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Ingredients
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Dough
Finishing
Method
Dough
Preheat and prepare
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Heat milk and butter
In a small saucepan, combine the milk and butter and warm over medium heat until the butter melts and the mixture is hot but not boiling (about 2–3 minutes). Remove from heat.
Combine dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yuca/tapioca starch, baking powder, salt, and optional sugar until evenly distributed.
Add hot liquid
Pour the hot milk-and-butter mixture over the starch mixture and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until it forms a clumpy, slightly sticky paste. Let it cool for 3–4 minutes so it is warm but not hot (to avoid cooking the egg).
Add egg and cheeses
Beat the egg lightly and add it to the warm dough. Add the grated queso fresco (or cheese substitute) and grated Parmesan. Mix thoroughly until a smooth, slightly sticky dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add 1 tablespoon of milk at a time; if too wet, add 1 tablespoon of tapioca flour at a time, until it becomes a soft, workable dough.
Knead lightly
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface (use a little tapioca flour) and knead briefly — about 20–30 seconds — until homogeneous and elastic. Avoid overworking; the dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
Portion
Divide the dough into 12 equal portions (about 1.5 tablespoons each for small buns or ~2 ounces / 55–60 g each for larger rolls). Roll each portion between your palms into a smooth ball and place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 1 inch (2–3 cm) apart.
Finishing & Baking
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the Pan de Bono are puffed, lightly golden on top, and sound hollow when tapped. Baking time will vary with size; smaller rolls may take 12–15 minutes, larger ones up to 22 minutes.
Cool briefly
Remove the tray from the oven and let the rolls cool on the sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and serve warm. Pan de Bono are best eaten the same day while warm and chewy.