for dusting the baking sheet. Ensure your water temperature is accurate to activate the yeast properly. If your dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour until it reaches the right consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Joan's Cuban bread with a side of homemade butter or garlic spread for a delightful treat. It pairs beautifully with Cabbage Soup(For Nonfat Diets) or can be used to make delicious sandwiches. Consider enjoying it alongside a refreshing Chapelle Punch for a complete meal experience.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftover Cuban bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat slices in a toaster or on a baking sheet in a preheated oven until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Joan'S Cuban Bread contains roughly 1203 calories, with 35g protein, 261g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (121% of the Daily Value), iron (76% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (75% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1508mg per serving (66% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but it may change the texture and density of the bread. If using whole wheat, consider adding a bit more water to keep the dough hydrated.
What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, check the freshness of your yeast. Old or inactive yeast won't produce the necessary carbon dioxide. Ensure the water temperature is correct and consider placing the dough in a warm, draft-free area to help it rise.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it has a golden-brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should be around 190°F for fully baked bread.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).