If you have never tried authentic Brazilian cheese bread, you are in for a real treat with this Brazilian Cheese Bread Recipe. These delightful little rolls are irresistibly chewy on the inside with a lightly crisp exterior, packed with the rich, nutty flavor of parmesan and melty mozzarella. Made with simple ingredients like tapioca flour that give them their signature bounce and gluten-free charm, this recipe is perfect for a comforting snack or an impressive appetizer to share with friends and family. Trust me, once you bite into one warm from the oven, you’ll be hooked on this Brazilian classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Brazilian Cheese Bread Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a key role in delivering that signature texture and flavor that make these bites unforgettable. From silky whole milk to the stretchy tapioca flour and the sumptuous cheeses, every item on this list is essential.
- Whole milk: Adds moisture and tenderness to the dough, balancing the richness of the cheese.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the texture moist and contributes to a soft crust while enhancing shelf life.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and deepens the cheese notes.
- Tapioca flour: The gluten-free superstar that gives each bite its iconic chew and puff.
- Egg: Binds the dough together and lends a silky structure.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Provides a sharp, nutty flavor essential for authentic taste.
- Grated mozzarella cheese: Offers melty, gooey richness inside the bread.
How to Make Brazilian Cheese Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the dough base
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the whole milk, vegetable oil, and salt. Heat until it just reaches a simmer, which helps activate the starch in the tapioca flour later.
Step 2: Incorporate the tapioca flour
Remove the hot mixture from the heat and immediately add the tapioca flour. Stir vigorously until the mixture transforms into a sticky, cohesive dough. This step is crucial as the tapioca flour absorbs the liquid, creating the elastic base that defines the texture of Brazilian cheese bread. Let this dough cool for about 5 minutes to avoid scrambling the eggs in the next step.
Step 3: Add the egg and cheeses
Once the dough is cool to the touch, crack in the large egg and mix thoroughly until the dough is smooth and elastic. Now fold in the grated parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, stirring well to evenly distribute them throughout the dough. The cheeses not only add depth of flavor but also create delightful pockets of gooeyness when baked.
Step 4: Shape and bake
Using a tablespoon or your lightly oiled hands, portion the dough into small balls and place them on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure to leave a little space between each ball as they will puff up in the oven. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until the tops are beautifully puffed and lightly golden. The aroma alone will have you reaching for one immediately!
How to Serve Brazilian Cheese Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple to celebrate the cheesy bliss of this Brazilian Cheese Bread Recipe. A light sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper or a dusting of smoked paprika can add a subtle kick. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives also brighten up each bite without overpowering the cheese.
Side Dishes
These cheese breads are remarkably versatile. Serve them alongside a vibrant tomato salsa or a creamy guava jam for a sweet-and-savory pairing. They also pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a bowl of hearty soup, turning your appetizer into a complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party appetizer, consider stacking the Brazilian cheese breads on a decorative platter, garnished with small skewers of olives or cherry tomatoes. You can also slice them in half and stuff with a slice of ham or avocado to create mini sandwich bites that are sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This will keep their delicate texture intact without drying out.
Freezing
Brazilian cheese bread freezes beautifully. Arrange the unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring them to a freezer bag. They can be baked directly from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftover cheese breads in a preheated 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. This method restores their crisp exterior and warm, melty interior far better than microwaving, which can make them chewy.
FAQs
What makes Brazilian cheese bread unique?
This cheese bread is unique because it uses tapioca flour instead of wheat flour, giving it a chewy and elastic texture that’s naturally gluten-free. The combination of parmesan and mozzarella cheeses also creates a wonderful balance of sharp flavor and meltiness.
Can I use other cheeses?
Yes! While parmesan and mozzarella are traditional and ideal for this recipe, you can experiment with cheeses like cheddar or gouda. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture might change slightly, and the dough’s elasticity depends on the right cheese balance.
Is tapioca flour the same as tapioca starch?
Yes, tapioca flour and tapioca starch are generally interchangeable in this recipe. Both come from cassava root and are critical for achieving that chewy consistency in Brazilian cheese bread.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Dairy-free adaptations are tricky because cheese is the star ingredient. However, you might try using vegan cheeses that melt well, but expect a different texture and flavor. The dough texture from tapioca flour remains the same, but the cheesy richness will be replaced.
Why is my dough so sticky?
The sticky dough is completely normal and expected in this recipe. Tapioca flour creates a tacky, elastic dough that shouldn’t be dry or crumbly. Using lightly oiled hands helps when shaping the dough into balls without it sticking too much.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got this Brazilian Cheese Bread Recipe in your culinary toolkit, you’re ready to indulge in a batch of warm, cheesy perfection anytime. It’s a simple, satisfying snack that feels special enough for guests but easy enough for any day. Give it a try, share with loved ones, and prepare to fall in love with the chewy, cheesy magic that only Brazilian cheese bread can deliver!
Print
Brazilian Cheese Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 18 pieces
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Brazilian
- Diet: Gluten Free,Vegetarian
Description
Brazilian Cheese Bread, or Pão de Queijo, is a delightful gluten-free snack made with tapioca flour and cheese. These small, chewy rolls are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, featuring a cheesy flavor from parmesan and mozzarella. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, they are best enjoyed fresh and warm.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups tapioca flour
Cheeses
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Heat milk mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, vegetable oil, and salt. Heat over medium heat until the mixture just begins to simmer. Remove from heat immediately once simmering occurs.
- Incorporate tapioca flour: Add the tapioca flour all at once to the hot milk mixture and stir vigorously until a sticky, dough-like consistency forms. Allow this dough to cool for about 5 minutes to prevent the egg from cooking when added.
- Add egg: Mix in the large egg thoroughly until fully incorporated; the dough will become smoother and slightly elastic.
- Add cheeses: Stir in the grated parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until the dough is homogeneous and smooth.
- Shape dough: Using a tablespoon or lightly oiled hands, scoop or roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the tops are puffed up and lightly golden brown.
- Serve warm: Remove from oven and enjoy these cheese breads warm for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a stronger cheese flavor, use only parmesan cheese instead of both parmesan and mozzarella.
- The dough is naturally sticky; this is normal for Brazilian cheese bread and helps create the characteristic texture.
- These cheese breads are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven to regain their crispiness.
