Grab For Eats If you’re looking for a simple, delicious bread to serve with your favorite meals, the Pan de Campo recipe is an excellent choice. Also known as cowboy bread or camp bread, Pan de Campo has deep roots in Texan culture and is beloved for its hearty, comforting texture and rustic flavor. Whether you’re new to this bread or have enjoyed it before, making Pan de Campo at home is both fun and easy, and you’ll quickly see why it’s such a popular choice among families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
What is Pan de Campo and Where Does it Come From?
Pan de Campo, which translates to “bread of the field” in Spanish, is a traditional bread that originated in Texas, most commonly enjoyed by ranchers, farmers, and cowboys. In fact, it’s sometimes referred to as “cowboy bread” because of its simple ingredients and easy preparation methods, often cooked over an open flame or in a campfire. Historically, Pan de Campo was made by cowboys and farmers using ingredients they had on hand, like flour, water, and fat. Its versatility and easy-to-make nature made it an ideal food to bring on long cattle drives or to prepare during tough conditions in the Texas heat. While it has evolved over the years, the bread still carries with it that rich history and connection to the American Southwest. It’s still a favorite in Texas, whether it’s baked at home or served alongside a delicious pot of chili at a family gathering.
The Difference Between Pan de Campo and Sourdough Bread
While both Pan de Campo and sourdough bread are popular in many kitchens, they are actually quite different in terms of preparation and flavor profile.
- Ingredients & Leavening: Pan de Campo is a quick bread that uses baking powder for leavening, making it much faster and simpler to prepare than sourdough. Sourdough bread, on the other hand, relies on a natural fermentation process, which involves a sourdough starter to help the bread rise. This process takes longer and requires more attention to detail.
- Texture & Flavor: Pan de Campo is often described as biscuit-like—fluffy on the inside with a slightly crisp exterior. It has a more neutral flavor with a slight tang from the buttermilk. Sourdough, in contrast, has a chewy texture and a tangy, slightly sour flavor from the natural fermentation.
- Preparation Time: Pan de Campo is a much quicker recipe, taking less than 30 minutes to make from start to finish. Sourdough, with its longer rise times and starter maintenance, requires more time and patience.
So, if you’re looking for a quick, easy bread with a soft, biscuit-like texture, Pan de Campo is your go-to choice!
Looking for another easy to make, traditional bread? Head over to our Easy Peasant Bread Recipe!
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Pan de Campo Recipe
Pan de Campo is incredibly versatile and can be served with a wide variety of side dishes. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, here are some great ideas to pair with your freshly baked Pan de Campo:
- Soup and Stews: This rustic bread pairs wonderfully with warm, hearty dishes like chili, vegetable soup, or a rich beef stew. The bread is perfect for soaking up all the delicious broth!
- Grilled Meats: Serve it alongside grilled steak, chicken, or pork for a satisfying, well-rounded meal. The bread can even be used to make a tasty sandwich with your favorite grilled meats.
- Sauteed Vegetables: Pair Pan de Campo with sautéed greens like spinach or kale, or serve it alongside roasted Brussels sprouts or a medley of root vegetables.
- Cheese & Charcuterie: For a more casual meal or snack, serve Pan de Campo with a selection of cheeses, cured meats, olives, and fruits. It’s perfect for picnics or as part of a grazing board.
- Breakfast Pairings: Enjoy it with eggs and bacon for a hearty breakfast or drizzle it with honey or jam for a sweet start to your day.
Utensils and Equipment Required for Pan de Campo Recipe
The beauty of this Pan de Campo recipe is that it requires very few specialized tools or equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mixing Bowls: For combining your dry ingredients and mixing the dough.
- Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough into a circle before cooking.
- Skillet: A heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron works great) for cooking the bread over medium-low heat before baking.
- Baking Sheet: To transfer the dough after cooking in the skillet, and to bake the bread in the oven.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
When is Pan de Campo Best Served?
Pan de Campo is a versatile bread that can be enjoyed year-round, but it holds a special place at certain occasions:
- Holidays: Serve Pan de Campo as part of your holiday spread. It pairs well with festive meals, especially around Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter.
- Family Gatherings: Whether it’s a Sunday dinner or a family reunion, Pan de Campo is an ideal bread to serve to a crowd. Its hearty texture and satisfying flavor make it a crowd-pleaser.
- Barbecues & Cookouts: Pan de Campo is a fantastic bread to serve during outdoor events, such as barbecues and cookouts. Pair it with grilled meats, beans, or smoked vegetables for a truly Texan experience.
- Camping or Outdoor Adventures: The bread’s history as a campfire favorite makes it perfect for outdoor cooking. If you’re camping or cooking outdoors, Pan de Campo is a great choice for a meal or snack.
Ingredients to Make Pan De Campo Recipe
Making Pan de Campo is super simple, and the best part is that you probably already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 Cups Wheat Flour: Wheat flour is the key to getting that perfect rise for your Pan de Campo. It’s rich in fiber, vitamins, and protein, which not only helps the bread rise but also gives it a hearty texture. You can also use all-purpose flour if you prefer, but wheat flour is ideal for the traditional version.
- ¾ Cup Buttermilk: Buttermilk gives this bread its signature tangy flavor and helps create a light, airy texture. It’s the secret ingredient that brings everything together. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk and add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic the acidity.
