Baked Cheese and Cassava Bread Rolls (Pão de Queijo)

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Soft and chewy Brazilian cheese bread made with cassava flour and baked until golden, perfect for a savory snack or breakfast. This brazilian-inspired brazilian (gluten free) ready in about 45 minutes pairs tapioca flour (cassava starch), whole milk, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 12, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 12 Brazilian cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.
  2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup whole milk and 1/2 cup vegetable oil. Heat over medium until just boiling.
  3. Step 3: Remove from heat and immediately add 2 cups tapioca flour and 1 tsp salt, stirring vigorously until a sticky dough forms.
  4. Step 4: Let dough cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to a stand mixer bowl fitted with a paddle attachment.
  5. Step 5: Add 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until smooth and elastic.
  6. Step 6: Fold in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese until evenly incorporated.
  7. Step 7: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion dough into the prepared muffin tin filling each cup about 3/4 full.
  8. Step 8: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and puffed, with a chewy interior.
  9. Step 9: Serve warm as a snack or alongside coffee.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Cheese and Cassava Bread Rolls (Pão de Queijo) take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Cheese and Cassava Bread Rolls (Pão de Queijo)?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep whole milk from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Cheese and Cassava Bread Rolls (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 Baked Cheese and Cassava Bread Rolls (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.

Is Baked Cheese and Cassava Bread Rolls (Pão de Queijo) gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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