25 Best Mexican Breads Recipes To Make This Week
There’s nothing quite like stepping into a Mexican bakery. The scent of fresh bread baking and the sight of colorful pastries lining the shelves are a treat for the senses! From traditional sweet breads to hearty teleras, Mexican bakeries offer an incredible array of delicious choices. But you don’t have to travel to Mexico City to enjoy these breads. Here are 25 of the best Mexican bread recipes, so you can recreate the magic of a Mexican bakery in your own kitchen.
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25 Best Mexican Breads Recipes Roundup
Conchas
Conchas are one of the most popular types of Mexican sweet breads. They are named after their unique shell-like pattern, with the word concha translating to “shell” in English.
This traditional recipe for conchas involves a simple dough ball, made with ingredients like flour, sugar, yeast, eggs, and butter, as well as a sweet streusel topping. The dough is typically mixed at medium speed in the bowl of a stand mixer until it forms a smooth, elastic ball. After it’s given time to rise in a warm place, it’s divided and shaped into rounds.
You can even customize your conchas with different colors of topping – and the concha dough can be enriched with vanilla extract and sometimes cocoa powder for a chocolate variant.
The result? A sweet treat that pairs perfectly with Mexican hot chocolate! Here’s a great recipe for Mexican Conchas – one of the best Mexican breads recipes ever!
Pan de Muerto
Translated as ‘Day of the Dead Bread,’ Pan de Muerto is a traditional bread served during the Dia De Los Muertos celebrations. Its round shape symbolizes the circle of life, while the bone-shaped decorations commemorate the departed. Orange zest in the dough gives this bread its unique flavor. Here’s a Pan de Muerto recipe that will transport you straight to the heart of Mexico’s most poignant festival.
Rosca de Reyes
Every January 6th, Mexican people celebrate Epiphany with a slice of Rosca de Reyes, otherwise known as ‘Kings’ Ring,’ or “Kings Bread.” This round bread features a dough enriched with ingredients like butter, sugar, and eggs, and flavored with orange zest. It’s often adorned with candied fruit and shaped into a ring to symbolize a crown. Hidden inside is a small figurine, often of the Baby Jesus, and finding this figurine is said to bring good luck. Whoever finds the figurine has the honor of hosting a party on February 2nd! Experience this fun tradition with authentic Rosca de Reyes.
Telera Rolls
Telera rolls are the perfect bread for tortas, a popular Mexican sandwich. Their soft, spongy texture and slightly crusty exterior make them the ideal vessel for all sorts of delicious fillings. This Telera Roll uses a mix of bread flour and all-purpose flour to achieve the perfect texture. Definitely one of my favorite Mexican breads recipes!
Corn Tortillas
Corn tortillas are a staple of Mexican cuisine. Made with just masa harina and warm water, they’re surprisingly simple to make at home. All you need is a tortilla press and a hot pan. Check out this Corn Tortilla recipe for easy steps to make your own.
Ojo de Buey
Ojo de Buey, or ‘Bull’s Eye,’ is a type of Mexican sweet bread with a deliciously sweet filling. The outer ring is made of a simple dough, while the center contains a sweetened cream cheese filling. It’s then baked until golden brown for a truly delicious treat. You’ll love Ojo de Buey!
Pan Francés
Also known as ‘French Bread,’ Pan Francés is a popular option in Mexican bakeries. They are crusty on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfect for dipping in hot chocolate or spreading with butter. This Pan Francés recipe is simple and delicious.
Flour Tortillas
Flour tortillas are a versatile staple in Mexican cuisine, used in everything from burritos to soft tacos. They are made from wheat flour and are typically thicker and softer than their corn counterparts. Here’s an original recipe for Flour Tortillas you can make in your own kitchen.
Bolillos
Also known as Mexican Dinner Rolls, Bolillos are Mexico’s version of the baguette. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these rolls are perfect for tortas or simply enjoying with a pat of butter. Try this easy-to-follow Bolillo recipe.
Empanadas de Piña
Empanadas de Piña are sweet pastries filled with pineapple jam. The pastry is made from a simple dough enriched with butter and a little bit of sugar, then filled with a sweet pineapple filling. This Empanada recipe is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Puerquitos or Marranitos
Puerquitos, also known as Marranitos, are pig-shaped molasses gingerbread cookies. They are a popular pan dulce in Mexican bakeries. These cookies have a unique flavor from the molasses and a blend of spices. Here’s an authentic Puerquitos recipe you can try.
Cemita Rolls
Cemita rolls are traditional sandwich rolls from the Puebla region of Mexico. They are typically sprinkled with sesame seeds and have a unique flavor due to a hint of cacao in the dough. Try this Cemita Roll recipe for a Mexican sandwich unlike any other.
