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Brazilian Cheese Bread

Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo)

Authentic Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo): crispy outside, chewy & cheesy inside. This easy gluten-free recipe is simply irresistible!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 20 cheese breads
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Brazilian
Calories: 90
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups tapioca flour (1 cup sweet/polvilho doce and 1 cup sour/polvilho azedo)
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 cups grated cheese (Parmesan, Gruyère, or traditional Minas cheese)

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
  2. Combine milk, oil, and salt in a saucepan and bring to a gentle boil
  3. Remove from heat and immediately add all the tapioca flour
  4. Stir vigorously until well combined, forming a gelatinous paste
  5. Transfer the mixture to a stand mixer with paddle attachment
  6. Beat for 2-3 minutes until slightly cooled
  7. With mixer on low, add eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each
  8. Gradually add the grated cheese, continuing to mix until smooth
  9. Oil your hands lightly and scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough
  10. Roll each portion into a ball and place on baking sheet, 1.5 inches apart
  11. Bake for 18-22 minutes until puffed and golden brown
  12. Rest for 5 minutes before serving warm

Notes

  • For best results, use both sweet and sour tapioca flour - the sour variety helps with the rise
  • The dough will be very sticky - this is normal and expected
  • If you can't find Brazilian Minas cheese, a mix of Parmesan and Gruyère works well
  • Room temperature eggs incorporate more easily than cold ones
  • The mixture may look split after adding eggs, but will come together with continued mixing
  • Unbaked dough balls can be frozen for up to 3 months - bake straight from frozen, adding 5 minutes to baking time
  • For mini versions, make smaller balls and reduce baking time by 3-5 minutes
  • Add herbs like finely chopped rosemary or chives to the dough for variation
  • Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking for the best rise