1 Shares

If you’re searching for a bread that embodies both comfort and creativity, Ube Pandesal with Cheese Filling is a treat that checks all the boxes. This bread combines the soft, fluffy goodness of the beloved Filipino pandesal with the strikingly beautiful purple hue of ube and the melty surprise of cheese tucked into the center. Every bite offers a playful balance of sweet and savory—the delicate, nutty sweetness of purple yam mingling perfectly with the creamy saltiness of cheese. The breadcrumbs coating the surface bring a slight crunch that contrasts beautifully with the pillowy interior. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, as an afternoon merienda, or even as a dessert, this roll brings a touch of nostalgia with a modern twist.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

All-purpose flour
Active dry yeast
Warm milk (~110 °F)
White sugar
Salt
Egg
Vegetable oil
Ube halaya (purple yam jam)
Ube extract
Cubed cheddar cheese (or your preferred melting cheese)
Plain breadcrumbs

Directions

Warm the milk to about 110 °F and mix with sugar and yeast. Let it sit until foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, egg, oil, ube halaya, and ube extract. Add the yeast mixture and knead until a soft dough forms.
Cover and let the dough rise until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and divide into equal portions. Flatten each piece, place a cube of cheese in the center, and shape into a ball, sealing tightly.
Roll each ball in plain breadcrumbs and place them on a lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise again until puffy.
Bake in a preheated oven until golden on top, with the interior light and fluffy and the cheese melted inside.
Cool slightly before serving warm for the best texture and flavor.

Nutrients

High in carbohydrates, thanks to the flour and sugar base.
Moderate protein and fat from the cheese and egg.
Ube halaya adds earthy micronutrients (vitamins and fiber).
Dairy components supply calcium and vitamin D.
Likely moderate calories per roll—great for breakfast or merienda.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

The charm of Ube Pandesal with Cheese lies in its ability to surprise and delight. While pandesal has been a household staple in the Philippines for generations, this variation elevates it into something uniquely eye-catching and indulgent. The striking purple hue of ube is instantly recognizable and makes these rolls visually stunning. As you tear into one, the aroma of sweet ube fills the air, followed by the delightful sight of gooey melted cheese stretching from the center. This combination creates a multi-sensory experience: the golden breadcrumb crust provides a delicate crunch, the bread itself is tender and fluffy, and the molten cheese center ties it all together with rich, savory depth. It’s not just bread—it’s an edible work of art that sparks joy, comfort, and curiosity in every bite.

What truly makes this recipe stand out is its balance between tradition and innovation. Pandesal has always been a symbol of Filipino breakfast culture, but when paired with ube and cheese, it transforms into something new yet still rooted in heritage. The recipe celebrates the flavors many grew up with while offering a fun twist that fits seamlessly into modern kitchens. It’s both Instagram-worthy and heartwarming, a rare combination that makes it perfect for sharing with family or presenting at gatherings.

The Benefits of the Ingredients

Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in shaping the flavor, texture, and nutritional value. Ube halaya and ube extract do more than just color the dough a vibrant purple—they infuse the bread with earthy, nutty notes and a natural sweetness that complements the cheese beautifully. Ube is also rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, making it a more nourishing addition compared to ordinary sweeteners. The flour provides the carbohydrate structure, while the yeast gives the bread its signature fluffy texture through fermentation. Milk and egg enrich the dough, adding tenderness, richness, and additional nutrients like protein, calcium, and vitamin D. Vegetable oil ensures moisture and softness that last even after the bread cools.

The cheese filling is not just for indulgence—it also contributes protein, healthy fats, and calcium, making the bread more balanced. The choice of cheddar gives a sharp, salty counterpoint to the sweetness of ube, though melty alternatives like mozzarella or cream cheese can create a different experience. Breadcrumbs, though seemingly simple, serve as the final touch that defines pandesal. They provide a crisp shell that contrasts beautifully with the soft crumb inside, making each bite layered in texture. Taken together, these ingredients build a bread that is as nourishing as it is delicious.

Cooking Tips

Getting this recipe right is all about technique. Yeast is the backbone of any good bread, so activating it properly is crucial. Always use warm milk—not too hot, or it will kill the yeast, and not too cold, or it won’t activate. Kneading the dough until smooth and elastic ensures the bread bakes up fluffy rather than dense. Proofing twice—once after kneading and again after shaping—is non-negotiable for achieving that signature light texture.

When filling with cheese, make sure to seal the dough tightly around the cubes to prevent melting cheese from leaking out during baking. Using firm cheeses like cheddar reduces the chance of spillage, but even if a little cheese escapes, it creates a delicious crispy edge around the roll. Coating the rolls generously in breadcrumbs not only gives the traditional pandesal look and feel but also protects the delicate dough as it bakes. If you want to plan ahead, you can refrigerate the shaped rolls overnight for a slow rise, which develops deeper flavor. Baked rolls also freeze well—just reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore that fresh-baked softness and melty center.

Serving Suggestions

The best way to enjoy Ube Pandesal with Cheese is warm, straight from the oven, when the bread is soft and the cheese filling is gooey. These rolls pair perfectly with a hot cup of barako coffee, a staple in many Filipino households, or with a creamy hot chocolate that enhances the bread’s sweet notes. For a more traditional Filipino breakfast, serve them alongside garlic fried rice, eggs, or longganisa for a hearty spread.

For merienda, these rolls shine when paired with iced milk tea or a refreshing fruit shake, especially mango or coconut, which complement the ube flavor. They also make excellent lunchbox fillers—simply reheat before packing to bring back their irresistible texture. To take them up a notch for dessert, try serving them with a drizzle of condensed milk or a spread of ube jam for extra indulgence. Whether on their own or as part of a larger meal, these rolls adapt effortlessly to different occasions, making them an all-day favorite.

Conclusion

Ube Pandesal with Cheese Filling is more than a bread recipe—it’s a celebration of culture, comfort, and creativity. It takes the familiar and beloved pandesal and gives it new life with the vibrant flavors of ube and the indulgent surprise of melted cheese. Each roll offers not only nourishment but also a sensory experience that’s comforting yet exciting. With its striking appearance, irresistible aroma, and rich balance of sweet and savory, it’s the kind of bread that brings people together around the table.

Whether you bake it to reconnect with your Filipino roots, to introduce friends to a new flavor, or simply to treat yourself to something special, this recipe delivers on every level. It’s approachable enough for beginner bakers, yet impressive enough for celebrations. From breakfast to merienda and everything in between, Ube Pandesal with Cheese promises warmth, joy, and a touch of whimsy in every bite. Over time, it just might become not only a household favorite but also a tradition in itself—one delicious purple roll at a time.

Pin1