14 Authentic Mexican Breads For You To Try
on Oct 03, 2023, Updated Nov 21, 2023
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It’s no secret that Mexican food is some of the most delicious in the world. Authentic Mexican breads are the perfect way to get your carb fix. Head to your nearest panadería (bakery) or make some at home today! Here are some of our favorite Mexican Bread Recipes.
There are many types of Mexican bread, which are one of the most popular side dishes to serve with main Mexican meals.
Besides traditional flour tortillas, you can try other delicious options such as Mexican sweet bread, corn bread, and you can even use them in your bread pudding.
What Is Mexican Bread Called?
Though Mexico is in the southern part of North American country, their breads are heavily influenced by the French.
For example, the Mexican bolillo evolved from the French baguette. The Spanish translation for bread is pan and this is what bread is called in Mexico.
What Is Mexican Flatbread?
A flatbread is a special kind of bread made with very simple ingredients – flour, water and salt.
As the name suggests, flatbreads are very flat and thin, ranging from a millimeter to a few centimeters thick. Many cultures have their own version of a flatbread, such as naan in India or pita in Greece.
In Mexico, flatbreads are known as tortillas, which can be made from wheat or corn flour.
Authentic Mexican Bread
1. Easy Concha (Mexican Sweet Bread)
This is one of the most popular kinds of authentic Mexican bread. Concha is a sweet bread that is also quite soft. Its name stems from its shape, which resembles a seashell. Concha is the Spanish word for ‘shell’.
2. Pink Pan Dulce
This Concha is pretty in pink! Pink Pan Dulce is a sweet, soft Mexican bread made in the shape of a shell. With its colorful pink topping, it’s perfect for brunch or a tea party.
3. Mexican Bolillo Bread Rolls
These simple rolls are perfect as a side with lunch or dinner. This is Mexico’s take on the French baguette, with its oblong shape and crispy, chewy texture.
4. Elotes
The texture of elotes is more similar to a cookie than bread. Pan de elotes is bread made from simple ingredients and comes out tasty every single time.
5. Orejas
These delicious puff pastry cookies are almost too pretty to eat! Also known as palmiers, these are sweet, crunchy treats topped with caramelized sugar. Orejas are perfect with a cup of tea or as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
6. Mexican Flatbread (Flour Tortillas)
Tortillas are an extremely versatile Mexican flatbread used in a variety of dishes – from tacos to burritos to enchiladas. Now you can make your very own authentic Mexican tortillas at home.
7. Mexican Corn Bread
It’s not your classic cornbread. This Mexican-style cornbread is rich, cheesy, and fluffy with corn and jalapeno flavors.
It’s easy to make at home and pairs perfectly with a comforting Mexican soup or favorite main dish. You can make it for any occasion.
8. Mexican Bread Pudding (Capirotada)
This Mexican-style bread pudding is often viewed as a reminder of the suffering of Chris. It’s cheesy, rich, and traditionally served during Lent.
It’s loaded with sweet bread, bananas, raisins, cinnamon, almonds, cheese, and milk. A delicious bread that will certainly awaken your taste buds.
9. Mexican Cheese Bread
Made with only 6 ingredients, this type of Mexican bread takes less than 30 minutes to prepare. Cheesy and flavorful, they are so satisfying with each bite!
10. Mexican Telera Bread
Mexican telera is a white bread roll made with wheat flour, yeast, salt, and water. It’s one of the most popular breads used in many Mexican sandwiches. It’s soft and fluffy, about 16cm long with an oval shape.
You can pair it with pretty much any meal as a side dish or enjoy it with butter and sugar for a simple sweet treat.
11. Mexican Sourdough Bread (Birote Salados)
Crusty, crunchy, and satisfying, birote bread has a unique flavor and texture. It’s perfect for dipping in a sauce or serving as a side to a Mexican meal.
12. Mexican Cemitas (Sesame Sandwich Bun)
Cemitas looks like a brioche bun with a sweet and savory flavor. It’s a popular bread used in many Mexican sandwiches.
It’s originally from Puebla and gets the name from the bun itself. With this easy recipe, you don’t have to travel to Mexica to enjoy this delicious bread!
13. Mexican Homemade Corn Tortillas
Often used in Mexican tacos, enchiladas, and taquitos, corn tortilla is a popular Mexican flatbread that’s delicious and versatile.
You can also make these tortillas into tortilla chips as a quick and easy snack.
14. Pan De Muerto
Also called “bread of the dead”, Pan de muerto is a type of traditional Mexican sweet bread. It’s usually made to celebrate the “Day of the Dead” holiday (November 1 to November 2).
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Easy Mexican Sweet Bread Recipe
Ingredients
For the Bread
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
Make the Sweet Bread
- Heat milk in a small saucepan for a few seconds until it reaches 105°F-110°F. Remove from heat.
- Add yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Mix well. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture is foam.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, add flour, the remaining sugar and salt. Mix together gently to combine.
- Add melted butter, eggs and mix to combine.
- Add the yeast mixture and knead using the dough hook for about 7 minutes or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Grease a large bowl with olive oil and place the dough into the bowl. Cover loosely with plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 2 hours or until it has doubled in size.
- Line 2-3 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Once the dough has doubled in size, divide it into 12 equal portions and shape them into balls.
- Place them onto the baking sheet and cover loosely with plastic wraps. Let them rise again for 2 hours in a warm place.
Make the Topping
- In a large mixing bowl, add flour, powdered sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and baking powder.
- Beat the mixture in the stand mixture (or a handheld mixture) until fluffy.
- Gather the dough together and divide it into 12 equal portions and shape into balls.
- Flatten each ball in between 2 sheets of plastic wrap using a rolling pin. Gently roll the dough out to the size that’s slightly bigger than the bread dough balls.
- Cut grooves into the flattened ball so it resembles a shell using a pairing knife.
Assemble and Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Then carefully place it to a risen bread ball. Repeat for the rest of the flattened balls and doughs. Sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the surface of the dough turns golden brown. Remove from oven. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
Mexico is in North America; not South America.