Home / Dinner / Hojaldre Panameño

Hojaldre Panameño

A traditional Panamanian breakfast — Hojaldre Panameño is a puffy, golden fried bread that swells like a pillow in hot oil.

⏱ 20 minPrep time
🔥 20 minCook time
🍽 6Servings
🏷 DinnerCategory
☆☆☆☆☆No ratings yet
Hojaldre Panameño

A traditional Panamanian breakfast — Hojaldre Panameño is a puffy, golden fried bread that swells like a pillow in hot oil. Made from a simple wheat dough and fried until blistered and crisp, it is Panama’s beloved morning bread, eaten with scrambled eggs, white cheese or a plate of bistec picado. Vendors sell them warm from street carts before the workday begins.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Whisk the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar in a bowl; rub in the butter until crumbly.
  2. Add the warm water gradually and mix until a soft dough forms; knead for 3 minutes until smooth, then cover and rest for 10 minutes.
  3. Divide the dough into 8 balls and roll each into a thin round about 8 inches across.
  4. Heat the oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C) and slide in one round at a time.
  5. Fry until the hojaldre puffs and turns golden, about 1 minute per side, pressing it gently with tongs while frying to help it blister.
  6. Drain on paper towels and serve warm with eggs, cheese or bistec picado.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Hot oil is essential — if the oil is too cool the hojaldres turn greasy instead of puffy. Serve immediately; they are at their airy best straight from the pan.

Rate this recipe

☆☆☆☆☆No ratings yet
Sign in to rate this recipe.

Recipe details

Prep20 min
Cook20 min
Servings6
CategoryDinner
PublishedAugust 17, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →