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Brazilian Cheese Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 67 reviews

Brazilian Cheese Bread, or Pão de Queijo, is a delightful gluten-free treat known for its chewy texture and cheesy flavor. Made with tapioca flour and shredded Minas cheese, these small baked rolls are perfect for breakfast or as a savory snack. The dough is simple to prepare, combining warm milk and oil with eggs, then mixed with tapioca flour and cheese before baking to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup Whole milk (Do not boil)
  • 1/2 cup Vegetable oil (Neutral flavor preferred)
  • 2 cups Tapioca flour (Key to chewy texture)
  • 2 cups Shredded Minas cheese (Or Parmesan / cheddar mix)
  • 2 large Eggs (Room temperature)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (To taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper (Optional for flavor)

Instructions

  1. Heat Milk and Oil: In a saucepan, heat the whole milk and vegetable oil together until the mixture is steaming but not boiling. This step ensures the fat is well blended and helps soften the tapioca flour later.
  2. Blend Wet Ingredients: Transfer the hot milk and oil mixture to a blender. Add the eggs, salt, and black pepper if using. Blend until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
  3. Add Tapioca Flour: With the blender running, gradually add the tapioca flour. Continue blending until the dough thickens and becomes elastic.
  4. Mix in Cheese: Remove the dough from the blender and stir in the shredded Minas cheese thoroughly. The cheese adds flavor and helps with the texture.
  5. Chill Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. Chilling firms the dough and makes it easier to handle.
  6. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  7. Shape Dough Balls: Using your hands, roll the chilled dough into small, golf-ball-sized balls. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
  8. Bake: Bake the dough balls in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they puff up and turn a beautiful golden color on top.
  9. Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and serve the Brazilian cheese bread warm for the best chewy texture and cheesy flavor.

Notes

  • Use room temperature eggs to ensure better incorporation into the dough.
  • Do not boil the milk and oil; just heat until steaming to avoid affecting the dough’s texture.
  • For a variation, substitute Minas cheese with a mix of Parmesan and cheddar cheeses.
  • These cheese breads are best enjoyed fresh and warm but can be reheated in an oven to restore their chewiness.
  • Tapioca flour is essential for the classic chewy texture; do not substitute with other flours.

Keywords: Brazilian cheese bread, Pão de Queijo, tapioca bread, gluten free snack, baked cheese rolls, Minas cheese bread, Brazilian snack

Find it online: https://tastewithamy.com/brazilian-cheese-bread-recipe/