Authentic Pão de Queijo (Brazilian Cheese Bread): Crispy, Chewy, and Naturally Gluten-Free
Welcome! I’m Sarah, and I’m so happy you’re here. Make this authentic Pão de Queijo, the famous Brazilian Cheese Bread, that is naturally gluten-free. These bites are crispy on the outside and wonderfully chewy and cheesy on the inside. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or party appetizers.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Total Time: 40 min
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Brazilian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups tapioca flour (tapioca starch)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (or a mix of Parmesan and Mozzarella)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine the milk, oil, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately. Add the tapioca flour all at once and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until a thick, sticky dough forms. This step is important for the chewy texture.
- Let the dough cool for about 10 minutes until it is warm, not hot.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated. The dough will look loose at first, but keep mixing.
- Stir in the shredded cheese until it is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop the dough into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full, or roll into small balls (about 1.5 inches in diameter) and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese puffs are golden brown and slightly puffed.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these irresistible cheesy bites warm!
Notes
- For the best texture, use high-quality, finely grated Parmesan cheese.
- If you want a copycat version similar to Texas de Brazil Cheese Bread, use a blend of 3/4 cup Parmesan and 1/4 cup mild white cheese like Monterey Jack.
- This recipe is naturally gluten free, making it a great option for gluten free baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 0.5
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 0.2
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 35