Alfama Castle View Pão de Queijo

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Cheesy cornmeal bites with a hint of orange blossom, inspired by the castle views overlooking Lisbon's oldest neighborhood. This portuguese-inspired desserts ready in about 45 minutes layers cornstarch, mozzarella cheese, eggs into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 20 min Serves 12 Portuguese cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Grate 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Whisk 1 cup cornstarch, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp orange blossom water in a bowl. Melt 2 tbsp butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then remove from heat and whisk in 2 beaten eggs until fully combined.
  3. Step 3: Fold the egg mixture into the cornstarch mixture until a dough forms. Gently fold in 1/2 cup grated mozzarella and 1 tbsp chopped chives.
  4. Step 4: Scoop 1 tbsp portions onto the baking sheet, shaping into small balls. Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown and firm to the touch, rotating the pan halfway through cooking.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Alfama Castle View Pão de Queijo take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (25 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Alfama Castle View Pão de Queijo?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Alfama Castle View Pão de Queijo?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Alfama Castle View Pão de Queijo for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Alfama Castle View Pão de Queijo?

Portuguese desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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