Here's a Cheesy Ube Pandesal recipe with a soft, fluffy texture and a delicious cheese filling.
INGREDIENTS:
For the Dough:
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
2 tsp instant yeast
1 tsp salt
½ cup sugar
1 large egg
1 cup warm milk
¼ cup butter, softened
1 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam)
1 tsp ube extract (optional, for deeper color & flavor)
For the Filling:
150g cheddar cheese (or quick-melt cheese), cut into cubes
For Coating:
½ cup bread crumbs
Instructions
1. Activate Yeast (if using active dry yeast):
Dissolve yeast in warm milk with 1 tsp sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. If using instant yeast, skip this step.
2. Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt.
Add the egg, warm milk (or activated yeast mixture), ube halaya, and ube extract.
Knead until it starts forming a dough. Add softened butter and knead for 10–15 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. First Proofing:
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1–2 hours or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the Pandesal:
Punch down the dough and divide it into equal portions (about 40g each).
Flatten each piece, place a cheese cube in the center, and seal it by pinching the edges.
Roll the filled dough into a ball and coat with breadcrumbs.
5. Second Proofing:
Arrange the dough balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cover and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes.
6. Bake:
Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F).
Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown.
7. Serve & Enjoy:
Let the pandesal cool slightly before serving. Best enjoyed warm!
