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Quick Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo)

Brazilian Cheese Bread Pao de Quiejo
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Pão de Queijo (aka Brazilian Cheese Bread) is a traditional snack that originated from Minas Gerais, Brazil. My college roommate Ananda first introduced me to this delectable snack at a Brazilian culture event and I’ve been hooked on these ever since!

Since then, after LOTS of testing and tweaking, I’m glad to say we’ve perfected the recipe to make a delicious (and quick!) batch of Pão de Queijo that tastes just like the real thing!

Seriously, these Brazilian cheese balls are so incredibly crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and 100% addicting! You can enjoy it plain as a snack, or pair it with different toppings! Oh, did I mention it’s naturally gluten-free and vegetarian?

Let’s get to it!

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What You Need to Make Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo)

  • ⅓ cup olive oil , sub melted butter
  • 1 cup milk, regular or plant-based
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • 2 ¼ cups tapioca flour or tapioca starch
  • 1 cup queijo minas cheese (or a blend of Parmesan cheese, mozzarella, and/or cheddar cheese)
  • 2 eggs, beaten

How to Make Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo)

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat .
  2. Add olive oil, milk, and salt into a saucepan on high heat. Once it comes to a boil, turn off the heat and remove from the burner.
  3. In a large bowl, add tapioca flour and pour in the hot liquid mixture. Mix with a spatula or wooden spoon until combined.
  4. When the dough is cool to touch, add in the eggs and cheese and knead until smooth.
  5. Allow the mixture to rest for 15-20 minutes to firm up. Then, using a cookie scoop, take a heaping tablespoon of the “dough” and place the cheese balls on the prepared baking sheet. Alternatively, you can also pour the batter into a mini muffin pan.
  6. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until cheese balls are puffed and golden.
  7. Serve immediately. ENJOY!

Why are My Brazillian Cheese Balls Chewy?

If you think something went wrong because your cheese balls turn out chewy, think again! Pão de Queijo is made with tapioca flour or tapioca starch for a specific reason: to make it light, airy, and chewy.

In fact, pao de queijo is very similar to the texture of Mochi Bread you might find in Asian bakeries. So if you notice that this Brazilian cheese bread has a different texture than your normal yeast bread, you’re right!

Is pao de queijo a breakfast food?

Yes, “pão de queijo” is a popular Brazilian cheese bread that is often enjoyed as a breakfast food.

In Brazil, it’s common to have pão de queijo with coffee or as a snack throughout the day, but it’s especially popular for breakfast.

What do you eat with Pao de Quiejo?


Pão de queijo can be enjoyed on its own as a delicious snack, but it’s also commonly served with various accompaniments. Here are some common ways people eat pão de queijo:

  • Coffee or Tea: Pão de queijo pairs exceptionally well with coffee or tea. The savory cheese flavor complements the warmth and bitterness of coffee – give it a try!
  • Fruit Juices: Many people enjoy pão de queijo with fruit juices too, such as orange juice or tropical fruit blends.
  • Butter: Some people like to spread a bit of butter on their pão de queijo for an extra layer of richness and flavor.
  • Creamy Dips: Pão de queijo can be served with various creamy dips. Cream cheese, aioli, or other cheese-based dips work here.
  • Jams or Preserves: Sweet accompaniments like jams or fruit preserves can provide a contrast to the savoriness of pão de queijo.
  • Ham or Sausages: For a heartier option, some people enjoy pão de queijo with slices of ham or sausages. This savory combination is popular for breakfast or as a more substantial snack.
  • Minas Gerais Cuisine: In the region of Minas Gerais in Brazil, where pão de queijo is particularly popular, it might be served with other local dishes. For example, it could be part of a breakfast spread that includes regional cheeses, cured meats, and traditional Minas Gerais specialties.

Can you reheat Brazilian cheese bread?


