Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pao de Queijo) Recipe
Brazilian Cheese Bread, or Pão de Queijo, is a delightful gluten-free snack originating from Brazil. These bite-sized cheese breads are naturally chewy, airy, and packed with the rich flavors of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Made primarily with tapioca flour, they have a unique texture and are perfect as an appetizer, breakfast treat, or snack served warm straight from the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 24 mini cheese breads (depending on the size of your mini muffin pan) 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Brazilian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups tapioca flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil (avocado oil or light olive oil)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare several mini muffin pans by spraying them generously with nonstick cooking spray or brushing them with oil to prevent sticking.
- Blend Ingredients: In a blender, combine all the ingredients—tapioca flour, whole milk, eggs, vegetable oil, shredded cheddar, shredded mozzarella, salt, and garlic powder. Cover and blend until the mixture is smooth and frothy, ensuring a well-incorporated batter with some airiness.
- Portion the Batter: Use a spoon to carefully fill each well of the prepared mini muffin pans about three-quarters full with the batter to allow room for rising.
- Bake: Place the muffin pans in the preheated oven and bake undisturbed for 19 to 20 minutes. The cheese breads should puff up and achieve a golden exterior.
- Repeat if Needed: If you have remaining batter, blend it again for about 30 seconds to create more froth, then re-spray and refill the muffin pans. Bake as before. Serve the cheese breads warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Using tapioca flour is essential for the authentic chewy texture of Pão de Queijo.
- Make sure the batter is blended well and frothy for a light, airy bread.
- The cheese bread is best served warm, fresh from the oven.
- You can substitute the vegetable oil with avocado or light olive oil for a healthier option.
- These are naturally gluten-free, making them suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Keywords: Brazilian cheese bread, Pão de Queijo, gluten-free snack, tapioca flour bread, cheesy appetizer, Brazilian recipe
