Filipino Bread Rolls
A Taste of Home: Filipino Bread Rolls
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home, and if you’ve ever had the pleasure of trying Filipino Bread Rolls (or Pandesal), you know just how special they can be! These little golden pillows of deliciousness are soft, fluffy, and perfect for slathering with butter or enjoying alongside your morning coffee. Did you know that Pandesal translates to “bread of salt,” although they’re actually slightly sweet? This humble creation has a rich history in Filipino culture, often bringing families together for breakfast or as a delightful snack throughout the day.
What makes Filipino Bread Rolls even more appealing is their simplicity – you don’t need to be a master baker to whip these up! In under an hour, you can fill your kitchen with the mouthwatering scent of baking bread, and believe me, your family will thank you when they taste these soft, warm rolls. If you’ve tried other delightful bread recipes on this blog, like our classic dinner rolls, you’ll love how these compare in both flavor and ease. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to fall in love with this iconic Filipino treat!
What are Filipino Bread Rolls?
So, what exactly are Filipino Bread Rolls, you ask? Well, they’re not just any ordinary rolls; they’re the bread that many Filipinos grew up with! Often enjoyed with a variety of toppings, these rolls are a staple at breakfast tables and snack time alike. But why are they called “Pandesal”? Legend has it that it started out as a way to refer to bread made with salt – an interesting twist considering they have a subtly sweet taste instead! Just remember, as the saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and I assure you, these rolls will do just that! So why not treat yourself and try baking these delightful rolls at home?
Why You’ll Love This Filipino Bread Rolls
Filipino Bread Rolls have three standout aspects that make them irresistible. First, their soft and fluffy texture is perfect for dipping into your favorite spreads, whether it’s butter, cheese, or even a sweet jam! Second, they are cost-effective – making them at home means fewer trips to the bakery and a wholesome treat that won’t break the bank. Lastly, the versatility of these rolls is truly impressive. You can enjoy them as a breakfast companion, an afternoon snack, or even as a side at dinner with your favorite dishes. If you’re a fan of other rolls, such as Hawaiian sweet rolls, give these a shot and discover a new family favorite that will have everyone coming back for more!
How to Make Filipino Bread Rolls
Quick Overview
Making Filipino Bread Rolls is incredibly straightforward and so rewarding. With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of patience while they rise, you’ll be enjoying warm, fresh bread in no time. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the delightful results. In about an hour, you’ll have soft, fluffy rolls that can be enjoyed any time of the day!
Key Ingredients for Filipino Bread Rolls
To make these delightful rolls, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2.25 tsp instant yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 0.25 cup warm water
- 0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Bread crumbs (for coating)
Make sure you gather all your ingredients before you start, as it will make the process much smoother!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 0.5 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 2.25 teaspoons of instant yeast. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Slowly add in 1 cup of warm milk, 0.25 cup of warm water, and 0.25 cup of melted unsalted butter. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This is where the magic happens—get those arms working!
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Rolls: Once risen, punch down the dough to release the air. Divide the dough into small portions and roll each piece into a ball, then coat with bread crumbs.
- Second Rise: Arrange the dough balls on a baking sheet, cover them again with a towel, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
What to Serve Filipino Bread Rolls With
Filipino Bread Rolls are incredibly versatile! They pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Consider serving them alongside a rich, creamy mushroom soup for a comforting meal or with a side of fried eggs and bacon for a hearty breakfast. You could also enjoy them with some sweetened condensed milk or your favorite fruit preserves for a delightful dessert! The options are nearly endless, so get creative and find what you love!
Top Tips for Perfecting Filipino Bread Rolls
To perfect your Filipino Bread Rolls, consider these helpful tips:
- Kneading: Ensure you knead the dough long enough to develop gluten for that lovely fluffy texture.
- Rising: If your kitchen is cool, try placing the dough in a slightly warm oven to speed up the rising process.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to add flavors to your dough, like cinnamon or nutmeg, for an extra twist.
- Don’t Skip the Coating: Rolling the dough in bread crumbs is traditional and gives it that classic Pandesal texture.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (which is unlikely because they’re so delicious), here’s how to store them. Keep your Filipino Bread Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them – just make sure they’re sealed tightly to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in an oven to restore that lovely softness, or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Baking Filipino Bread Rolls at home is not just a delicious adventure, it’s a way to share a piece of Filipino culture with your family and friends. So roll up your sleeves and give this recipe a try – you won’t regret it!

Filipino Bread Rolls
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2.25 tsp instant yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 0.25 cup warm water
- 0.25 cup unsalted butter melted
- Bread crumbs for coating
Instructions
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 0.5 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 2.25 teaspoons of instant yeast. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Slowly add in 1 cup of warm milk, 0.25 cup of warm water, and 0.25 cup of melted unsalted butter. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This is where the magic happens—get those arms working!
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Rolls: Once risen, punch down the dough to release the air. Divide the dough into small portions and roll each piece into a ball, then coat with bread crumbs.
- Second Rise: Arrange the dough balls on a baking sheet, cover them again with a towel, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
- What to Serve Filipino Bread Rolls With
- Filipino Bread Rolls are incredibly versatile! They pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Consider serving them alongside a rich, creamy mushroom soup for a comforting meal or with a side of fried eggs and bacon for a hearty breakfast. You could also enjoy them with some sweetened condensed milk or your favorite fruit preserves for a delightful dessert! The options are nearly endless, so get creative and find what you love!
- Top Tips for Perfecting Filipino Bread Rolls
- To perfect your Filipino Bread Rolls, consider these helpful tips:
- Kneading: Ensure you knead the dough long enough to develop gluten for that lovely fluffy texture.
- Rising: If your kitchen is cool, try placing the dough in a slightly warm oven to speed up the rising process.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to add flavors to your dough, like cinnamon or nutmeg, for an extra twist.
- Don’t Skip the Coating: Rolling the dough in bread crumbs is traditional and gives it that classic Pandesal texture.
- Storing and Reheating Tips
- If you have leftovers (which is unlikely because they’re so delicious), here’s how to store them. Keep your Filipino Bread Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them – just make sure they’re sealed tightly to avoid freezer burn. When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in an oven to restore that lovely softness, or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.
- Baking Filipino Bread Rolls at home is not just a delicious adventure, it's a way to share a piece of Filipino culture with your family and friends. So roll up your sleeves and give this recipe a try – you won't regret it!

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