Hojarascas
Hojarascas, also known as Pan de Polvo, are traditional Mexican cookies. They are typically flavored with cinnamon and sugar and have a crumbly texture. This Hojarascas recipe is a must-try for any cookie lover.
Tamales de Dulce
Sweet tamales are a delicious variation of the savory classic. Made with masa harina and sweet fillings like fruits, chocolate, or nuts, these tamales are a sweet treat that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert. Check out this Sweet Tamales recipe.
Pan de Elote
Pan de Elote, or Mexican Corn Bread, is a moist, sweet quick bread made with fresh or canned corn. Unlike American cornbread, pan de elote is made with whole corn kernels, giving it a unique texture and sweetness. Here’s a Pan de Elote recipe that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Galletas de Suero
Galletas de Suero are traditional Mexican buttermilk cookies. They are light, crunchy, and mildly sweet. The perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea. Try out this traditional Galletas de Suero recipe.
Churros
Churros are a popular street food in Mexico. These deep-fried dough pastries are typically dusted with sugar and can be served plain or filled with chocolate or cream. This Churro recipe is easier to make at home than you might think!
Pan de Nata
Pan de Nata is a traditional sweet bread made from cream, sugar, and flour. It has a unique, flaky texture thanks to the high-fat content of the cream. Here’s a Pan de Nata recipe you’ll love.
Polvorones
Also known as Mexican wedding cookies, Polvorones are rich, crumbly cookies made with butter, powdered sugar, and ground nuts. They’re rolled in more powdered sugar after baking for an extra sweet touch. This Polvorones recipe is a classic you’ll want to make again and again.
Pan de Yema
Pan de Yema is a sweet bread from Oaxaca made with egg yolks, giving it its rich flavor and yellow color. It’s typically enjoyed during the Day of the Dead celebrations. Try out this authentic Pan de Yema recipe.
Pan de Pulque
Pan de Pulque is a type of bread that uses pulque, a traditional Mexican alcoholic beverage made from the fermented sap of the maguey plant, in the dough. This gives the bread a unique flavor and texture. Check out this original Pan de Pulque recipe.
Buñuelos
Buñuelos are a traditional Mexican dessert. They are thin, crispy fried pastries that are often served with a drizzle of syrup or dusting of sugar and cinnamon. This Buñuelos is the perfect way to end a Mexican meal.
Tres Leches Cake
While not a bread, Tres Leches Cake is a popular dessert in Mexico. It’s a sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk: evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream. The result is a moist, sweet, and incredibly delicious treat. Try out this mouthwatering Tres Leches Cake recipe.
Cochinitos de Piloncillo
Cochinitos de Piloncillo are sweet breads shaped like little pigs. They’re made with piloncillo, a type of unrefined cane sugar common in Mexican cuisine, which gives them a unique, molasses-like flavor. This Cochinitos de Piloncillo recipe is a delightful and traditional Mexican treat.
Gorditas de Azucar
Gorditas de Azucar are sweet, thick tortillas made with flour and sprinkled with sugar. These sweet tortillas are a popular breakfast or dessert in Mexico. They’re soft, sweet, and perfect with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of milk. This Gorditas de Azucar recipe is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
BONUS: Mexican Bread Pudding (Capirotada)
Capirotada, or Mexican bread pudding, is a traditional dish often enjoyed during Lent. This delicious sweet bread pudding is made with Bolillos or another type of bread, cheese, dried fruit, and a syrup spiced with cinnamon and cloves. The bread is soaked in the syrup, layered with the other ingredients in a Mexican pan, and baked until it’s bubbly and golden. Here’s a Capirotada recipe that you might enjoy.
Which one of these delicious mexican breads recipe is your favorite? And did we miss any you think should be included in this guide? Please leave a comment below – I’d love to hear!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of Mexican bread?
There are many different types of Mexican bread, reflecting the country’s rich culinary culture. Some popular types include Conchas (a sweet bread with a shell-like pattern on top), Bolillos (crusty rolls often used for sandwiches), Teleras (flat, round rolls), and Pan de Muerto (a sweet roll traditionally made for Day of the Dead celebrations). Other notable types include Rosca de Reyes, Pan de Elote, and Cemitas.
What’s the difference between Bolillos and Teleras?
Both Bolillos and Teleras are popular types of Mexican dinner rolls. The dough for these breads begins with a yeast mixture activated in a cup of warm milk or water. Dry ingredients are combined in a large bowl, then the yeast mixture and melted butter are added. After kneading and a first rise, the dough is divided and shaped: Bolillos are formed into oval shapes, while Teleras are round with two parallel grooves cut into the top. The rolls are baked until they’ve turned a delicious golden brown.
