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Authentic Pão de Queijo: Easy Gluten-Free Brazilian Cheese Bread

A stack of golden-brown Brazilian cheese bread puffs, with one broken open showing the gooey, melted cheese interior.
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Create the perfect Pão de Queijo, the classic Brazilian cheese bread. This recipe delivers a crispy exterior and a wonderfully chewy, cheesy center. It is naturally gluten-free and simple to make for breakfast or as an appetizer.

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 Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, oil, and salt. Heat this mixture over medium heat until it just begins to boil. Remove from heat immediately.
  3. In a large bowl, place the tapioca flour. Pour the hot milk mixture over the flour. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture is well combined and forms a thick, sticky paste. Let this cool for about 10 minutes.
  4. Add the eggs to the cooled tapioca mixture one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated. The dough will look loose.
  5. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  6. Using lightly oiled hands, scoop out portions of the dough (about 1.5 tablespoons each) and roll them into small balls. Place the balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese bread puffs up and the exterior is lightly golden brown.
  8. Serve warm to enjoy the best chewy texture.

Notes

  • For the best texture, use a combination of cheeses. Parmesan adds flavor, and mozzarella helps with the stretch.
  • If you want a copycat version similar to Texas de Brazil cheese bread, ensure your cheese blend is rich and salty.
  • This dough can be made ahead of time. Roll the balls and freeze them on a tray. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5 to 7 minutes to the baking time.

Nutrition

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