If you’ve never had Brazilian Cheese Bread before, you’re in for a treat that will win you over from the very first warm, cheesy bite. Brazilian Cheese Bread is a classic South American delight called “Pão de Queijo” in its homeland—a gluten-free, naturally chewy cheese bread that emerges from the oven golden, aromatic, and totally irresistible. With a short list of humble ingredients, you’ll find the result so much greater than the sum of its parts. It’s a beloved snack, party appetizer, and breakfast staple with universal crowd appeal—all you have to do is watch how fast the basket empties.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Brazilian Cheese Bread is in its simplicity; just a handful of pantry staples unite to create an unbelievably satisfying texture and rich, cheesy flavor. Each ingredient plays its part to guarantee puffy, cheesy perfection every time you bake.
- Whole milk: Gives the dough richness and helps tenderize the tapioca flour for a creamy, moist crumb.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and that melt-in-your-mouth quality; using unsalted keeps the final bread from being too salty.
- Salt: Just a teaspoon intensifies all the cheesy, buttery notes and ties the flavors together.
- Tapioca flour: The gluten-free secret to that signature chew! It yields a unique texture that’s crisp on the outside and airy within.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (or a mix with mozzarella): Freshly grated is best; Parmesan for nuttiness and sharpness, mozzarella for extra gooeyness if you like.
- Large eggs, room temperature: They help bind the dough, add structure, and create those beautiful domed tops as the breads bake.
How to Make Brazilian Cheese Bread
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Equipment
Kick things off by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin tin, or if you’re feeling especially low-maintenance, just slip in some paper liners instead. This little bit of prep means your Brazilian Cheese Bread will pop right out, all golden and glorious, without sticking.
Step 2: Heat the Milk, Butter, and Salt
In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, combine the whole milk, butter, and salt. Bring it just to a gentle boil—keep a close eye so nothing scorches. Stir occasionally to encourage the butter to melt fully and meld with the milk, infusing the mixture with savory richness.
Step 3: Mix in the Tapioca Flour
Remove the saucepan from the heat and, while things are still hot, immediately stir in the tapioca flour. You’ll need to channel your inner arm strength here: mix vigorously until it all comes together into a glossy, sticky dough. Don’t worry if it looks a bit odd or thick at this stage; that’s the magic of tapioca doing its work.
Step 4: Cool Slightly
Allow the sticky dough to cool for 5 to 10 minutes. This pause is essential—it prevents the eggs from scrambling when you add them, and makes blending everything much smoother. Go ahead and sip your coffee or tidy up your workspace while you wait!
Step 5: Add Eggs, One at a Time
Now transfer the cooled dough to a large bowl or stand mixer. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The texture will change dramatically, turning silkier and more elastic. Take your time here; you want every bit of egg completely mixed in.
Step 6: Stir in the Cheese
Stir in all the grated cheese until the mixture is rich and cohesive—there should be little shreds of cheese visible, giving you those melty, flavorful pockets in every bite. The dough will be a bit sticky, and that’s exactly how it should be!
Step 7: Portion and Bake
Fill each mini muffin cup nearly to the top with your dough—an ice cream scoop or two spoons does the trick. Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, watching as the Brazilian Cheese Bread puffs up and takes on a deep golden color. The aroma alone is worth the wait! Serve them fresh and warm for full impact.
How to Serve Brazilian Cheese Bread
Garnishes
While Brazilian Cheese Bread is fantastic plain, a little garnish can make it truly special. Try a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a dusting of smoked paprika right out of the oven. Some chopped fresh herbs, like parsley or chives, add a burst of color and brightness that make the breads as beautiful as they are delicious.
Side Dishes
These little breads are wonderfully versatile. Pair Brazilian Cheese Bread with coffee for a classic breakfast, or serve it alongside soups—think tomato or black bean—for a comforting meal. They’re also the perfect sidekick for festive platters of grilled meats or a fresh salad at dinnertime.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, pile your cheese breads high in a rustic basket lined with a brightly colored napkin for that inviting, homemade feel. Or, skewer a few onto wooden picks for a cute appetizer platter. For a dinner party, try baking the batter in mini ramekins for elegant, individually-sized portions. It’s all about highlighting how fun and crowd-pleasing Brazilian Cheese Bread can be!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If—against all odds—you end up with leftover Brazilian Cheese Bread, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them nice and soft, you can add a little square of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing
Brazilian Cheese Bread freezes like a dream. Let the breads cool completely, then arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Transfer them into a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container, where they’ll keep for up to two months. That way, cheesy goodness is always just a quick reheat away!
Reheating
To bring your cheese breads back to life, pop them in a 350°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes right from the freezer, or just 2 to 3 minutes if thawed. They’ll regain that perfect crispy exterior and melty center—almost as good as fresh.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in Brazilian Cheese Bread?
Absolutely! While Parmesan delivers sharpness and depth, feel free to swap in mozzarella for stretch and mild flavor, or even experiment with cheddar, Gruyère, or a little Monterey Jack for a fun twist. Just aim for cheeses that melt well and have plenty of flavor.
Is tapioca flour the same as cassava flour?
No, tapioca flour and cassava flour come from the same root but have different textures and starch content. For the classic chewy character of Brazilian Cheese Bread, tapioca flour is essential. Cassava flour won’t yield the same airy, stretchy result.
How do I prevent the dough from being too runny or too stiff?
The dough should be sticky but not pourable; if it seems too runny, add a little more tapioca flour, a tablespoon at a time. If it’s too stiff, a splash more milk can loosen things up. Room temperature eggs will also combine more easily and help achieve that classic texture.
Can I make a bigger version instead of minis?
Yes, you can bake Brazilian Cheese Bread in standard muffin tins or even shape the dough into larger rounds on a parchment-lined sheet. Just extend the baking time—look for that signature puff and golden brown top to tell you they’re ready.
Are these breads truly gluten-free?
Yes, Brazilian Cheese Bread is naturally gluten-free thanks to the use of tapioca flour. It’s a fantastic option for anyone avoiding gluten, with no compromise on texture or flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tasted fresh-from-the-oven Brazilian Cheese Bread, you owe it to yourself to try this recipe at least once—though honestly, once is never enough! Cheesy, chewy, and downright crave-worthy, these little bites are sure to become a staple in your kitchen and a highlight at any gathering. Give them a go and prepare for the delightful, cheesy magic to win you (and your friends) over.
Print
Brazilian Cheese Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini cheese breads 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo) that is gluten-free and bursting with cheesy goodness. These mini cheese breads are perfect as a snack or alongside your favorite meals.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups tapioca flour
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese (or a mix of Parmesan and mozzarella)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
- Prepare Dough: In a medium saucepan, combine milk, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat. Add tapioca flour, stirring until smooth. Let cool for 5-10 minutes.
- Mix Ingredients: Transfer dough to a bowl or stand mixer. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in grated cheese until smooth.
- Bake: Spoon batter into mini muffin tin. Bake for 15-20 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
- Serve: Enjoy warm!
Notes
- Brazilian Cheese Bread is best fresh but can be frozen and reheated.
- Experiment with different cheeses for unique flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini bread
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
