Easy ensaymada recipe for soft, cheesy, Filipino ensaymada every time. No shortening, can be made without molders, simple and delicious! I also include step-by-step photos, baking tips and FAQs.
(Enjoy baking bread? Try these sweet and lemony bread rolls or these ube bread rolls. And if cheddar cheese in bread is your thing, you will love these cheese bars.)
There’s just something so special about baking bread.
Kneading the dough. Waiting for your dough to rise. Watching your creation take shape.
But the best thing for me is the smell. Nothing beats the smell of homemade freshly baked bread filling your kitchen.
I love making pandesal. It transports me home at first smell, at first bite.
When I feel the occasion needs something extra special though, I roll up my sleeves and make ensaymada.
What is ensaymada?
Ensaymada is a kind of Filipino bread that’s brushed with butter, sprinkled with grated cheese and baked until soft and tender.
It’s then brushed with more melted butter, dunked in sugar, and again generously sprinkled with cheddar cheese. So good!
It’s called ensaymada because it traces its origins to the Spanish bread Mallorcan ensaïmada.
There really is no direct English translation for ensaymada but it’s been called Filipino sweet buns, Filipino brioche, soft sweet bread, cheese rolls or cheesy bread.
Related: How to Make the Best Ube Ensaymada
How to make it the easy way
Full disclosure: making traditional ensaymada is a very lengthy process.
If you look for classic ensaymada recipes, you’ll find that most have about a thousand steps. Who has the patience? (Evidently not me lol.)
So I decided to make it simpler and quicker — if you take a peek at the recipe below, each step is short and easy. I broke it down into pain-free, no-fail, manageable parts.
Plus, I added step-by-step photos so you can follow along from start to finish.
There are 5 “phases” — from activating the yeast to sprinkling the cheese on the finished product. Follow each phase and you’ll do great!
Don’t expect a Muhlach, a Goldilocks or a Red Ribbon ensaymada though. The process to make that kind of ensaymada is different.
This ensaymada is closer to the ensaymada you’ll find at your local bakery or panaderia. Soft, cheesy, sugary, buttery, authentic, old fashioned, absolutely delicious.
Ingredients
To make this popular Filipino bread, you most likely already have the ingredients in your pantry like sugar, salt, flour and butter. A few things to note:
- Milk – I use 1 or 2% skim milk
- Oil – some recipes use shortening but using oil works wonderfully here
- Cheddar cheese – I like using sharp cheddar cheese
You also need a packet of active dry yeast not instant yeast.
Baking tools
You can, but I don’t use the hook attachment
of my stand mixer when making ensaymada. I prefer to do everything by hand.
What makes this ensaymada recipe easy (easier) for me to make is using the following:
- Silicone baking mat
– non-slip and makes clean up so easy - French rolling pin – lighter and easier to use than a regular rolling pin IMO
- Bench or board scraper – the only kitchen tool Alton Brown travels with (true story!)
- Kitchen scale – so important for precision baking
– non-slip and makes clean up so easy
– lighter and easier to use than a regular rolling pin IMO
– the only kitchen tool Alton Brown travels with (true story!)
– so important for precision bakingStep-by-step photos
Now that we have the ingredients and the tools, it’s time to make ensaymada!
PHASE 1: Prep yeast mixture.
(1) In a measuring cup, stir warm water, active dry yeast and sugar until dissolved.
(2) Set aside and let stand until bubbly.
PHASE 2: Prep milk mixture.
(1) In a medium saucepan on medium heat, warm milk until you see bubbles forming at the edges. Remove from heat and stir sugar, salt, and butter until the butter has melted.
(2) Set aside and allow to cool until lukewarm.
PHASE 3: Work on the dough.
(1) In a large bowl, combine your yeast mixture, your milk mixture, eggs and 1 ½ cups flour.
(2) Stir until combined.
(3) Proceed to add the rest of your flour ½ cup at a time, combining well after each addition.
(4) Once the dough starts pulling and sticking together in a ball…
…transfer to a lightly floured surface…
…and knead until smooth and elastic.
(5) Place your dough in a large bowl with oil and turn to ensure the dough is coated completely.
(6) Cover with a damp cloth and allow to rise in a dry, warm place until it doubles in size.
PHASE 4: Assemble and bake.
(1) Once your dough is ready, transfer to a lightly floured surface.
(2) Roll out slightly.
(3) Evenly divide into 12 pieces.
(4) Flatten each one into a (roughly) 4×6 inch rectangle.
(5) Brush each piece with melted butter and sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
(6) Roll the dough tightly up and pinch the edges to seal.
