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There is something simply magical about these golden, puffed delights that burst with cheesy goodness from the very first bite—this Brazilian Cheese Bread Recipe captures that magic perfectly. Known as pão de queijo in Brazil, these tender, gluten-free rolls combine tapioca flour’s unique chewiness with the rich, savory flavors of parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Whether you’re craving a comforting snack or a flavorful appetizer, this recipe offers a wonderfully easy and reliable way to bring a taste of Brazil right into your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The brilliance of this Brazilian Cheese Bread Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an important role, from providing the essential chewy texture to delivering the unmistakable cheesy flavor that makes these rolls so addictive.
- Whole milk: Adds moisture and richness that helps meld the dough together beautifully.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cheese bread light and tender while boosting flavor subtly.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the cheeses perfectly.
- Tapioca flour: The secret to that irresistible chewy, airy texture; entirely gluten-free and unique.
- Large egg: Binds the dough and adds structure without weighing it down.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp, nutty flavor that is signature to the dish; can be varied for stronger cheesiness.
- Grated mozzarella cheese: Adds creamy meltiness and helps keep the dough elastic and soft.
How to Make Brazilian Cheese Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough Base
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—that crispy golden crust starts here. In a medium saucepan, gently bring the whole milk, vegetable oil, and salt to just a simmer. This warm mixture is essential for properly hydrating the tapioca flour, which you’ll stir in off the heat until a sticky dough forms. The timing here is key—mix immediately after removing from heat for that perfect dough consistency. Let this rest for 5 minutes so it cools slightly and thickens.
Step 2: Incorporate the Egg and Cheeses
Once cooled, crack in the large egg and stir vigorously to fully incorporate it into the dough—this will give it elasticity. Now comes the fun part: folding in the grated parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until the mixture is smooth and elastic. This step is where the dough truly transforms, turning into a luscious ball filled with cheesy goodness. A sticky dough is expected here, so don’t be discouraged.
Step 3: Shape and Bake
Using a tablespoon or your lightly oiled hands, portion out the dough into small balls and place them evenly on the baking sheet. The dough’s stickiness can make this a bit messy, but a little oil on your hands makes it easier. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until puffed up and lightly golden on top. The smell alone will have everyone gathering eagerly around the oven.
How to Serve Brazilian Cheese Bread Recipe
Garnishes
While these cheese breads are sensational all on their own, consider sprinkling a tiny pinch of smoked paprika or fresh chopped herbs like rosemary or chives right after baking to add a burst of color and an extra layer of flavor that complements the cheesy centers beautifully.
Side Dishes
Brazilian Cheese Bread pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Serve alongside a fresh green salad to balance its richness or with a bright tomato dipping sauce for a playful twist. It also makes an excellent accompaniment to soups or a strong, fruity wine that cuts through the cheese’s creaminess delightfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special occasions, consider skewering the cheese breads on decorative picks with cherry tomatoes or olives in between, creating a fun and savory appetizer on a stick. You could also slice them in half and fill with a thin layer of smoked ham or guava paste for a sweet-savory combo that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They tend to lose their puff and softness over time, so eating them sooner is best to enjoy that fresh-baked texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, Brazilian Cheese Bread freezes beautifully. Arrange the baked rolls on a tray to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents them from sticking together and keeps their shape intact for up to three months.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or stored pão de queijo in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 to 8 minutes until warmed through and crisp on the outside, which brings back that delightful chewiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them rubbery and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses in the Brazilian Cheese Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! While parmesan and mozzarella are traditional and lend a classic flavor, you can experiment with other hard cheeses like Asiago or Gruyère. Just keep in mind the melting qualities of the cheese to maintain that perfect gooey texture.
Is tapioca flour the same as tapioca starch?
Yes, tapioca flour and tapioca starch refer to the same ingredient and can be used interchangeably. This ingredient is key for the characteristic chewy texture of pão de queijo.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
This Brazilian Cheese Bread Recipe is naturally gluten-free but not dairy-free due to the cheese content. However, you could try using a dairy-free cheese alternative designed for melting, though the flavor and texture might differ slightly.
Why is the dough sticky and how do I handle it?
The stickiness comes from the tapioca flour’s nature and is perfectly normal. Using oiled hands to shape the dough balls makes the process much easier and prevents too much sticking.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare and bake the dough on the same day for optimal texture and puffiness. If you must make it ahead, refrigerate the shaped dough balls and bake within 24 hours, allowing them to come to room temperature before baking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that feels both comforting and a little exotic, I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Brazilian Cheese Bread Recipe. It’s one of those dishes where the ingredients’ simplicity shines through, and the results are simply irresistible. Once you taste that first warm, cheesy puff, you’ll understand why pão de queijo holds such a special place in so many hearts around the world.
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Brazilian Cheese Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 18 pieces 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Description
Brazilian Cheese Bread, known as pão de queijo, is a delicious gluten-free appetizer made with tapioca flour and a blend of parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. These small, puffed rolls are crispy on the outside and chewy inside, perfect served warm as a snack or side.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups tapioca flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Heat Liquid Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the whole milk, vegetable oil, and salt. Heat until just simmering, then remove from heat immediately.
- Add Tapioca Flour: Stir in the tapioca flour into the hot milk mixture until a sticky dough forms. Allow it to cool for about 5 minutes to bring the temperature down slightly.
- Incorporate Egg: Add the large egg to the dough and mix thoroughly until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Add Cheeses: Stir in the grated parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and evenly mixed.
- Form Dough Balls: Using tablespoon-sized portions or your hands lightly oiled to prevent sticking, scoop or roll the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes or until the tops are puffed up and lightly golden brown.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and serve the cheese bread warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For a stronger cheese flavor, use only parmesan cheese.
- The dough will be sticky, which is normal for Brazilian cheese bread.
- These breads are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven to restore texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Brazilian
