If there’s one treat that captures the heart and soul of a Brazilian bakery, it’s Brazilian Cheese Bread. With their irresistibly crisp outsides and chewy, cheesy interiors, these warm little puffs are a comfort food favorite at any time of day. Whether you know them as Pão de Queijo or simply your new addiction, this recipe makes it easy to experience authentic flavor right from your home kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Brazilian Cheese Bread might taste magical, but the ingredient list is beautifully simple yet essential. Every element serves its purpose, working together to create that signature texture and delectable flavor you’ll crave again and again.
- Whole Milk: Adds creamy richness to form the base of the dough and helps bind everything together.
- Unsalted Butter, Cubed: Infuses buttery flavor while keeping the inside moist and tender.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor of all the other ingredients, balancing the cheesy goodness.
- Tapioca Flour: The secret to the bread’s gluten-free chew and slight stretchiness—don’t substitute it!
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (or half Parmesan, half mozzarella): Parmesan brings tang and umami, while mozzarella creates extra melty, stretchy bites.
- Large Eggs, Room Temperature: Binds the dough and adds richness—room temperature eggs make the dough easier to blend.
How to Make Brazilian Cheese Bread
Step 1: Warm the Milk, Butter, and Salt
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the whole milk, cubed unsalted butter, and salt. Gently heat the mixture, stirring occasionally until the butter fully melts and the milk is just hot—this fragrant blend is the flavor backbone of your Brazilian Cheese Bread.
Step 2: Combine with Tapioca Flour
Scoop your tapioca flour into a large mixing bowl. Pour the hot milk mixture directly over the flour. The heat is important here—it transforms the flour and gives the dough that signature stretch. Using a sturdy wooden spoon, stir until everything is mostly combined and let it cool for about 10 minutes before moving on. This pause also keeps the cheese and eggs from scrambling later.
Step 3: Stir in Cheese and Eggs
Once your dough mixture has cooled slightly, add all of your grated cheese. If you’re opting for a half-and-half mix of Parmesan and mozzarella, now’s the moment! Stir until the cheese is evenly distributed. Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each. By the end, you’ll have a sticky, elastic dough that already smells like comfort.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Here comes the fun part: shaping your future cheese breads! Using a small cookie scoop or lightly oiled hands, form the dough into balls about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place them on your prepared baking sheets with about 2 inches of space between each (they puff up beautifully as they bake!).
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide those trays into the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese breads are puffed, golden, and have just a hint of crackle around the edges. Serve your Brazilian Cheese Bread while still warm for the ultimate chewy, gooey experience!
How to Serve Brazilian Cheese Bread
Garnishes
A fresh batch of Brazilian Cheese Bread barely needs anything extra, but if you want to get fancy, a light sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs—like parsley or chives—adds wonderful color and a garden-fresh zip. For extra depth, you can even dust with a tiny pinch of smoked paprika or pepper before serving.
Side Dishes
Serve Brazilian Cheese Bread as a delightful snack with coffee or tea, or alongside a bowl of homemade soup for a perfectly comforting meal. They’re also right at home next to breakfast eggs, salads, or with a selection of charcuterie at a party—the options are truly endless.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive twist, stack the cheese breads in a rustic bread basket lined with a colorful napkin or arrange them on a wooden platter for charming, casual flair. For a party, try serving them with little bowls of herby dipping sauces or spicy tomato salsa to let your guests customize every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers (they disappear fast!), store cooled Brazilian Cheese Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’ll keep their chewy magic best if protected from air and humidity.
Freezing
This dough loves your freezer! To make Brazilian Cheese Bread ahead, shape the dough into balls and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once firm, transfer the frozen balls to a storage bag. Bake straight from frozen, just adding a few extra minutes to the baking time—delicious convenience.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop the cheese breads into a preheated 325°F (165°C) oven for a few minutes until they’re warm and tender again. This brings the gooey-cheesy texture and comforting aroma right back to life, almost as good as fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use a different flour instead of tapioca flour?
Tapioca flour is essential for that signature chewy texture and stretch of Brazilian Cheese Bread. Substituting with regular flour or other starches simply won’t deliver the same authentic result.
Why did my cheese bread turn out flat?
If your cheese breads didn’t puff, it’s often because the dough was too wet or the oven wasn’t hot enough. Make sure to measure ingredients accurately and preheat the oven fully before baking.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! While Parmesan is traditional, a mix of Parmesan and mozzarella gives wonderful flavor and stretch. Feel free to experiment with sharp cheddar or other cheeses you love for your own twist.
How do I make mini or jumbo cheese breads?
Simply adjust the size of the dough balls! For bite-sized appetizers, scoop smaller portions and decrease bake time by a couple of minutes. For bigger bread rolls, make larger balls and bake longer, watching for that perfect golden color.
Is Brazilian Cheese Bread gluten free?
Yes! Thanks to tapioca flour, these delicious cheese breads are entirely gluten free, making them a fantastic option for anyone avoiding wheat or gluten.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something joyfully irresistible about sharing a batch of homemade Brazilian Cheese Bread with loved ones. Whether you’re brewing a pot of coffee or hosting a party, don’t be surprised when these cheesy little clouds disappear in a flash—one taste and you’ll be hooked!
Print
Brazilian Cheese Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cheese breads 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
Description
This Brazilian Cheese Bread, known as Pão de Queijo, is a delicious gluten-free treat with a crispy exterior and a chewy, cheesy center. Perfect for snacking or as a side dish, these cheese breads are quick and easy to make.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups tapioca flour
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese (or half Parmesan, half mozzarella for extra stretch)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare Milk Mixture: In a medium saucepan, heat milk, butter, and salt until hot and butter is melted. Remove from heat.
- Mix Ingredients: Place tapioca flour in a bowl. Pour hot milk mixture over flour, stir, and let cool. Add cheese and eggs, mixing well.
- Form Dough: Shape dough into balls and place on baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes until puffed and golden. Serve warm.
Notes
- Brazilian cheese bread, or Pão de Queijo, is naturally gluten-free thanks to the tapioca flour.
- The dough can be frozen: shape into balls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