(7) Roll each one unto itself, like a spiral.
(8) Place on your moulds and brush the tops with butter. Cover with a damp cloth and allow to rise for another 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 375F and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Be careful not to over bake your bread.
Bring out of the oven, allow to cool in the mould and when they’re cool enough to handle, you can proceed to phase 5 and put your toppings.
PHASE 5: Brush the still warm ensaymada with melted butter then dip in a bowl filled with granulated sugar. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Enjoy!
Baking tips and recipe FAQs
For the fluffiest ensaymada, allow your dough to rise in a warm, dry place.
I use my oven for this. I preheat it to 100F then turn it off just when I’m about to knead my dough. This way, the temperature would have gone down to 90F when I put my dough in.
If your oven has a keep warm feature, you can also use that.
For evenly sized ensaymada that won’t only look pretty but bake evenly as well, use a kitchen scale to make sure the dough is evenly divided.
It’s simple: I weigh all the dough and divide by 12. Whatever that number is, I make sure each individual dough is exactly that weight.
This recipe makes 12 fairly big ensaymada but you can make smaller and even mini ones if you like. The procedure is the same. You’ll just need to watch your baking time.
To make ensaymada bread, I use ensaymada moulds which my sister brought for me in Manila. They’re similar to brioche moulds
and you can find them at your local baking supplies store and Amazon.
You don’t need to buy them though. If you have a muffin pan, you’re good to go. You can also use a cake pan. Your cheese ensaymada would just be the pull-apart kind, like cinnamon rolls.
I prefer the original ensaymada with butter, sugar and cheese but you can absolutely customize this recipe to add your favourite ingredients. For example:
– You can top your ensaymada with salted eggs or cream cheese
– You can use a triple cheese mixture in your filling and topping
– If it’s Christmastime, you can even use queso de bola
– Ham and cheese would also make for delicious fillings
– And I remember eating a grilled ensaymada in the Philippines once; it was fantastic
Experiment and make the best version of ensaymada you can!
You’re all set! Enjoy your freshly baked cheesy, buttery creations for breakfast or, like most Pinoys, as merienda or afternoon snack. Dunk it in tsokolate while you’re at it. Enjoy!
If you’re looking for other Filipino food recipes, these are TUB reader favourites:
And if you want to try baking cheesy sourdough bread, try this delicious sourdough cheese bread recipe.
Happy baking!
I’d love to hear all about it! Leave a comment or a star rating below. You can also tag me on Instagram or Facebook. I’d love to see your creations!
You can also find me on Pinterest, Twitter and YouTube.
Easy Ensaymada Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
Phase 1:
- ½ cup warm water approx 110F
- 1 package active dry yeast 0.25 ounces
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
Phase 2:
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter room temperature
Phase 3:
- 2 pcs large eggs room temperature, lightly beaten
- 4 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tbsp canola oil or vegetable oil
Phase 4:
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted and allowed to cool slightly
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Phase 5:
- Melted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
Phase 1:
- In a measuring cup, stir ½ cup warm water, 1 package active dry yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar until dissolved. Set aside and let stand until bubbly (about 10 minutes).
Phase 2:
- In a medium saucepan on medium heat, warm ½ cup milk until you see bubbles forming at the edges (about 180F). Remove from heat and stir ¼ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ cup butter until the butter has melted.
- Set aside and let cool until lukewarm.
Phase 3:
- In a large bowl, combine your yeast mixture, your milk mixture, eggs and 1 ½ cups flour. Stir until combined. Proceed to add the rest of your flour ½ cup at a time combining well after each addition.
- Once the dough starts pulling and sticking together in a ball, transfer it into a lightly floured surface.
- Knead until smooth and elastic (8-10 minutes). When in doubt, knead some more. You want the dough still slightly sticky but elastic. Careful not to over flour your surface or dough.
- Oil a large bowl with 1 tablespoon canola oil. Place your dough in the bowl and turn to ensure the whole dough is coated.
- Cover with a damp cloth and allow to rise in a dry warm place (about 90F – see post for tips) until it doubles in size (about 1 hour).
Phase 4:
- When your dough is ready, transfer it into a lightly floured surface and roll out slightly.
- Evenly divide the dough into 12 pieces (see notes).
- Flatten each one into a 4×6 inch rectangle.
- Brush each piece with melted butter and sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
- Roll the dough tightly up and pinch the edges to seal.
- Then roll each one into itself (like a spiral) and place onto your ensaymada moulds (see notes).
- Brush the tops of each ensaymada with butter, cover with damp cloth and let rise for another 30 minutes. I usually just leave it on the counter.
