Pandesal Filipino Bread Rolls: A Classic Filipino Breakfast Staple
Pandesal, the beloved Filipino bread roll, is a staple in nearly every Filipino household. Soft, slightly sweet, and delicately coated in breadcrumbs, these rolls are perfect for breakfast or a mid-day snack. Whether enjoyed plain, slathered with butter and jam, or filled with cheese, peanut butter, or even scrambled eggs, pandesal Filipino bread rolls are incredibly versatile and comforting.
If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to make Filipino rolls at home, this guide will take you through the process, from kneading the dough to baking it to golden perfection. With just a few simple ingredients, you can recreate this classic bread at home, filling your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked pandesal Filipino bread rolls.
What is Pandesal?
Pandesal, which translates to “salt bread” in Spanish, is a traditional Filipino bread roll known for its soft, fluffy interior and slightly crisp breadcrumb-coated crust. Despite its name, pandesal Filipino bread rolls are mildly sweet rather than salty, making them a perfect balance between savory and sweet.
This bread dates back to the Spanish colonial period when Filipino bakers adopted European baking techniques and ingredients. Over time, Filipino pandesal rolls have evolved to include modern variations, including ube pandesal, cheese-filled pandesal, and even chocolate pandesal.
Today, these rolls are commonly served at breakfast alongside coffee or tsokolate (Filipino hot chocolate). They are also a favorite for merienda (afternoon snack), either enjoyed plain or stuffed with various fillings.
Jump to RecipeWhy You’ll Love This Pandesal Recipe
- Simple Ingredients – Made with pantry staples like flour, sugar, eggs, and milk.
- Soft & Fluffy Texture – A perfectly kneaded dough ensures a light and airy interior.
- Slightly Sweet Flavor – Just the right touch of sweetness to complement both sweet and savory spreads.
- Versatile – Eat it as is, pair it with spreads, or stuff it with your favorite fillings.
- Easy to Make – With a bit of patience, you can recreate bakery-quality Filipino pandesal rolls at home.
The Secret to Soft and Fluffy Pandesal
The key to achieving that signature soft and fluffy texture lies in the kneading and proofing process. Properly kneading the dough develops the gluten, which gives pandesal Filipino bread rolls their light and airy structure. Allowing the dough to rise fully ensures that the rolls have enough time to expand and become soft.
Another essential tip is to use breadcrumbs before baking. This coating gives Filipino pandesal rolls a slightly crisp outer texture while maintaining a soft and delicate interior.
Pandesal (Filipino Rolls)
Equipment
- Stand Mixer with Dough Hook: Helps knead the dough to the perfect consistency.
- Mixing Bowls For combining ingredients and proofing the dough.
- Baking Sheet & Parchment Paper Prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
- Wide, Shallow Bowl For rolling the dough in breadcrumbs.
- Plastic Wrap: To cover the dough while proofing.
Ingredients
- 555 g all-purpose flour such as Gold Medal (19.5oz; 4¼ cups)
- 115 g sugar 4oz; ½ cup
- 8 g Diamond Crystal kosher salt (For table salt, use half as much by volume or the same weight.)
- 225 g whole milk 8oz; 1 cup
- 60 g vegetable oil 2oz; ¼ cup
- 2 large eggs 100g
- 1 large egg yolk 15g
- 60 g plain breadcrumbs 2oz; ½ cup
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix on low speed until well-combined. Add milk, oil, eggs, and egg yolk, and mix until a shaggy dough forms, about 2 minutes. Increase the speed to medium and continue to mix until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the sides of the bowl (it will remain attached to the bottom of the bowl and be sticky), about 10 minutes.