Yes! Reheating Brazilian cheese bread (pão de queijo) is easy. Here are a couple of methods you can use:

  1. Oven or Toaster Oven:
    • Preheat your oven or toaster oven to around 350°F (175°C).
    • Place the pão de queijo on a baking sheet or directly on the oven rack.
    • Heat for about 5-7 minutes or until they are warm and the exterior becomes a bit crispy.
  2. Microwave:
    • For a quick fix, you can use the microwave.
    • Place the pão de queijo on a microwave-safe plate.
    • Heat in short intervals (about 15-20 seconds at a time) to prevent them from becoming too chewy. Check after each interval until they reach the desired warmth.
  3. Air Fryer:
    • If you have an air fryer, it’s another excellent option.
    • Preheat the air fryer to around 350°F (175°C).
    • Place the pão de queijo in the air fryer basket and heat for a few minutes until warm and slightly crispy.

Remember to keep an eye on them while reheating to avoid overcooking. The goal is to get them warm without losing their delightful texture.


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Brazilian Cheese Bread Pao de Quiejo

Quick Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo)

DWELL by Michelle
Pão de Queijo (aka Brazilian Cheese Bread) is a traditional snack that originated from Minas Gerais, Brazil. Made with tapioca flour, parmesan cheese, and olive oil, this Pão de Queijo recipe makes 24 delicious cheese balls that are incredibly crispy on the outside, and gooey on the inside! Enjoy it plain as a snack, or pair it with marinara sauce for a delightful appetizer! Gluten-free and vegetarian.
4.86 from 14 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine Brazilian
Servings 24 servings
Calories 236 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • cup olive oil , sub melted butter
  • 1 cup milk , regular or plant-based
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • 2 ¼ cups tapioca flour or tapioca starch
  • 1 cup queijo minas cheese (or a blend of Parmesan cheese, mozzarella, and/or cheddar cheese)
  • 2 eggs , beaten

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
  • Add olive oil, milk, and salt into a saucepan on high heat. Once it comes to a boil, turn off the heat and remove from the burner.
  • In a large bowl, add tapioca flour and pour in the hot liquid mixture. Mix with a spatula until combined.
  • When dough is cool to touch, add in the eggs and cheese and knead until smooth.
  • Allow the mixture to rest for 15-20 minutes to firm up. Then, using a cookie scoop, take a heaping tablespoon of the "dough" and place the cheese balls on the prepared baking sheet. Alternatively, you can also pour the batter into a mini muffin pan.
  • Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until cheese balls are puffed and golden.
  • Serve immediately. ENJOY!

Nutrition

Calories: 236kcal
Keyword cheese bread, pao de quiejo, quick and authentic brazillian recipes, tapioca flour
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Copyright © All Rights Reserved. Content is written by Michelle Schmidt of dwellbymichelle.com

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24 Comments

  1. At first the mixture didnt come together and was crumbly so I added some milk and it ended up being super delicious!

      1. Hi Eliza! These are always best when made fresh, but I’ve definitely made them the night before too and they will work! You can either microwave them for about 15-30 seconds (the fast way) or bake them in at 350 F for about 10 minutes when ready to eat the next day (the best way)

  2. 5 stars
    Would!Good looking and delicious indeed.Something to surprise family and friends with.I want to learn more from your receipes.

  3. Do I have to use tapioca flour, or can I sub regular flour? Hate to buy something that I only need a small amount than waste the rest.

    1. Hey Kimmy! Traditionally, pao de quiejo is made with tapioca flour. I’ve not tested with regular flour but knowing the textural difference between regular and tapioca flour, unfortunately I can’t recommend using regular flour.

  4. These look absolutely amazing and I think they would be a great addition on a chilly evening with a bowl of soup. I have one question as to the cheese; is it grated or crumbled? From the looks of the finished result, and the pockets, I assume the cheese has more texture than a pillow of grated cloud 🙂 Thanks for sharing!

  5. Please clarify: the ingtedient 1/2 cup Oliver i’ll,submelted butter- is this olive oil and melted butter combined? Where can you find Tapioca flour?