Featured, Recipes, Snacks and Appetizers

Easy Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo)

Name: Easy Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 cup of water; 1 cup of olive oil (or any oil of choice); 1 cup of whole milk; 2 teaspoons of salt; 500 grams of Tapioca Flour; 3 eggs; 1 1/2 cups of parmesan cheese (or half parmesan, half cheddar)

November 1, 2023

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

These gluten-free, Brazilian cheese bites are the perfect addition to any meal. Very popular in Brazil, and called Pão de Queijo, these mini rolls will become a favorite in your house. Perfect as an afternoon snack with your favorite cup of coffee, appetizer, or even as a side dish. These are crunchy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, and cheesy all around.

What is Pão de Queijo?

Pão de Queijo translates to Cheese Bread in Portuguese. Originated in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil in the 1800s. Farmers used Yucca root flour (also called Tapioca Flour) in the majority of their recipes instead of wheat flour, which was brought by the Portuguese and thought to be inferior in quality. Since cheese bread was mainly made by farmers; where dairy was easily accessible, cheese,milk and eggs were included in this recipe. It is the Brazilian “Southern Hospitality” to always greet you with warm Pão de Queijo and a black cup of coffee if you come to visit.

Brazilian cheese bread isn’t your typical cheesy biscuit found at your favorite pizza place. These are much lighter and makes a great healthy snack.

The best part of this cheese bread is that is easy to make, it uses wholesome ingredients, it’s gluten free, and grain free.

There are many related recipes for Pão de Queijo, but as a Brazilian myself, this family recipe has been a favorite from passed generations. It has never gone wrong and always fulfills everyone’s cravings.

Important Notes

These delicious mini rolls are best enjoyed warm, straight out of the oven.

You can make a big batch, freeze them and throw as many as you wish in the oven.

Ingredients

Tapioca Flour– this flour made from Yucca root has become very popular because it’s grain free and gluten free. I always get Tapioca Flour from Amazon (click here-affiliate link), but you can find it at most grocery stores.

Eggs

Parmesan Cheese (or half parmesan, half cheddar)

Olive Oil (or avocado oil)

Water

Whole Milk

Salt

How to Make Brazilian Cheese Bread

Prepare the Dough

Combine the milk, olive oil, water, salt to a saucepan. Bring this mixture to a boil. Remove from heat as soon as it starts bubbling up.
Add the tapioca flour to a bowl of a standing mixer with a paddle attachment.
Add the boiling liquid to the flour. Using a wooden spoon give it a good stir until this mixture becomes warm to the touch. This mixture should be thick.

Start the electric mixer and add one egg at the time. Once all the eggs are incorporated add the cheese.
With the mixer on medium, mix the cheese well. By now the batter should be sticky and smooth.

Roll the Dough into Balls

Pre heat oven to 350 degrees F.
Set aside a small bowl of water to wet your hands. Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, scoop a small portion (about 2 tablespoons of the dough). The dough should be sticky, but if you wet your hands you will be able to roll the dough into a small ball. Place the cheese balls on a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Freezer Instructions

To freeze your cheese bread; place the cheese rolls on a baking sheet with parchment paper and place them in the freezer for 30 minutes. Transfer the cheese balls to a freezer bag for later use.

To bake, you can place the frozen cheese balls straight into the oven (no thawing required) and bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.