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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

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.

Equipment for this recipe

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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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