Authentic Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo) Recipe
Authentic Brazilian Cheese Bread, known as Pão de Queijo, is a deliciously chewy, cheesy snack made with tapioca flour and a blend of Parmesan and Mozzarella cheeses. This naturally gluten-free bread is light, airy, and perfect for serving warm as an appetizer or snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 30 cheese bread balls
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Brazilian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups tapioca flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 6 tablespoons oil
- 2 large eggs
Cheeses
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position a rack in the middle of the oven to ensure even cooking.
- Heat Liquids: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the milk, water, oil, and salt and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Mix Tapioca Flour: Place the tapioca flour in the bowl of a stand mixer. Once the liquid mixture boils, pour it over the tapioca flour. Turn the mixer on and mix until the texture becomes white, sticky, and fondant-like.
- Add Eggs: With the mixer running, add the eggs one at a time. Although the dough is sticky and thick, continue mixing until the eggs are fully incorporated.
- Incorporate Cheese: Gradually add the grated Parmesan and shredded Mozzarella cheese in small batches, mixing well after each addition until fully combined. The dough should remain soft and sticky.
- Adjust Dough Consistency: If the dough feels too liquid, add a bit more tapioca flour carefully to avoid making the bread tough.
- Shape Balls: Wet your hands with cold water. Use a spoon to scoop out dough and shape it into balls slightly smaller than golf balls.
- Bake: Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and puffed.
- Serve Warm: Enjoy your Pão de Queijo warm, right out of the oven for the best gooey and cheesy experience.
Notes
- To freeze, shape the dough balls and arrange them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a ziplock bag and store for up to 3 months.
- When ready to bake from frozen, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the frozen dough balls for 25-30 minutes until golden and puffed.
