Description
This easy Brazilian Cheese Bread recipe, also known as Pão de Queijo, yields naturally gluten-free, cheesy rolls with a crispy exterior and chewy interior. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or appetizers, these bite-sized delights are simple to make with pantry staples.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups tapioca flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups grated cheese (Parmesan, Mozzarella, Cheddar, or Queso Fresco)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, combine milk, oil, and salt. Heat until just boiling, then remove from heat.
- Pour the hot liquid mixture over the tapioca flour in a large bowl. Stir well until combined; the mixture will be sticky and stretchy.
- Let the mixture cool slightly before adding the eggs.
- Mix in the eggs one at a time until the dough is smooth.
- Stir in the grated cheese until evenly distributed.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough. Roll into balls with greased or floured hands.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Serve warm and cheesy.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best texture.
- Ensure the milk and oil mixture is hot to properly activate the tapioca flour.
- Grease your hands or use a cookie scoop to handle the sticky dough.
- Bake until golden brown for a crispy shell and chewy interior.
- Enjoy these Brazilian cheese rolls immediately after baking for optimal flavor and texture.
- Common mistakes to avoid include skipping the hot liquid step, using pre-shredded cheese, overbaking, or not measuring the tapioca flour correctly.
- Variations include adding herbs, making them spicy with jalapeños, creating mini bites, or making a dairy-free version.
- Stuffed cheese bread can be made by inserting cheese cubes into each ball before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2-3 rolls
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg