Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo) Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of whole milk
  • 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 2 cups of tapioca flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups of grated parmesan cheese

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (230 degrees Celsius).
  2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, oil, and salt until warm. Remove from heat as soon as you see big bubbles forming.
  3. Sift in the tapioca flour into the saucepan and stir until well mixed.
  4. Once the dough has cooled a little, add the eggs one at a time and make sure to fully incorporate each egg before adding the next.
  5. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until evenly distributed.
  6. Shape the dough into small, round balls about an inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 2 inches of space between each ball.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the tops of the balls have puffed up and are lightly golden.
  8. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the ingredients together.
  • Saucepan - A large saucepan to warm the milk, oil, and salt.
  • Sifter - A tool to sift the tapioca flour into the saucepan.
  • Whisk - Used to mix the ingredients and incorporate the eggs into the dough.
  • Grater - To grate the parmesan cheese.
  • Baking Sheet - A flat sheet used for baking the pão de queijo.
  • Parchment Paper - To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
  • Oven - To bake the pão de queijo until golden and puffed.

Recipe variations

  • Replace parmesan cheese with cheddar cheese for a different flavor.
  • Add herbs such as rosemary or thyme to the dough for an aromatic twist.
  • Try using different types of cheese like mozzarella or gouda.
  • Experiment with gluten-free flour options like cassava flour or almond flour.
  • Make a meat-free version by adding chopped vegetables or vegetarian bacon bits to the dough.
  • Add a spicy kick by incorporating diced jalapenos or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
  • Create a savory option by mixing in cooked crumbled bacon or sausage.
  • For a touch of sweetness, add a tablespoon of sugar or honey to the dough.
  • Make miniature versions using a mini muffin tin for bite-sized pão de queijo.
  • Serve with different dipping sauces like marinara, aioli, or spicy mayo.

Recipe overview

Pão de Queijo, or Brazilian cheese bread, is a delicious and addictive snack that's great for any time of the day. These light and chewy balls of cheese bread are a staple in Brazil and are often enjoyed with coffee or as a quick snack. Made with simple ingredients like milk, oil, eggs, tapioca flour, and parmesan cheese, this recipe is easy to follow and will give you perfectly golden and puffy cheese bread. Expect these to disappear quickly at your next gathering, as they're almost impossible to resist. Perfect for both novice and experienced bakers, this Pão de Queijo recipe is sure to become a favourite in your home.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of cheese? - Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese. However, using grated parmesan cheese traditionally gives Pão de Queijo its authentic flavor and texture.
  2. Can I make the dough ahead of time? - Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, shape the dough into balls and proceed with the recipe.
  3. Can I freeze Pão de Queijo? - Yes, you can freeze the unbaked dough balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a zip-top bag and store in the freezer for up to a month. Bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
  4. Can I reheat leftover Pão de Queijo? - Yes, you can reheat leftover Pão de Queijo in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
  5. Can I make Pão de Queijo gluten-free? - Yes, tapioca flour used in this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making Pão de Queijo a great option for those with gluten intolerance or Celiac disease.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the ingredients together.
  • Saucepan - A large saucepan to heat and combine the milk, oil, and salt.
  • Sifter - A tool to sift the tapioca flour and ensure there are no lumps.
  • Whisk - To mix the eggs into the dough and incorporate them evenly.
  • Grater - To grate the parmesan cheese.
  • Baking Sheet - A flat sheet used for baking the pão de queijo in the oven.
  • Parchment Paper - To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.

Origin stories

Pão de Queijo, these scrumptious little cheese breads, are a popular snack and breakfast food in Brazil. They originated from the state of Minas Gerais, a region famous for its diverse range of dairy products. The recipe dates back to the 18th century, during a time when much of the flour was made from the root of the manioc plant, a staple crop in South America. Slaves who worked in the gold mines would often eat it plain or with fillings as a cheap source of carbohydrates. Over time, as dairy farming became widespread in the region, these little breads began to incorporate cheese, giving birth to what we know today as Pão de Queijo. With its unique chewy texture and savory cheese flavor, it's no wonder they have become a beloved treat not only in Brazil but all over the world.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.