Easy Trinidad hops bread
Trinidad Hops Bread is a beloved staple in our households, known for its soft and airy interior with a lightly crusty exterior. These authentic Trinidadian dinner rolls are perfect for sandwiches, sopping up rich stews, or enjoying fresh out of the oven with butter.
Getting sent to buy a quart of this was the most amazing thing ever. You went into the bakery empty-handed and came out with a brown bag of hot crusty bread.
In this bag was piping hot bread just ready to be devoured. I know my mom sometimes made us buy extra because we just needed to eat hot hops in the car on the way home.
They disappeared as quickly as they came in.
And we didn’t just eat them as sandwich bases, these rolls are also great to sap up some stew chicken gravy.
What is hops bread?
Trinidad Hops Bread is a simple, yeast-risen roll that is a staple in Trinidad and Tobago. Unlike traditional dinner rolls, hops bread has a thin, crusty exterior and a light, fluffy center.
It is commonly used for sandwiches, often filled with ham, cheese, fried sausage, or smoked herring. Some even enjoy it plain, straight from the bakery while it’s still warm!
How to Make Hops Bread
Ingredients
This homemade Trinidad hops bread recipe requires a handful of pantry staples:
- Water – Warm water helps activate the yeast.
- Shortening – Crisco is commonly used to give the bread its soft texture.
- All-purpose flour – The base ingredient for these rolls.
- Salt – Enhances the overall flavor.
- Sugar – Adds a slight touch of sweetness.
- Instant yeast – Helps the dough rise quickly.
Equipment You’ll Need:
- Mixer (stand mixer or hand mixer)
- Baking tray
- Kitchen towel
- Plastic wrap, plastic bag, or foil
Instructions (Step-by-Step guide)
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by adding shortening to hot water and stirring until fully dissolved.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 5 cups of flour with salt, sugar, and yeast. Gradually pour the lukewarm shortening-water mixture into the dry ingredients, mixing continuously.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
You can knead the dough by hand or use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. Add the remaining flour gradually and continue kneading until the dough becomes stiff yet smooth.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl and cover it with a damp kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size.
Step 4: Shape and Proof the Rolls
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into equal portions. Shape each portion into a smooth ball (approximately 3-4 inches wide) and place them on a greased baking tray. Cover with a damp towel and let them rise again until doubled in size.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes, or until they develop a golden brown crust. Let them cool slightly before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Freshly baked hops bread is best enjoyed warm with butter or filled with delicious ingredients. Here are some popular ways to enjoy these Trinidadian dinner rolls:
- Hops and ham – A must-have during Christmas
- Fried sausage with onions – A flavorful breakfast option.
- Pulled jerk chicken – Adds a spicy, smoky twist.
- Smoked herring – A salty, savory filling that pairs perfectly with the bread’s texture.
Variations and Alternatives
- Whole wheat hops bread – Swap white flour for whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
- Butter-based hops – Some prefer using butter instead of shortening for added richness.
Storage
To keep your homemade hops bread fresh:
- Allow rolls to cool completely before storing.
- Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw and warm in the oven.
More Bread Recipes
Love making bread? Try these other Caribbean favorites:
- Fry Bake – Perfect for stuffing with saltfish buljol.
- Butter Bread – A soft, buttery Caribbean loaf
- Roast Bake – A stovetop-baked bread, great for sandwiches
- Trinidad Sweet Bread – A coconut-rich bread with raisins and cherries
- Hard Dough Bread – A dense, slightly sweet Jamaican loaf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it before baking. Simply shape the rolls, place them on a tray, and freeze them. When needed, allow them to thaw at room temperature, then bake as instructed.
Try This Trinidad Hops Bread Recipe!
Let me know in the comments below! Don’t forget to leave a rating, it helps others discover this recipe.
Recipe
Trinidad hops bread
Ingredients
Method
- Melt shortening in hot water.
- In a large bowl combine 5 cups of flour, salt, sugar, and yeast
- Gradually add liquid (it should be lukewarm by now) to the dry ingredients.
- Knead for about 5 minutes then add the balance of the flour) to make a stiff dough.
- Once combined, place in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled.
- Punch the dough down, and form it into dinner roll balls (like about 3-4”)
- Place on a greased baking tray, cover with a damp cloth and allow to rise again until doubled.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees for about 15 – 20 minutes.
