Caribbean Butter Bread Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh, homemade bread filling the house.

My grandmother would make five loaves of soft, buttery Caribbean white bread that would be gone in just three days in our busy home.

As soon as the bread came out of the oven, hot and steaming, we’d slice into it and spread it with butter and cheese. There’s something about that first bite, the soft, warm bread paired with melted butter and the saltiness of cheese.

It’s a comforting tradition that’s as much about family as it is about food.

What is Caribbean White Bread?

Caribbean white bread is made with a few simple ingredients, yielding a soft, fluffy texture that’s perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or enjoying on its own.

Sometimes called “butter bread” because of its slightly buttery taste, Caribbean white bread is similar to classic white bread but has a slightly denser texture and richer flavor, thanks ingredients like margarine, shortening (such as cookeen), and a hint of sugar.

In Trinidadian households, this bread is baked in large quantities.

How to Make Caribbean White Bread

Ingredients

• 3 lbs all-purpose flour (about 10 cups)
• 1 tablespoon yeast
• 1/2 cup cookeen or shortening
• 1/2 cup margarine
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 3 cups warm water (add gradually while mixing)

Instructions

Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt, mixing well to evenly distribute the ingredients. Add the cookeen (shortening) and margarine to the dry ingredients. Using your fingers, rub these into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Mix and Knead the Dough
Gradually add the warm water to the flour mixture, a little at a time, while stirring with a large spoon or your hand. Add the oil and mix until the dough starts to come together. Knead the dough in the bowl or on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic.

First Rise
Place the dough in a large, greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Shape and Second Rise
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air. Divide the dough in half and shape each portion into a loaf. Place each loaf into a greased loaf pan. Cover the pans with a kitchen towel and allow the dough to rise again for about 30 minutes.

Bake the Bread
Preheat the oven to 370°F (190°C). Once the oven is heated, bake the loaves for 45 minutes or until the tops are golden brown, and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.

Glaze with Butter
As soon as the bread comes out of the oven, brush the tops with melted butter to give them a soft, glossy finish. Let the loaves cool for a few minutes before slicing, if you can resist the temptation!

Substitutions

Cookeen or Shortening: If cookeen is hard to find, you can use vegetable shortening or butter instead.

Margarine: Unsalted butter can be used as a substitute for margarine, though it will give a slightly different flavor.

Vegetable Oil: Coconut oil or olive oil can work, but they may add a different taste to the bread.

These substitutions may slightly change the flavor and texture of the bread, but the result will still be delicious!

Storing Caribbean White Bread

Room Temperature: Wrap the bread in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Freezing: If you’d like to keep it longer, slice the bread, wrap each slice in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. The bread will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw and reheat in the oven for a few minutes to revive its softness.

What to Eat for Breakfast with Caribbean White Bread

Caribbean white bread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways for breakfast:

Hot with Butter and Cheese: The classic way! Spread a bit of butter and add a slice of cheese while the bread is still warm. The butter and cheese will melt into the bread, creating a delicious combination of flavors and textures.

Jam or Jelly: Spread a layer of your favorite Caribbean fruit jam, like guava, mango, or tamarind. The sweetness of the jam complements the soft, slightly savory bread.

Saltfish or Smoked Herring: In many Caribbean households, bread is often served with salted fish or smoked herring sautéed with onions, tomatoes, and peppers. This savory option is especially filling and makes a great hearty breakfast.

Eggs: You can eat scrambled, fried, or boiled, eggs with a slice or two of Caribbean white bread.

Chocolate Tea: A warm cup of Caribbean-style chocolate tea, made with rich cocoa, milk, and spices, is the perfect beverage to enjoy alongside fresh bread.

Tips for the Perfect Caribbean White Bread

Check the Water Temperature: The water should be warm, not hot, to help activate the yeast. If the water is too hot, it can kill the yeast, preventing the bread from rising properly.

Knead the Dough Well: Proper kneading develops the gluten in the dough, which gives the bread its soft, fluffy texture. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Let the Bread Rise in a Warm Place: For the best results, let your dough rise in a warm, draft-free area. If your kitchen is cool, you can place the dough near the oven or a warm spot in the house.

Don’t Skip the Butter Glaze: Brushing the hot loaves with melted butter right after they come out of the oven gives them a soft, flavorful crust.

Final Thoughts

Caribbean white bread is more than just a breakfast item, it’s a comforting reminder of home, family, and tradition. Each slice is soft, warm, and filled with the flavors of a Caribbean kitchen.

More Caribbean Homemade Bread

• 20 Tasty Jamaican Bread Ideas To Try
• Hot Jamaican Hard dough Bread ( Hardo Bread) Recipe 
• Tasty Caribbean Coconut Bake