Pão de Queijo
Pão de Queijo, or Brazilian cheese bread, is a delightful gluten-free snack made with tapioca flour and cheese. These chewy, cheesy bites are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or as a side dish. Popular in Brazil, they are loved for their light texture and irresistible cheesy flavor.
Ingredients
For Pão de Queijo (Makes ~24 pieces)
- 2 cups (280 g) tapioca flour
- 1 cup (250 ml) milk
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) salt
- 1 cup (120 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (120 g) grated mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Prepare the Dough Base
In a saucepan, combine milk, vegetable oil (or butter), and salt. Heat over medium flame until just boiling. Remove from heat.
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Mix in Tapioca Flour
Gradually add tapioca flour to the hot liquid, stirring vigorously until a sticky dough forms.
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Incorporate Cheese and Eggs
Let the dough cool for 5 minutes. Then mix in the grated cheeses and eggs until well combined. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
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Shape the Dough
Wet your hands with water and roll small balls of dough, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 1–2 inches apart.
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Bake the Pão de Queijo
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until puffed and golden.
Serving
Enjoy Pão de Queijo warm, straight from the oven. Pair it with coffee or tea for a traditional Brazilian experience. Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to restore their chewiness.
Pão de Queijo is a timeless Brazilian classic that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or craving a comforting snack, these cheesy breads are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
