Pão de Queijo | Brazilian Cheese Bread Recipe
Introduction
Pão de Queijo, or Brazilian cheese bread, is a delightful snack known for its crispy exterior and chewy, cheesy interior. These bite-sized treats are quick to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Enjoy a warm, authentic taste of Brazil right from your oven.
Ingredients
- 1 cup tapioca flour
- 1/2 cup milk (room temperature)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2: In a blender or food processor, combine the tapioca flour, milk, vegetable oil, salt, and egg.
- Step 3: Pulse a few times until the mixture forms a smooth batter.
- Step 4: Add the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, then pulse a couple more times just to combine.
- Step 5: Liberally grease a mini muffin pan to prevent sticking.
- Step 6: Fill each muffin cup halfway with the batter, leaving space for the bread to puff up.
- Step 7: Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the breads are crusty on the outside and lightly browned. Fifteen minutes is usually enough.
- Step 8: Remove the pan from the oven and let the breads cool for a couple of minutes in the pan.
- Step 9: Carefully remove the Pão de Queijo from the pan, place in a bowl, and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Use a blend of cheeses like Parmesan or Gouda for a different flavor profile.
- Ensure the egg and milk are at room temperature to help the batter combine smoothly.
- Try adding a pinch of garlic powder or fresh herbs for a savory twist.
- Do not fill the muffin cups completely; the bread needs room to rise and puff.
Storage
Store any leftover Pão de Queijo in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them chewy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make Pão de Queijo without a food processor?
Yes, you can mix the ingredients by hand using a whisk and a sturdy spoon, but the batter might be less smooth. Blending helps achieve the characteristic texture.
Is tapioca flour the same as tapioca starch?
Yes, tapioca flour and tapioca starch are the same product and can be used interchangeably in this recipe.
PrintPão de Queijo | Brazilian Cheese Bread Recipe
Pão de Queijo is a traditional Brazilian cheese bread that is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, made from tapioca flour and a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. This recipe is quick and easy, requiring just 20 minutes to prepare 18 delicious mini cheese breads, perfect for snacking or serving as an appetizer.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 18 mini cheese breads 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Brazilian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup Tapioca flour
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 cup Mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup Cheddar cheese
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Milk (room temperature)
- 1/4 cup Vegetable oil
- 1 Large egg (room temperature)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F to get it ready for baking the cheese bread.
- Combine ingredients: In a blender or food processor, add tapioca flour, milk, vegetable oil, salt, and the egg. Blend until you achieve a smooth batter.
- Add cheese: Add the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses to the batter, pulsing just a couple of times to combine without over-blending.
- Prepare muffin pan: Grease a mini muffin pan liberally to prevent the bread from sticking.
- Fill muffin cups: Spoon the batter into each hole, filling them halfway to allow sufficient room for the bread to puff up during baking.
- Bake: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the breads are crusty on the outside and lightly browned. The baking typically takes around 15 minutes.
- Cool and serve: Remove the pan from the oven and let the breads sit for a couple of minutes before carefully removing them. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the egg and milk are at room temperature for better batter consistency.
- Use a well-greased mini muffin pan to easily remove the breads after baking.
- Filling the muffin cups halfway is important to allow the breads to puff up properly.
- Serve warm for the characteristic chewy interior and crispy crust.
- Pão de Queijo is best eaten fresh but can be reheated in the oven to refresh the texture.
Keywords: Pão de Queijo, Brazilian cheese bread, tapioca bread, gluten free snack, cheese muffin, easy Brazilian recipe
