Get ready to indulge in a delightful taste of Brazil with the Easiest Brazilian Cheese Bread, or Pão de Queijo! These irresistible little cheese puffs are not only gluten-free but are also incredibly simple to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. With a crispy exterior and a soft, cheesy center, they’re perfect for snacking, breakfast, or as a side dish at your next gathering. Trust us, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked! So, let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that will have your taste buds dancing!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Brazilian
Serves: 12 pieces
Ingredients
- 2 cups tapioca flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup grated cheese (Parmesan or mozzarella)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This allows the oven to reach the desired temperature while you prepare the dough.
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of milk and 1/2 cup of vegetable oil. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to let it boil.
- Once the milk and oil mixture is simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat. Gradually add 2 cups of tapioca flour and 1 teaspoon of salt to the mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon until well combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
- Allow the dough to cool for about 5 minutes. This will make it easier to handle when you add the eggs.
- After the dough has cooled slightly, add 2 eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The dough will become smoother and more elastic as you incorporate the eggs.
- Next, fold in 1 cup of grated cheese (you can use either Parmesan or mozzarella, or a combination of both) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or a light coating of oil to prevent the cheese bread from sticking.
- Using a spoon or a small cookie scoop, fill each cup of the mini muffin tin with the dough, filling them about 3/4 full. The dough will rise while baking, so make sure not to overfill.
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and the cheese bread has puffed up.
- Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Carefully remove the cheese bread from the tin and transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly.
- Serve the Pão de Queijo warm, either as a snack or as an accompaniment to your favorite meal. Enjoy!
Tips
- Choose Your Cheese Wisely: While Parmesan and mozzarella are traditional choices, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a unique flavor twist.
- Don’t Rush the Cooling: Allowing the dough to cool slightly before adding the eggs is crucial for a smooth texture. This step ensures the eggs don’t cook when added to the warm mixture.
- Perfect Portioning: Use a small cookie scoop to fill the muffin tin for even-sized cheese breads. This will help them bake uniformly and look appealing.
- Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so start checking your Pão de Queijo around the 20-minute mark. They’re done when the tops are golden and the dough has puffed up beautifully.
- Serve Them Warm: For the best taste experience, serve your cheese bread warm right out of the oven. They’re delightful on their own or paired with a dipping sauce!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 35mg