- Using a bowl scraper, transfer the dough to a lightly oiled large bowl, cover loosely with a plastic wrap, and let sit at warm room temperature (75°F/24°C) until roughly doubled in size, about 1½ hours.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Fill a wide shallow bowl with breadcrumbs. Turn the dough onto a clean, floured surface, but do not deflate. Divide into 16 equal portions (2⅓ ounces or 65 grams each). Working with one portion at a time, cup some dough beneath your palm and work it in a quick circular motion to form a smooth ball. Transfer the portion the bowl with breadcrumbs, roll to evenly coat with breadcrumbs on all sides, and transfer to a prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining portions of the dough, spacing each about 1 inch apart on a prepared baking sheet. Cover loosely with a plastic wrap, and allow to rise at warm room temperature (75°F/24°C) until almost doubled in size, for about 1 hour. (Alternatively, cover lightly with a plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight until puffy and soft, between 10 and 12 hours.)
- Thirty minutes before baking, adjust the oven rack to the middle position and preheat to 350°F/180°C.
- Bake the pandesal until puffed and golden brown, about 20 minutes.
- Transfer to a serving platter and serve immediately.
Notes
Customizations & Variations:
- Make It Sweeter: Increase the sugar to 135g (⅔ cup) for a slightly sweeter roll.
- Enriched Version: Substitute vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer flavor.
- Filled Pandesal: Add cheese, ube halaya, or peanut butter inside before rolling in breadcrumbs.
Serving Tips:
- Serve warm with butter, condensed milk, or jam.
- Pair with coffee, hot chocolate (tsokolate), or tea.
Baking Tips:
- Perfect Crumb: Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, but still slightly sticky.
- Overnight Proofing Option: Refrigerate the shaped rolls overnight for deeper flavor.
- Light & Fluffy Texture: Let the dough fully proof before baking to ensure the best rise.
Nutrition
Tips for the Best Pandesal
- Knead the Dough Well – Proper kneading helps develop gluten, ensuring soft and fluffy bread.
- Use Warm Milk – This helps activate the yeast and allows the dough to rise properly.
- Let the Dough Fully Rise – Do not rush the proofing process; a well-risen dough results in lighter rolls.
- Coat with Breadcrumbs – This step gives Filipino pandesal rolls their signature texture.
- Serve Warm – Pandesal tastes best fresh out of the oven, served with your favorite spreads.
Serving Suggestions
One of the best things about pandesal Filipino bread rolls is their versatility. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy them:
- Classic Buttered Pandesal – Spread with butter while warm for a simple yet satisfying treat.
- Cheese-Filled Pandesal – Add a slice of cheese inside for a gooey, savory surprise.
- Sweetened Pandesal – Spread with peanut butter, jam, or condensed milk for a sweet snack.
- Dipped in Coffee or Hot Chocolate – A favorite Filipino tradition that enhances the flavor.
- Savory Pandesal Sandwiches – Fill with eggs, ham, or corned beef for a delicious breakfast.
FAQs About Pandesal Filipino Bread Rolls
Q: Can I make pandesal without a stand mixer?
Yes! You can knead the dough by hand, but it will take about 10-15 minutes of kneading to achieve a smooth and elastic consistency.
Q: Why is my pandesal dense instead of fluffy?
If your Filipino pandesal rolls are dense, it could be due to insufficient kneading, not allowing the dough to rise long enough, or using expired yeast.
Q: Can I make pandesal dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough overnight for a slower rise, which enhances the flavor. Just let it come to room temperature before baking.
Q: How do I store leftover pandesal?
Store pandesal in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh longer, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to a month.
Q: Can I reheat pandesal?
Yes! Warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their softness.
Chef B Final Thoughts
Making pandesal Filipino bread rolls at home is easier than you think. With a few simple ingredients and patience, you can enjoy these delicious, bakery-style rolls fresh from your oven. Whether eaten plain, with a spread, or as a sandwich, Filipino pandesal rolls are the perfect way to start your day.
Tried this recipe? Don’t forget to share your success stories and tag us in your pandesal Filipino bread rolls pics!
Hi, I’m Chef B! Passionate about all things culinary, I’ve spent years perfecting my recipes to bring bold flavors to your kitchen. Let’s cook up something delicious together!
