Easy Brazilian Cheese Bread Recipe

If you’ve never tried Easy Brazilian Cheese Bread, get ready for a delightful surprise that’s irresistibly cheesy, wonderfully chewy, and surprisingly simple to make. This beloved Brazilian snack, also known as pão de queijo, combines a handful of everyday ingredients with tapioca flour to create these bite-sized, golden puffs that melt in your mouth. Whether you’re serving them as a comforting snack or alongside your favorite meal, this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite for its ease and unbeatable flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about simplicity and the magic that happens when a few well-chosen ingredients come together. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and aroma that makes Easy Brazilian Cheese Bread so unforgettable.

• 1 large egg, room temperature: Acts as a binder and adds richness to the dough.
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil: Provides moisture and a subtle fruity note that complements the cheese.
• 2/3 cup milk: Brings creaminess and helps to hydrate the tapioca flour perfectly.
• 1 1/2 cups (170 g) tapioca flour: The star ingredient that gives the bread its signature chewy texture and gluten-free appeal.
• 1/2 cup (66 g) packed grated or crumbled cheese: Use your favorite cheese for flavor—Parmesan, mozzarella, or a local cheese works beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the taste and balances the richness; feel free to adjust to your preference.

How to Make Easy Brazilian Cheese Bread

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F, ensuring it’s nice and hot for that perfect rise and golden crust. Grease a non-stick mini muffin tin lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking and help the cheese bread crisp up on the outside while staying tender inside.

Step 2: Blend the Ingredients

Pop the egg, olive oil, milk, tapioca flour, cheese, and salt into a blender. Pulse until everything comes together into a smooth batter. You might need to pause and scrape down the sides with a spatula to make sure every bit is incorporated evenly—the resulting texture should be silky and slightly thick.

Step 3: Chill (Optional) and Prepare to Bake

If you want to make these ahead, simply cover the batter and refrigerate for up to a week. When ready to bake, bring the batter back to room temperature and give it a quick whisk to revive its silky consistency. This step makes your Easy Brazilian Cheese Bread even more convenient to enjoy anytime.

Step 4: Fill the Mini Muffin Tin

Carefully pour or spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cup almost to the top but leaving a tiny gap (about 1/8 inch) to allow the bread to puff up without overflowing. This ensures those perfectly round, bite-sized puffs you’re after.

Step 5: Bake Until Puffy and Golden

Bake the batter at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they blossom into puffed, lightly browned gems with a slightly crisp exterior. Once baked, transfer them to a rack and let the Easy Brazilian Cheese Bread cool for a few minutes—this resting time helps them set just right.

How to Serve Easy Brazilian Cheese Bread

Garnishes

While these cheese breads are delicious on their own, you can elevate them by sprinkling a touch of fresh herbs like finely chopped parsley or oregano right after baking. A small dab of garlic butter or a drizzle of honey on the side adds a fantastic flavor contrast that keeps your guests coming back for more.

Side Dishes

Easy Brazilian Cheese Bread pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Serve them alongside a hot bowl of Brazilian black bean stew (feijoada), fresh salads, or even a cup of rich coffee or tea for an authentic snack experience. They also complement grilled meats brilliantly, making them perfect for any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these golden bites into party stars by arranging them in a basket lined with a colorful cloth, or stack them in a pyramid shape on a platter to showcase their fluffiness. For a playful twist, stuff them with small pieces of cooked sausage or sautéed mushrooms before baking for a tantalizing surprise inside.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extras, no worries! Store leftover Easy Brazilian Cheese Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for one day or in the fridge for up to a week. This helps keep their chewy softness intact while preventing them from drying out.

Freezing

To keep your Easy Brazilian Cheese Bread on hand longer, freeze them for up to a month. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy, just take out the desired amount and prepare to warm them back up.

Reheating

Reheat your cheese breads by microwaving for a few seconds to regain softness, or use a toaster oven or regular oven for 1 to 2 minutes to restore crisp outside and chewy inside perfection. A low oven will thaw frozen puffs deliciously without compromising their texture.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of tapioca flour?

Tapioca flour is the key to achieving that classic chewy texture in Brazilian cheese bread. Using regular wheat flour will change the texture completely and won’t give you the characteristic stretch and bounce of the original recipe.

What types of cheese work best for this recipe?

Traditional recipes often use Minas cheese if you can find it, but Parmesan, mozzarella, or even a sharp cheddar can be delicious. Choose a cheese you love that melts well and provides a nice savory kick.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Tapioca flour is naturally gluten-free, making this Easy Brazilian Cheese Bread a great option for those avoiding gluten, as long as you use gluten-free cheese and other ingredients.

Can I make this dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the batter and refrigerate it for up to one week. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before baking and give it a quick whisk to restore its smooth texture.

Why is my cheese bread not puffing up?

If your cheese bread doesn’t puff, it might be due to oven temperature being too low or batter consistency being off. Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F and that you’re using fresh tapioca flour and proper measurements of liquids and eggs for the best rise.

Final Thoughts

Making Easy Brazilian Cheese Bread is one of those joyful kitchen moments where simple ingredients create something truly special. With its chewy texture, cheesy goodness, and warm aroma, this recipe invites you to share a little taste of Brazil anytime you want. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to this delightful, easy-to-make favorite that’s sure to impress everyone at your table.

Print