Description
Pandebono is a traditional Colombian cheese bread known for its soft, chewy texture and slightly tangy cheese flavor. This quick and easy recipe combines cassava starch, precooked cornmeal, and a blend of fresh cheeses to create bite-sized rolls that are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or serving alongside your favorite meals. Baked to golden perfection, pandebono is best enjoyed warm and fresh out of the oven.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2/3 cup cassava starch (yuca flour)
- 1/4 cup precooked cornmeal (masarepa)
Cheese
- 1 cup Mexican queso fresco or Colombian quesito
- 1 1/4 cups feta cheese
Other
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the dough.
- Prepare the dough: In a food processor, combine the cassava starch, precooked cornmeal, queso fresco, and feta cheese. Blend until the mixture is well incorporated. With the processor running, slowly add the egg to bind the ingredients into a cohesive dough.
- Shape the dough: Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and shape each into a round ball, ensuring smooth surfaces for even baking.
- Bake the pandebono: Arrange the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them to allow for slight expansion. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the bread feels firm yet tender.
- Serve warm: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy pandebono warm to experience their soft, cheesy goodness.
Notes
- Using a blend of queso fresco and feta cheese gives pandebono its characteristic tangy flavor; if unavailable, try substituting with a mild farmer’s cheese or panela cheese combined with feta.
- If you do not have a food processor, mix the ingredients vigorously by hand until a uniform dough forms, though texture may vary slightly.
- Make sure the oven is fully preheated to ensure even baking and proper rise.
- Pandebono is best served fresh and warm, but leftovers can be reheated briefly in the oven or toaster oven to restore softness.
- You can slightly adjust the cheese quantities to your taste, but too much moisture-heavy cheese can alter the texture.