- Preheat your oven to 375F and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Do not over bake. Let cool in the mould and when it’s cool enough to handle, put your toppings.
Phase 5:
- Brush the still warm ensaymada with melted butter then dip in a bowl filled with granulated sugar. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Serve warm.
Video
Notes
- I keep my dough in my oven for the 1st rise. I usually preheat it to about 100F then turn it off just when I’m about to knead my dough. This way, the temperature would have gone down to 90F when I put my dough in. You can use the stay warm feature if you have it.
- I use a kitchen scale to make sure my dough is evenly divided.
- If you don’t have ensaymada moulds, you can use a muffin pan instead.
- See post for the complete step-by-step photos and tips for making perfect ensaymada every time.
Nutrition
Nutritional information are estimates only.
Melanie
I always learn something new every time I visit your site! These are delicious!
Kristen Kavan
my mouth is actually watering reading this recipe and looking at your pictures! This sounds incredible. I am game for anything that has cheese in it! Thanks for sharing, it was fun learning about a new food! Happy New Year!
Jolina
You’re too kind Kristen! 🙂 The cheese is everything isn’t it?? Happy new year to you too!
Idriss
I have never had this before, or even heard of it. It looks so yummy ! I’m pinning this for later ! Great photography too 😉
Jolina
Thanks a lot Idriss! And appreciate the pin as well 🙂
Angela
Oh wow, this sounds so delicious! I’ve never heard of this bread but sounds like one I need to try!
Valerie
Never heard of ensaymada’s before but can’t wait to try this! Sign. Me. Up!
candy
Dough that is sweet and cheesy well I’m in for all its worth. Like how you gave us the history on this recipe.
Jolina
Right? Sugar and cheese in one bite – hard not to like 🙂 Thanks Candy!
Joanna
Love brioche!! It’s so tasty. What you’ve done here sounds and looks like it’s outta this world amazing!
Dawn
Happy New Year! What better way to bring in the new year than with carby goodness 😀 I have a bunch of New Year’s resolutions. Working on dough is not one of them, but it is a fabulous one! I need to work on my dough for sure! This bread looks SO good. Plus, there’s cheese and that makes it even better! I’ve never tried this before and would love to! Cheers to a wonderful new year, Jolina 🙂
Jolina
Hahaha this made me laugh Dawn! I might be the only person in the world welcoming the new year with carbs sugar and cheese LOL! Well I ate salad yesterday, that must count for something teeheee. Yes, cheese is pretty hard to resist 🙂 Have a wonderful new year yourself my friend!
Belle
That looks amazing! I am a Filipino and I grew up in the Philippines. This is one of the things that I miss back home.
Jolina
Nice! Me too, though I try to go back home at least once every 2 years. Still, I’m homesick all the time so I end up making all these Filipino food that I miss from home! Hope you get to try this Belle. It’s not like Goldilocks (I wish haha) but it’s still pretty awesome 🙂
Karen Burns-Booth
Totally sinful and why not! I’d be very happy if you served me that for breakfast or brunch – love the look of this recipe, Karen
Maria
Delicious! Speaking of cinnamon roll, in here (Romania) we are more into something similar but with nuts – that’s our guilty sweet pleasure. But, besides this, we are also crazy for salty pastry. But in the end, having something with sweet and salty combined, is something to die for! So yes, this brioche is absolutely perfect. 🙂 And as a fun fact, to get my weird taste: I love eating sweet crepes with salty white cheese. Haha!
Jolina
Hi Maria! That sounds so delicious! Is it cinnamon based? I’d have to look it up 🙂 And I agree, I love salty sweet combos, it satisfies both my cravings in one bite! I gotta try your sweet crepe + salty white cheese combo too. You’ve given me so many delicious ideas!
Brian Jones
I did, I guess and I won’t be 😉 This sounds utterly delicious, I love finding new things I have never heard of and this is completely new to me and is right up my street.
Jolina
Thanks Brian! I love trying different cuisines too, so interesting! Hope you get to try this out 🙂
Emily
I love these so much! My best friend’s Mom made these and I always loved it when she did. I never thought to try it out on my own. It looks soooo good!
Jolina
Oohh you’re so lucky! 🙂
Vicki
These look amazing – and oh my goodness those pictures!! Gorgeous!
Lisa Bryan |
I love learning something new when I read blog posts. I’ve never heard of ensaymada before, but now I know what it is….and it sounds delicious!
Jolina
Hi Lisa! Me too 🙂 It’s so interesting learning about other cultures and traditions and just the way other people live.