Hawaiian sweet bread, also known as pandesal, is a popular type of bread found throughout Hawaii and the surrounding islands. This soft, sweet, slightly yeasty bread makes a tasty breakfast treat or snack and can be enjoyed in many different ways. Here are some tips on the best ways to eat and enjoy Hawaiian sweet bread.
What is Hawaiian Sweet Bread?
Hawaiian sweet bread is a yeast-leavened bread that originated in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial era before spreading to Hawaii. It gets its signature sweetness from the addition of sugar in the dough. The bread has a soft, fine, slightly dense texture and is baked into round buns with a lightly browned crust.
Traditional Hawaiian sweet bread contains just a few simple ingredients: all-purpose flour, water, sugar, yeast, salt, bread improver or conditioner, butter or margarine, and sometimes milk. The sugar adds both sweetness and food for the yeast, helping the bread rise. Eggs are sometimes added for extra richness. The dough is kneaded until smooth then left to proof and rise before being shaped into rounds and baked.
This mildly sweet, tender bread is popular at Hawaiian breakfasts and other meals. It can be enjoyed plain, dipped in coffee or tea, or split and filled with different spreads and toppings.
Buying Hawaiian Sweet Bread
Authentic Hawaiian sweet bread can be found in bakeries and grocery stores across Hawaii. Look for it sold fresh in bags of round buns. Sometimes it will be found in the freezer section, parbaked and ready to heat and serve. Outside of Hawaii, you may need to visit a specialty store or bakery to find genuine Hawaiian sweet bread. Another option is making your own at home.
When buying Hawaiian sweet bread, look for a golden crust and pale dough inside. The bread should feel soft and pillowy but not overly dense. Avoid loaves with cracks, dark spots, dried edges, or any mold. Hawaiian sweet bread is best eaten the same day for optimal freshness and texture.
Storing Hawaiian Sweet Bread
Hawaiian sweet bread is best eaten fresh on the day it was purchased or baked. For short term storage, keep the bread in the original bag loosely closed at room temperature for up to 2 days. Avoid sealing in an airtight container which can make the bread soggy.
For longer storage, wrap buns individually in plastic wrap then store in a freezer bag in the freezer for 2 to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving. Leftover sweet bread buns can also be sliced and frozen in a single layer on a pan before being transferred to a freezer bag. Take out slices as needed and briefly toast or microwave to refresh.
Serving Hawaiian Sweet Bread Plain
The simplest way to enjoy Hawaiian sweet bread is to eat it plain. The soft, subtly sweet rolls are perfect on their own. Here are some tips:
- Split buns open horizontally and serve fresh out of the bag.
- Warm rolls in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes before serving to bring out the sweet aroma.
- Slice buns horizontally and toast lightly to get a crispy texture.
- Brush rolls with butter or margarine before toasting for extra richness.
- Drizzle toasted buns with honey for added sweetness.
- Serve alongside coffee, tea, or juice for breakfast or snack time.
Dipping in Coffee or Tea
A popular way to enjoy Hawaiian sweet bread is dipping it into a hot beverage like coffee or tea. The sweet, tender bread soaks up the liquid and complements the rich, bitter drink. To serve:
- Split Hawaiian sweet bread buns open but leave still hinged on one side.
- Toast or warm the buns briefly to intensify the sweetness.
- Pour a fresh cup of hot coffee, tea, or cocoa.
- Dip the toasted bun into the hot beverage, letting it soak in the liquid for a few seconds.
- Enjoy the softened bread, alternating with sips of the drink.
For extra decadence, spread a thin layer of butter on the bun before dipping into the coffee or tea. The heat will melt the butter, adding a lovely velvety richness.
Sandwiches and Breakfast Fills
Split Hawaiian sweet bread buns make the ideal canvas for both sweet and savory sandwiches and breakfast fills. Here are some tasty options:
Sweet Sandwich Ideas
- Peanut butter and banana
- Nutella hazelnut spread
- Mascarpone cheese with fresh fruit
- Turkey and cream cheese with cranberry sauce
- Ricotta cheese mixed with honey
Savory Sandwich Ideas
- Fried egg with cheese and bacon
- Spam and fried egg
- Portuguese sausage patty
- Kalua pork with slaw
- Tuna salad with tomatoes
Some tips for filling Hawaiian sweet bread sandwiches:
- Lightly toast the split buns before assembling.
