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Authentic Pão de Queijo (Brazilian Cheese Bread)

Close-up of golden brazilian cheese bread, one broken open showing a gooey, melted cheese center.
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Make classic Brazilian cheese bread, Pão de Queijo, using tapioca flour for a naturally gluten-free treat with a crispy outside and chewy center.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups tapioca flour (sour or sweet)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (Parmesan, Mozzarella, or Minas cheese blend)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Combine the milk, oil, and salt in a small saucepan. Heat this mixture over medium heat until it just begins to boil. Remove from heat immediately.
  3. Place the tapioca flour in a large mixing bowl. Pour the hot milk mixture over the flour. Stir well with a wooden spoon until a thick, sticky dough forms. Let this mixture cool for about 10 minutes.
  4. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until the dough is smooth.
  5. Stir in the shredded cheese until it is evenly distributed throughout the dough. The dough will be sticky.
  6. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between them.
  7. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese bread puffs up and the exterior is lightly golden brown.
  8. Serve warm for the best texture.

Notes

  • For the best texture, use a blend of cheeses. Traditional recipes use Minas cheese, but a mix of Parmesan and Mozzarella works well.
  • If your dough is too wet to roll, add one tablespoon more of tapioca flour at a time until manageable.
  • You can freeze the unbaked dough balls. Place them on a tray in the freezer until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savoryskies.com/brazilian-cheese-bread-easy-pao-de-queijo-recipe/