Pan De Campo Recipe for Beginners
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.
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Servings: 5 People
Calories: 271kcal
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
Nutrition Facts
Pan De Campo Recipe for Beginners
Amount per Serving
Calories
271
% Daily Value*
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.