Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo)

Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo)

Introduction:
Golden on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside — Brazilian Cheese Bread, known as Pão de Queijo, is one of Brazil’s most beloved snacks. Made from tapioca flour and cheese, it has a naturally gluten-free texture that’s both airy and stretchy, offering a delightful combination of crispness and chewiness in every bite. Traditionally enjoyed with coffee for breakfast or as an afternoon treat, this simple yet addictive bread captures the warmth and hospitality of Brazilian home baking.

Body:
What makes Pão de Queijo unique is its use of tapioca flour, which gives the bread its signature elasticity and lightness. The dough is enriched with eggs, milk, oil, and grated cheese — usually a mix of Parmesan and mozzarella or the Brazilian Minas cheese. When baked, the rolls puff up beautifully, creating hollow centers filled with irresistible cheesy aroma.

The preparation is surprisingly easy: the flour is mixed with hot liquid to partially cook it, forming a soft dough that’s then blended with eggs and cheese until smooth. Each piece is shaped into small balls or oval rolls before baking to golden perfection. The result is a basket of cheesy puffs that are crisp on the outside and wonderfully gooey inside.

Whether served warm from the oven, stuffed with more cheese, or paired with coffee, Pão de Queijo is the kind of comfort food that never disappoints. It’s versatile, quick to make, and perfect for sharing — a true taste of Brazil that’s loved worldwide.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups tapioca flour (also called cassava starch)

• 1 cup milk

• ½ cup vegetable oil or butter

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 large eggs

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• 1½ cups grated cheese (Parmesan, mozzarella, or Minas cheese)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven: Set to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Heat the liquids: In a saucepan, combine the milk, oil, and salt. Bring just to a boil, then remove from heat.

3. Mix with flour: Pour the hot mixture over the tapioca flour in a large bowl. Stir with a spoon until the flour is well moistened and slightly sticky. Let cool for a few minutes.

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4. Add eggs and cheese: Once cooled enough to handle, mix in the eggs one at a time, then add the grated cheese. Stir or knead until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

5. Shape the rolls: Grease your hands lightly with oil and form small balls or oval shapes. Place them on the baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece.

6. Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. Do not overbake — they should stay soft inside.

7. Serve: Enjoy warm, straight from the oven.

Conclusion:
Brazilian Cheese Bread is a culinary treasure that perfectly balances simplicity and flavor. Its chewy, cheesy texture makes it impossible to eat just one. Whether you’re enjoying it with morning coffee, serving it as a party snack, or savoring it fresh from the oven, each bite delivers pure comfort. With its crisp crust and soft, stretchy interior, Pão de Queijo proves that sometimes the simplest recipes create the most unforgettable experiences. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen — warm, cheesy, and delightfully irresistible.