What is the most popular bread in Mexico?
The most popular bread in Mexico is arguably the Bolillo, a type of dinner roll used in tortas (Mexican sandwiches). It’s a staple in Mexican households and bakeries. Another popular bread is the Concha, a sweet bread roll topped with a sugar crust that’s shaped like a clam shell, often enjoyed with a cup of hot chocolate.
What are the different types of Mexican flatbread?
Mexican cuisine includes several types of flatbreads. The most well-known are tortillas, which come in two primary types: corn tortillas and flour tortillas. Other types include Tlayudas, a Oaxacan specialty similar to a large tortilla, and Huaraches, which are oval-shaped and often topped with various ingredients.
What are the Mexican sweet breads called?
Mexican sweet breads are collectively referred to as “Pan Dulce.” This term encompasses a wide variety of breads, including Conchas, Empanadas de Piña, Marranitos, and Pan de Muerto.
What are the different types of Mexican sweet bread?
There are many types of Mexican sweet bread, each with a unique flavor and texture.
Some of the most popular types of pan include Conchas, with their sweet, streusel-like topping; Marranitos or Puerquitos, pig-shaped molasses gingerbread cookies; Empanadas de Piña, sweet pastries filled with pineapple jam; and Rosca de Reyes, a sweet, ring-shaped bread decorated with candied fruit and traditionally enjoyed on January 6th.
What is the most popular Mexican sweet bread?
The most popular Mexican sweet bread is likely the Concha, a round, sweet roll topped with a sugar crust designed to resemble a seashell. Fluffy Conchas come in different colors, each representing a different flavor such as vanilla or chocolate.
What are those Mexican pastries called?
Mexican pastries are typically referred to as “Pan Dulce” or sweet bread. Specific types of pastries include Conchas, Orejas (similar to French Palmiers), Empanadas de Piña, and Buñuelos.
What is another name for Concha sweet bread?
Concha sweet bread is also known as “Mexican Sweet Bread” or “Mexican Shell Bread” due to the shell-like pattern on its sugar topping.
What is the traditional bread of Mexico?
The traditional bread of Mexico is Bolillo, which is similar to a French baguette. However, Pan de Muerto and Rosca de Reyes also hold significant traditional and cultural importance in Mexican cuisine.
What kind of bread do Mexicans eat for breakfast?
Many Mexicans enjoy Pan Dulce, or sweet bread, for breakfast, often accompanied by coffee or hot chocolate. This can include Conchas, Marranitos, or Empanadas de Piña. Savory options might include a Bolillo roll filled with eggs, beans, or cheese.
How is mexican bread made?
Mexican bread is made using a variety of techniques, depending on the specific type of bread. Most Mexican bread recipes begin by combining simple ingredients like flour, yeast, salt, and water. The dough is then kneaded—often in the bowl of a stand mixer—until it becomes elastic. After a first rise in a warm place, the dough is shaped and allowed to rise again. It is then baked on a baking sheet in a hot oven until golden brown. Sweet breads like Conchas also incorporate additional elements like a sweet, cookie-like topping.
How to make mexican bread bolillo?
Bolillo, a popular Mexican bread, is made by first creating a yeast mixture with warm water and active dry yeast. Once the yeast has bloomed, it is added to a mixture of bread flour and salt. The dough is then kneaded, either by hand or with a dough hook in a stand mixer, until it is smooth and elastic. The dough is then formed into oval shapes and allowed to rise on a baking sheet until it has doubled in size. After being scored with a knife, the rolls are baked until they are golden brown.
Where to buy mexican bread?
Mexican bread can be purchased at local Mexican bakeries, many of which offer a variety of fresh-baked bread daily. In areas with a large Hispanic population, it’s often possible to find Mexican bread at grocery stores as well. Some online retailers and specialty stores also sell Mexican bread, and it’s always an option to make your own using a traditional Mexican recipe.
25 Best Mexican Breads Recipes To Make This Week
Ingredients
- Conchas
- Pan de Muerto
- Roscade Reyes
- Telera Rolls
- Corn Tortillas
- Ojo de Buey
- Pan Francés
- Flour Tortillas
- Bolillos
- Empanadasde Piña
- Puerquitos or Marranitos
- Cemita Rolls
- Hojarascas
- Tamalesde Dulce
- Pan de Elote
- Galletas de Suero
- Churros
- Pan de Nata
- Polvorones
- Pan de Yema
- Pan de Pulque
- Buñuelos
- Tres Leches Cake
- Cochinitos de Piloncillo
- Gorditas de Azucar
- BONUS: Mexican Bread Pudding (Capirotada)
Instructions
- Click the Mexican bread recipe you’d like to make for its full list of ingredients and directions.
Nutrition
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