Medianoche Bread

Soft, slightly sweet, and irresistibly golden, Medianoche Bread is a Cuban classic that takes homemade baking to the next level. Perfectly crafted for making the iconic medianoche sandwich, this rich and tender bread features a delicate blend of bread flour, milk, butter, and eggs, giving it a pillowy texture that pairs beautifully with savory fillings. Its signature golden hue comes from a lightly brushed egg wash, which also lends a tempting shine to each perfectly shaped roll. With just 40 minutes of prep time and a simple yet rewarding kneading process, these rolls are ideal for both novice and seasoned bakers. Whether used for a traditional Cuban sandwich or enjoyed with a pat of butter, Medianoche Bread is a must-try recipe that captures the heart of Cuban cuisine.

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:40 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 390 grams Bread flour
• 50 grams Granulated sugar
• 7 grams Salt
• 7 grams Instant yeast
• 120 milliliters Whole milk
• 60 grams Unsalted butter
• 3 units Large eggs
• 1 unit Egg yolk (for egg wash)
• 15 milliliters Water (for egg wash)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Stir to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.

Step 2

Heat the milk until warm (but not boiling), about 40-43°C (105-110°F). Add the softened butter to the warm milk and stir until melted.

Step 3

Whisk 2 whole eggs into the milk and butter mixture until well combined.

Step 4

Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.

Step 5

Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes, either in the stand mixer on medium speed or by hand on a lightly floured surface, until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 6

Place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.

Step 7

Punch down the dough and divide it into 6 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth oval roll, approximately 15 cm in length.

Step 8

Place the shaped rolls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let them rise again for 45-60 minutes until puffy.

Step 9

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). While the oven heats, prepare the egg wash by whisking together 1 egg yolk and water. Brush the egg wash lightly over the tops of the rolls.

Step 10

Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let the Medianoche bread cool completely on a wire rack before serving or using in sandwiches.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	819.8 grams (819.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2409

Total Fat 81.00g	104%
Saturated Fat 39.60g	198%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.10g
Cholesterol 890mg	297%
Sodium 3037mg	132%
Total Carbohydrate 358.70g	130%
Dietary Fiber 12.50g	45%
Total Sugars 57.20g
Protein 75.00g	150%

Vitamin D 193IU	963%
Calcium 333mg	26%
Iron 21mg	117%
Potassium 894mg	19%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 29.6%

Protein: 12.2%

Carbs: 58.2%