How to Make Bolo do Caco from Madeira Island at Home

Bolo do Caco is one of the breads we love most in Madeira. At Casa da Nati, we make it with our guests by hand, and this recipe is a little reminder of that time together, so you can make it again at home.

Ingredients

For a small batch of Bolo do Caco, you will need:

• 500g plain flour
• 250ml warm water
• 15g salt
• 30g fresh yeast
• Half a cooked sweet potato

The sweet potato should be soft enough to mash easily. It gives the bread its gentle sweetness and helps make the dough soft inside.

How to make the dough

Start by mashing the cooked sweet potato in a large bowl. Add the flour, salt, fresh yeast, and warm water.

Mix everything together until the dough starts to come together. Then knead it well, by hand, for about 20 minutes. This part takes a little patience, but it is important. The dough should become smooth, soft, and easy to shape.

If the dough feels too dry, add a little more warm water. If it feels too sticky, add a small amount of flour. Add only a little at a time.

Shape the bread

After kneading, divide the dough into small round loaves. Flatten each one gently with your hands, keeping them thick enough to stay soft in the middle.

Let the dough rest for about 20 minutes. Cover it with a clean cloth while it rests.

Cook the Bolo do Caco

Traditionally, Bolo do Caco is cooked on a hot stone. At home, you can use a heavy pan, cast iron pan, or flat griddle.

Heat the pan well, then cook each bread slowly until it is golden brown on both sides and cooked through. Turn it a few times if needed, so the outside does not burn before the inside is ready.

How to serve it

Bolo do Caco is best when it is still warm. We love it with garlic butter, but it is also delicious with cheese, chouriço, or just on its own.

If you made this after visiting Casa da Nati, we hope it brings back a little taste of Madeira and the time we spent together around the table.