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Brazilian Cheese Bread Recipe

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4.2 from 81 reviews

This Brazilian Cheese Bread recipe, also known as Pão de Queijo, features a chewy, cheesy interior with a crisp golden exterior. Made from tapioca starch and a mix of cheddar and Grana Padano cheeses, these bite-sized treats are naturally gluten-free and perfect for snacking or serving alongside meals.

  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 15 servings

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups (180g) tapioca flour (also known as tapioca starch)
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup (155ml) whole milk
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) avocado oil (or olive oil)
  • 1 large egg

Cheeses

  • 1/2 cup finely shredded (56g) medium or sharp cheddar (white or yellow)
  • 1/3 cup finely shredded (28g) Grana Padano (or parmesan cheese)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line an 18 by 13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large heatproof bowl, whisk together the tapioca starch and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside for later.
  3. Heat Milk and Oil: In a saucepan, bring the whole milk and avocado oil to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, immediately pour the hot liquid into the bowl with tapioca starch mixture. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture is well combined and slightly lumpy. Allow it to cool for about 5 minutes.
  4. Add Egg and Cheeses: After cooling, mix the egg into the dough thoroughly either with a wooden spoon or an electric mixer. Then fold in the shredded cheddar and Grana Padano cheeses. The dough will be tacky but should hold its shape. If it’s too runny or thick, adjust by letting it cool more or by stirring well.
  5. Shape Dough Balls: Using a 1 1/2 tablespoon cookie scoop or two spoons, scoop out dough balls about the size of a golf ball and place them 1 1/2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. This spacing allows the breads to expand without sticking together.
  6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the exterior becomes golden brown and crisp. The centers will remain stretchy, chewy, and cheesy, which is characteristic of authentic Brazilian cheese bread.

Notes

  • If the dough feels too runny, let it cool slightly longer to firm up before shaping.
  • For a thicker dough, ensure the tapioca starch is well mixed and the egg is fully incorporated.
  • You can substitute Grana Padano with parmesan cheese if necessary.
  • This recipe is naturally gluten-free due to the use of tapioca flour.
  • Leftover cheese breads can be reheated in the oven to restore crispiness.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Brazilian
  • Diet: Gluten Free