Pão de Queijo (Brazilian Cheese Bread)
Rated 4.5 stars by 2 users
Category
Snack
Cuisine
Brazilian
Servings
20 to 25 breads
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Pão de Queijo is a popular Brazilian cheese bread made with tapioca starch instead of regular flour, which makes it naturally gluten-free. These small, round breads have a crispy outside and a chewy, cheesy center. They're often enjoyed warm for breakfast or as a snack, and are loved for their unique texture and rich, cheesy flavor. A true comfort food from Brazil!
Ingredients
-
1 cup sour manioc starch
-
1 cup sweet manioc starch
-
1/2 cup whole milk
-
1/4 cup water
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1/4 cup vegetable oil
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 egg (room temperature)
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1 to 1 1/4 cups grated cheese (half Parmesan, half mozzarella is a good combo)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 190°C / 375°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- In a small pot, combine the milk, water, oil, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil.
- In a large bowl, mix the sweet and sour tapioca starch.
- Carefully pour the hot liquid into the starch mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon until you get a sticky dough. Let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Add the egg and mix well. You can use your hands or a hand mixer with dough hooks.
- Add the grated cheese and mix until the dough is smooth and stretchy. If the dough feels too dry, add a little more milk. If it's too wet, add a bit more starch.
- Grease your hands with a little oil and shape the dough into small balls (about the size of a walnut).
- Place them on the baking tray, leaving space between each one.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese breads are puffed up and lightly golden on top.
Recipe Note
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese breads are puffed up and lightly golden on top.
Enjoy them warm — that’s when they’re the best!
Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or with coffee.
