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Breads

Pan Casero Costarricense (Costa Rican Home-Style Bread)

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Ingredients

  • - 500 g (4 cups) plain flour
  • - 7 g (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
  • - 60 g (1/4 cup) sugar
  • - 1 tsp salt
  • - 250 ml (1 cup) warm milk
  • - 50 g (3 1/2 tbsp) butter, softened
  • - 1 egg, plus 1 egg for egg wash

Method

  1. Combine the flour, yeast, sugar and salt in a large bowl.
  2. Add the warm milk, softened butter and one egg, and knead for 10-12 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Cover and leave to rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  4. Punch down the dough, shape into a loaf, and place in a greased loaf tin, then prove for a further 30-40 minutes.
  5. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F), brush the top of the loaf with the beaten egg wash, and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.
  6. Cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Introduction: Pan Casero is a soft, slightly sweet home-style bread baked in loaves or rolls across Costa Rica, often
enjoyed at afternoon coffee time (the 'cafecito') alongside a cup of locally grown coffee.

Cultural Background: Pan Casero is a soft, slightly sweet home-style bread baked in loaves or rolls across Costa Rica, often
enjoyed at afternoon coffee time (the 'cafecito') alongside a cup of locally grown coffee.

Tips: A warm milk (not hot) helps activate the yeast without killing it. Brushing with egg wash gives the classic glossy, golden crust.

Variations: Shape into individual rolls instead of a loaf for a shorter bake time. Add a handful of raisins for a slightly sweeter version.

Storage: Store wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.

Reheating: Warm slices in a toaster or oven at 160°C (325°F) for a few minutes.

Nutrition: Approx. 210 kcal, 6g protein, 5g fat, 36g carbohydrate per slice.

FAQs

Q: What is Pan Casero typically eaten with?
A: It is a favourite at afternoon coffee time, sliced and served plain, with butter, or alongside natilla and local cheese.

Q: Can Pan Casero be made as rolls?
A: Yes, dividing the dough into smaller portions and shaping into rolls works well, with a shorter bake time of around 18-20 minutes.