- 1 Tbsp Sugar: Just a tablespoon of sugar adds a subtle sweetness to balance the savory notes of the bread. If you prefer a more savory flavor, feel free to skip it or reduce the amount.
- ½ Tsp Baking Powder: Baking powder is what helps the dough rise, giving the bread that light, fluffy texture. It’s a must for achieving the perfect Pan de Campo, so don’t skip this one!
- ½ Cup Cold Water: The cold water is used to bring everything together and form a dough. You’ll need about half a cup, but you might need a little more or less depending on your dough’s consistency.
- ½ Tsp Olive Oil: This is just for greasing the skillet before you cook the bread. While you can use any cooking oil, olive oil adds a nice touch of flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
- 6 Tbsp Shortening: Shortening is key to getting that crispy, flaky texture in the bread. It helps make the Pan de Campo feel light and pastry-like. You’ll need about six tablespoons for this recipe.
- ¼ Tsp Salt: A pinch of salt helps to balance out the sweetness and adds flavor. Don’t skip this, as it enhances the overall taste of the bread!
Steps to Make Pan De Campo Recipe
Making Pan de Campo is easier than you might think! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious, warm loaf of cowboy bread in no time.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This gives it time to get nice and hot while you prep the dough.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, water, and baking powder. Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly mixed.
Step 3: Add the Shortening
Now, add the shortening to the dry ingredients. Use your fingers, a pastry cutter, or a spoon to mix the shortening into the flour mixture until it forms a crumbly texture. This will give your Pan de Campo its signature flaky texture.
Step 4: Add the Buttermilk
Once the shortening is mixed in, pour in the buttermilk. Mix it all together until a smooth dough forms. The dough should be soft, but not sticky. If it’s too dry, add a tiny bit more water. If it’s too wet, sprinkle in a little extra flour.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
Now it’s time to roll out the dough. Flour your surface lightly, and then roll the dough into a circle about 9 inches wide. You want it to be slightly smaller than your skillet so it fits comfortably. (For example, if your skillet is 10 inches wide, aim for a 9-inch circle.)
Step 6: Grease the Skillet
Grease your skillet with olive oil and place it on the stove over medium-low heat. The oil will help prevent the bread from sticking, and it’ll also give the bread a nice crisp crust.
Step 7: Cook the Bread on the Stovetop
Carefully transfer the dough circle to the hot skillet. Let it cook for about 5 minutes on medium-low heat. This will help the bottom of the bread get nice and golden before you finish it in the oven.
Step 8: Bake the Bread
After 5 minutes, carefully transfer the skillet (or just the dough) to your preheated oven. Bake the Pan de Campo for 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
Step 9: Serve & Enjoy
Once it’s done baking, remove the Pan de Campo from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. You can serve it whole, or slice it into wedges for easy serving. Pair it with your favorite dishes, like chili, soup, or even a hearty salad!
Pan De Campo Recipe for Beginners
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling Pin
- skillet
- Baking sheet
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
- 2 cups wheat flour
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ cup cold water
- ½ tsp olive oil
- 6 tbsp shortening
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This gives it time to get nice and hot while you prep the dough.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, water, and baking powder. Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Now, add the shortening to the dry ingredients. Use your fingers, a pastry cutter, or a spoon to mix the shortening into the flour mixture until it forms a crumbly texture. This will give your Pan de Campo its signature flaky texture.
- Once the shortening is mixed in, pour in the buttermilk. Mix it all together until a smooth dough forms. The dough should be soft, but not sticky. If it's too dry, add a tiny bit more water. If it’s too wet, sprinkle in a little extra flour.
- Now it’s time to roll out the dough. Flour your surface lightly, and then roll the dough into a circle about 9 inches wide. You want it to be slightly smaller than your skillet so it fits comfortably. (For example, if your skillet is 10 inches wide, aim for a 9-inch circle.)
- Grease your skillet with olive oil and place it on the stove over medium-low heat. The oil will help prevent the bread from sticking, and it’ll also give the bread a nice crisp crust.
- Carefully transfer the dough circle to the hot skillet. Let it cook for about 5 minutes on medium-low heat. This will help the bottom of the bread get nice and golden before you finish it in the oven.
- After 5 minutes, carefully transfer the skillet (or just the dough) to your preheated oven. Bake the Pan de Campo for 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
- Once it’s done baking, remove the Pan de Campo from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. You can serve it whole, or slice it into wedges for easy serving. Pair it with your favorite dishes, like chili, soup, or even a hearty salad!
Tips
- Substitute Milk for Water: For a slightly richer taste, try using milk instead of water in the dough. It’ll add a subtle creaminess to the texture.
- Add a Touch of Honey: If you prefer a slightly sweeter Pan de Campo, add a teaspoon of honey to the dough for a touch of natural sweetness.
- Make it Golden: For a golden-brown crust, use granulated sugar in place of a portion of the sugar in the recipe. This will help create that beautiful, inviting color as the bread bakes.
- Add Herbs or Cheese: Feel free to get creative by adding fresh herbs, cheese, or even bacon bits to the dough for a flavorful twist on the classic recipe.
Nutrition
Final Thoughts: Enjoy the Rustic Simplicity of Pan De Campo
Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just as a tasty side to your everyday meals, the Pan de Campo recipe is sure to impress. Its simple ingredients and easy preparation make it the perfect choice for both beginners and seasoned bakers. So, why not give it a try? In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy this comforting Texan bread, just like the cowboys did back in the day.
Happy baking!
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