A traditional Panamanian staple — Bollo de Maíz is steamed fresh corn dough, wrapped in its own husks and boiled into tender, sweet little parcels. It is the everyday bread of Panama’s countryside, eaten for breakfast with cheese or served alongside soups and stews. Sweet bollos, made with sugar and cinnamon, are a favorite treat sold at markets and on trains.
Bollo de Maíz
A traditional Panamanian staple — Bollo de Maíz is steamed fresh corn dough, wrapped in its own husks and boiled into tender, sweet little parcels.

Step by stepInstructions
- Carefully remove the corn husks in wide strips and soak them in warm water; cut the kernels from the cobs.
- Blend the kernels in a food processor until a coarse, moist dough forms, about 2 minutes.
- Mix in the salt, and the sugar and cinnamon if making sweet bollos.
- Lay two husk strips overlapping; spoon about ½ cup of dough into the center, then fold and tie the husks into a neat cylinder, like a small present.
- Place the bollos in a pot, cover with water, weigh down with a plate and boil for 45 to 60 minutes.
- Drain, let rest 10 minutes, then unwrap and serve warm with butter or cheese.
💡 Chef tips & storage
Fresh, milky corn makes the best bollos — the dough should be moist but hold together. Boil them long enough or the masa will stick to the husks.

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