- Spread both sides with a flavorful condiment like mayo, mustard or chili sauce.
- Pile the filling high in the middle of the bottom bun.
- Add crunchy elements like lettuce, bacon, pickles or chutney.
- Close the sandwich and slice in half to serve.
Toppings and Accompaniments
In addition to sandwiches, Hawaiian sweet bread can be topped or served alongside an assortment of sweet and savory ingredients:
Sweet Toppings
- Butter or margarine
- Jams, jellies and preserves
- Honey, agave or maple syrup
- Nutella, peanut butter or other nut spreads
- Whipped cream cheese or mascarpone
- Fresh sliced fruit like banana, mango or strawberries
- Dulce de leche, condensed milk or haupia (coconut) spread
- Toasted coconut flakes
Savory Toppings
- Poached or scrambled eggs
- Portuguese sausage
- Bacon or ham
- Kalua pork or corned beef hash
- Avocado slices
- Smoked salmon with cream cheese
- Tomato slices and pesto
Some quick and easy ways to serve Hawaiian sweet bread with toppings:
- Split buns and top with a pat of butter, sliced bananas and a drizzle of honey.
- Toast bread slices and smear with peanut butter and jelly.
- Pile scrambled eggs topped with avocado on a toasted bun.
- Spoon whipped cream cheese onto warm rolls and top with mango slices.
- Serve buns alongside Portuguese sausage patties or loco moco.
Using Leftover Hawaiian Sweet Bread
Stale Hawaiian sweet bread doesn’t need to go to waste. Here are some creative ways to use up leftovers:
- Bread pudding – Cube stale bread and make into a rich bread pudding with eggs, milk, coconut, pineapple, raisins, etc.
- Stuffing – Dice up old bread for a Hawaiian style stuffing with sausage, spices and tropical fruits.
- Bruschetta – Toast bread slices and top with fresh diced tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and Parmesan.
- Croutons – Toss cubed bread with oil or butter and bake into crunchy, flavored croutons.
- Breadcrumbs – Grind extra bread into fresh breadcrumbs to use for coating fish, chicken, etc.
- French toast – Dip stale slices into egg and milk then fry into sweet French toast.
With a bit of creativity, you can get several extra meals out of leftover Hawaiian sweet bread before it goes bad.
Tips for Making Hawaiian Sweet Bread at Home
Want to bake your own Hawaiian sweet bread? Here are some tips for success:
- Use a combination of bread flour and all-purpose flour for the right texture.
- Add sugar for sweetness – white sugar or honey works well.
- Include butter or eggs for extra moisture and richness.
- Let the dough proof until doubled in size for proper rising.
- Knead the dough very well until smooth and elastic.
- Shape dough into round balls for that signature look.
- Brush tops with butter or egg wash before baking for a glossy finish.
- Bake at 350°F until golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.
Making your own Hawaiian sweet bread at home lets you enjoy it fresh anytime. Experiment with different add-ins like tropical fruits, vanilla, or macadamia nuts.
Where to Find Hawaiian Sweet Bread Outside Hawaii
Can’t make it to Hawaii? You can still find tasty Hawaiian sweet bread at certain spots across the mainland U.S. Here are some options:
- Hawaiian restaurants and bakeries – Look for eateries serving authentic Hawaiian cuisine, especially in areas with large Pacific Islander populations.
- Asian supermarkets – Try the freezer or bakery sections of markets specializing in Asian foods.
- Online stores – Sites like Amazon, Hawaii Food Basket, and others ship Hawaiian sweet bread overnight.
- Make it yourself – Find recipes online and bake your own version at home.
While it may take some searching, you should be able to track down some version of Hawaiian sweet bread no matter where you live. The sweet, soft taste of the islands can be enjoyed anywhere.
Conclusion
Hawaiian sweet bread is a treasured specialty that offers a unique eating experience. With its mellow sweetness, pillowy texture, and versatility, this bread makes an indulgent breakfast treat but can also be enjoyed throughout the day. While best fresh-baked in Hawaii, there are many ways to savor Hawaiian sweet bread no matter where you live – from savoring it plain or dipping it in coffee to piling on sweet or savory toppings. With a bit of creativity, you can enjoy the spirit of Hawaii through each bite of this iconic bread.