Brazilian cheese bread, or Pão de Queijo, is a little ball of cheesy heaven. Light, airy, and gluten-free thanks to tapioca flour, these rolls are crispy on the outside and pillowy on the inside. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, afternoon tea, or simply craving a savory snack, Pão de Queijo never disappoints.
In just a few simple steps and with minimal ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these golden nuggets. Ready to bake? Let’s get started!
1. Gather Your Ingredients
What You’ll Need
– 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
– ½ cup (120 ml) water
– ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 2 cups (250 g) tapioca flour (also called tapioca starch)
– 2 large eggs
– 1 to 1½ cups (100–150 g) grated Parmesan or queso fresco
2. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. A hot oven ensures the cheese breads puff up quickly and develop a light crust.
3. Heat the Dairy Base
In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, water, butter, and salt. Over medium heat, bring to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally so the butter fully melts. Once you see bubbles at the edge, remove from heat immediately.
4. Incorporate the Tapioca Flour
Quickly pour the hot liquid over the tapioca flour in a heatproof bowl. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms. The heat gelatinizes the starch, creating that signature chewy texture.
5. Mix in Eggs and Cheese
Allow the dough to cool slightly (about 5 minutes) so the eggs don’t cook on contact. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then fold in the grated cheese until evenly distributed and the dough is smooth and elastic.
6. Shape the Dough Balls
Use a small cookie scoop or a spoon to portion the dough into 1–1½-inch (2.5–4 cm) balls. Wet your hands lightly if the dough sticks. Place the balls about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake Until Puffy and Golden
Bake for 15–20 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through for even browning. The cheese breads are done when they’ve puffed up and the tops are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to keep them soft inside.
8. Serve Warm and Enjoy
Pão de Queijo is best enjoyed fresh from the oven. Serve them warm alongside coffee, tea, or as a side for soups and salads. They store well—just reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for a few minutes to refresh.
There you have it: an easy, authentic recipe for Brazilian cheese bread that’s sure to win hearts (and taste buds). With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be baking up batches of Pão de Queijo in no time. Gather your loved ones, pour a hot drink, and savor every cheesy bite!