Easy Trinidad Hops Bread Recipe

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There’s nothing like the smell of homemade hop bread straight out of the oven.

If you’re lucky enough to grab one while it’s still warm, you know it’s perfect with a slice of ham or cheese. Trinidad hops bread is soft, silky, and lightly crusty on the outside, making it the ultimate comfort food for breakfast, lunch, or a snack.

For anyone who hasn’t yet tried it, hops bread is one of the most delicious breads. And the best part?

It’s easy to make at home!

What is Trinidad Hops Bread?

Trinidad hops bread, or simply “hops,” is a small, round bread roll larger than dinner rolls. It’s a slightly crusty bread, perfect for slicing open and filling with ham, cheese, or butter.

You can enjoy it with breakfast or as a snack, hops bread is known for its light, airy texture. The simplicity of its ingredients, is flour, yeast, water, and salt.

Unlike more complex breads, hops bread is straightforward to make and doesn’t require a lot of fuss. This recipe is ideal for beginners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 8 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon instant yeast
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 1/2 cups water (approximately; adjust as needed)
• Vegetable oil (for greasing)

How to Make Trinidad Hops Bread?

Prepare the Ingredients

In one bowl, add the flour, yeast, and sugar, and mix them together. In a separate bowl, measure out the water, keeping a little extra on hand in case you need to adjust the dough’s texture later.

Start Mixing the Dough

Add one cup of flour mixture at a time to a large mixing bowl, stirring each addition with a wooden spoon. Continue adding flour until the mixture becomes dense and hard to stir.

Add Salt and Continue Mixing

At this stage, add the salt to the flour mixture. Salt is important for flavor, but as it can slow down the yeast’s activity, it’s added after the dough has begun to come together.

Bring the Dough Together

Once the dough is thick enough, transfer it to a lightly floured countertop. Begin working the dough by hand, bringing it together into a ball. If the dough feels too sticky or dry, add a little more flour or water as needed.

Knead the Dough

Kneading is key to achieving a light and airy hops bread. Knead the dough by pressing it forward with the heels of your hands, folding it over, and rotating it slightly. Continue kneading for 10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.

First Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once so the surface is coated with oil. Cover the bowl with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rise for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This first rise allows the dough to develop flavor and structure.

Punch and Portion the Dough

After the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release any trapped gases. Transfer it to a floured countertop and knead it lightly for a minute. Then, divide the dough into 24 equal pieces. Let the dough balls rest for 5 minutes to make them easier to shape.

Tip: For smaller batches, you can halve the recipe, using 4 cups of flour instead of 8.

Shape the Rolls

Form each piece into a tight ball by pulling the edges of the dough towards the center, pinching them together at the bottom, and rolling the dough in your hands. Place each ball on a greased baking sheet, leaving a small space between each roll for them to expand.

Second Rise

Cover the rolls with a clean towel and let them rise for another hour, or until they double in size. This second rise will help the rolls achieve a soft, fluffy texture on the inside.

Bake

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once the rolls have risen, place them in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

What to Eat with Trinidad Hops Bread

Hops bread is versatile and pairs beautifully with both savory and sweet fillings. Here are some classic ways to enjoy it:

Ham and Cheese: A slice of ham and cheese tucked into a warm roll makes for an incredible snack or breakfast option.

Butter and Jam: For a simpler treat, add a smear of butter and your favorite jam, whether it’s guava, pineapple, or mango.

Saltfish: Pair it with saltfish or codfish for a traditional Trinidadian breakfast or brunch option.

Avocado and Tomato: For a fresh, savory sandwich, add sliced avocado, tomato, and a sprinkle of salt.

Fried Eggs or Sausages: Perfect for breakfast, hops bread makes a great side to fried or scrambled eggs and sausages.

Sweet Condiments: For dessert, spread some condensed milk or honey on a warm roll for a simple, sweet treat.

Tips for First-Timers

Make Half the Recipe: If you’re new to bread-making, start with half the recipe to make it easier to manage.

Watch the Dough: The exact amount of water can vary depending on humidity and other factors, so add water gradually until the dough feels right—smooth, slightly tacky, and easy to knead.

Let the Dough Rise Fully: Rising times can vary, so ensure the dough doubles in size before moving to the next step.

Store Leftovers Properly: Hops bread can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap the rolls in plastic wrap and freeze.

Wrapping up

Making Trinidad hops bread at home is a rewarding way to enjoy the flavors of the Caribbean right from your kitchen. With a crusty exterior and soft, fluffy inside, these rolls are perfect for any meal or as a snack on their own.