Venezuelan Pan de Jamón Recipe: A Delicious Holiday Tradition
Are you looking for a unique and delicious holiday recipe to wow your family and friends? Look no further than the Venezuelan Pan de Jamón Recipe. This savory and sweet bread is a staple in Venezuelan holiday cuisine and is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
The History of Venezuelan Pan de Jamón
Venezuelan Pan de Jamón, or "ham bread," is a traditional holiday bread that originated in Caracas, Venezuela. It is typically served during Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations, but it can be enjoyed at any time of the year.
The recipe for Pan de Jamón was first created in the 1900s by a Venezuelan baker named Luisa Elena de la Cruz. The bread was originally intended to be sold in bakeries, but it quickly became a beloved holiday tradition in Venezuelan homes.

Venezuelan Pan de Jamón Recipe: Ingredients
To make Venezuelan Pan de Jamón, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons of active dry yeast
- 1 cup of warm milk
- ½ cup of sugar
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- ½ cup of unsalted butter
- 3 eggs
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 cup of chopped ham
- 1 cup of chopped cooked bacon
- 1 cup of raisins
- ½ cup of sliced green olives
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup of milk (for brushing the bread)
Directions
Follow these simple steps to make your own Venezuelan Pan de Jamón:
1. In a large bowl, combine the flour and yeast.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the warm milk, sugar, salt, and butter until the butter is melted.
3. Add the milk mixture to the flour mixture and stir until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise for 1 hour.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
7. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle shape.
8. Spread the ham, bacon, raisins, and olives over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
9. Drizzle Worcestershire sauce over the filling.
10. Starting from one of the long edges, roll the dough into a log shape.
11. Pinch the edges together to seal the log.
12. Place the log onto a greased baking sheet and brush it with milk.
13. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown.
14. Let the bread cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
FAQs About Venezuelan Pan de Jamón
1. What is the origin of Venezuelan Pan de Jamón? The recipe for Venezuelan Pan de Jamón was created by a Venezuelan baker named Luisa Elena de la Cruz in the 1900s.
2. When is Venezuelan Pan de Jamón typically served? Venezuelan Pan de Jamón is typically served during Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations.
3. Can I make Venezuelan Pan de Jamón in advance? Yes, you can make Venezuelan Pan de Jamón a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. Just be sure to reheat it in the oven before serving.
4. Can I substitute any of the ingredients in the Venezuelan Pan de Jamón recipe? You can substitute the ham, bacon, raisins, and olives.