Jamaican Coco Bread, A Sweet Savoury Sandwich Experience

Bread is the meeting point of cultures. Each country and cuisine has its own favourites. And the best part is there’s always something new to try. Coco bread is a delightful Jamaican sandwich bread that is as versatile as it is delicious. It has a soft and fluffy texture that makes it the perfect accompaniment to many different kinds of fillings.  Coco bread is believed to have originated in Jamaica, where it is a popular staple of the local cuisine. The bread is made from coconut milk, which gives it a unique and delicious flavour. In fact, some say that the bread is so delicious that it can be eaten on its own as a snack, although it is typically used as the base for a sandwich.

The history of coco bread is closely tied to the history of Jamaica itself. Jamaica was a British colony for many years, and during this time, the island was home to a large number of African slaves who were brought over to work on the sugar plantations. These slaves brought with them their own traditions and recipes, including the use of coconut milk in cooking. Over time, these recipes became an integral part of Jamaican cuisine, and coco bread was born.

A favourite way to enjoy coco bread is to fill it with a chicken patty,  jerk chicken or spicy beef but you can use it for any filling you choose. Simply slice the coco bread in half and add your filling of choice. You can also use coco bread to make a delicious breakfast sandwich with scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ tsp. active dry yeast
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • ¼ cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup canned coconut milk

Method:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well to combine.
  • Add the softened butter and coconut milk to the bowl. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
  • Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  • Grease a large bowl with cooking spray or butter. Place the dough into the bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and allow it to rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
  • Preheat the oven to 180°C.
  • Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten it into a disc shape.
  • Brush each disc with melted butter and fold in half to form a half-moon shape.
  • Place the coco bread onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow the bread to rise for an additional 15 minutes.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes until the coco bread turns golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven and allow the coco bread to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.