Brazilian Cheese Bread Recipe

4.73 from 36 votes

Brazilian Cheese Bread Recipe

With its gooey center and crispy edges, Pão de Queijo, the famous Brazilian Cheese Bread, is a snack you’ll crave after just one bite.

Prep Time15

Cook Time25

Total Time40

Course: Bread

Cuisine: Mexican

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Servings: rolls

Calories: 211kcal

Author: Andrea

Ingredients

1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cup tapioca flour*
1 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese finely shredded
1/2 cup cotija OR queso fresco OR parmesan cheese, finely shredded
2 large eggs room temperature (See Notes)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line a baking pan with parchment paper and set it aside.
In a large saucepan placed over medium-high heat, boil the milk, oil, and salt, whisking occasionally. Remove from heat when you see large bubbles forming. Working quickly, stir in the tapioca flour. The dough will become very tacky and gummy, almost gelatinous.
Transfer the dough to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Turn the mixing speed to low and gradually increase to medium. Beat the mixture for 2-3 minutes until it becomes smooth. Add the grated cheeses and mix until incorporated. Turn the mixing speed to low, and add the eggs one at a time. Beat on medium for 2-3 minutes until a sticky, stretchy dough forms.
Using an ice cream scoop, create portions by dipping the scoop in water, scooping the batter, and placing it onto the prepared baking sheet. Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops and sides are golden brown and the outsides are crisp. (They may look a little greasy, but that’s from the cheese, and they won’t be greasy once they cool.)
Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before serving.

Video

Notes

Tapioca flour can be found in the baking aisle at most grocery stores with a natural foods section or at a specialty store like Whole Foods. Bob's Red Mill is the brand I used.
To quickly bring eggs to room temperature, place them in a bowl of warm water for 5 minutes, then remove and use.

STORE any leftover Pão de Queijo in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To FREEZE, place unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet for 2-3 hours until solid, then transfer them to an airtight Ziploc bag for up to 3 months. Bake like normal from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes.

If you want to quickly REHEAT without worrying about texture, microwave for 15-20 seconds. To retain crispiness, reheat in a 350-degree Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) oven for 8-12 minutes.

Nutrition