Hey there, friends! Today, I want to introduce you to one of my all-time favorite snacks: Brazilian Cheese Bread, also known as Pão de Queijo. If you’ve never heard of it before, get ready to have your taste buds blown away.
These little balls of cheesy goodness are made with tapioca flour and are naturally gluten-free, making them the perfect snack for just about anyone.
I first discovered Brazilian Cheese Bread when I was traveling through Brazil a few years ago. I was wandering through a local market when I stumbled upon a vendor selling these little golden balls of deliciousness.
I was immediately intrigued and decided to give them a try. One bite and I was hooked. The outside was crispy and the inside was soft and chewy, with a burst of cheesy flavor in every bite.
Since then, I’ve made it my mission to perfect the art of making Brazilian Cheese Bread at home. And let me tell you, it’s easier than you might think!
All you need are a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, and you’ll have a batch of freshly baked Pão de Queijo ready to enjoy.
One of the things I love most about Brazilian Cheese Bread is how versatile it is. You can enjoy it as a snack on its own, serve it as an appetizer at a party, or even use it as a base for mini sandwiches. Plus, you can experiment with different cheeses and herbs to create new flavor combinations.
But enough about me, let’s get to the good stuff: the recipe! In this post, I’ll be sharing my tried-and-true recipe for Brazilian Cheese Bread, along with some tips and tricks for making them perfectly every time.
So grab a cup of coffee (or maybe a caipirinha if you’re feeling fancy) and let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 4 cups of sour cassava starch (tapioca flour)
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup of milk
- 1/2 cup of oil
- 2 eggs
- 3.5 oz of grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Start by boiling the water in a saucepan and adding the milk, oil, and salt.
- Gradually add the tapioca flour until it forms a dough. You may not need to use all 4 cups, so add it slowly and knead the dough until it no longer sticks to your hands: this is the right consistency.
- When the dough has cooled down, add the Parmesan cheese, eggs, and mix well.
- Grease your hands and roll the dough into 1-inch balls.
- Place the balls on an oiled baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 40 minutes.
Notes
- Experiment with different cheeses: While Parmesan cheese is a classic choice for Brazilian Cheese Bread, you can experiment with other types of cheese to add new flavors to the recipe. Try using a sharp cheddar, a creamy gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack to give the bread a unique twist.
- Add herbs and spices: Another way to add flavor to the recipe is by incorporating herbs and spices into the dough. Try adding a pinch of garlic powder, some chopped fresh rosemary, or even a dash of cayenne pepper for a little kick.
- Make them bite-sized: Brazilian Cheese Bread is traditionally served as small, bite-sized rolls. However, you can make them even smaller by rolling the dough into smaller balls before baking. This will make them the perfect size for snacking or serving as an appetizer at a party.
- Serve with dips: Brazilian Cheese Bread is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when served with a variety of dips. Try serving them with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or even a spicy salsa for added flavor.
- Make them ahead of time: If you’re short on time, you can make the dough for Brazilian Cheese Bread ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Simply roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Try different cooking methods: While baking is the traditional method for cooking Brazilian Cheese Bread, you can also try other cooking methods to change up the texture and flavor. Try pan-frying the dough balls in a little oil until they’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, or even grilling them for a smoky flavor.
