Baked Manioc Flour Cheese Bites

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Chewy Brazilian cheese bites made with manioc flour and sharp cheddar, baked until golden with a crisp exterior. This Brazilian-inspired recipe, ready in about 40 minutes, turns manioc flour, whole milk, sharp cheddar cheese into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 12, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. 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: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 12 Brazilian cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking sheet with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
  2. Step 2: Whisk 1 cup manioc flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon white pepper in a medium bowl, then stir in 1/2 cup whole milk and 1 large egg until a soft dough forms; if too dry, add 1 teaspoon milk.
  3. Step 3: Mix in 1 cup grated sharp cheddar until evenly distributed, then form 1-inch balls using a small cookie scoop.
  4. Step 4: Place balls on the greased baking sheet, brush with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown around the edges.
  5. Step 5: Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Manioc Flour Cheese Bites take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 Manioc Flour Cheese Bites?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Manioc Flour Cheese Bites?

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 Manioc Flour Cheese Bites 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 Baked Manioc Flour Cheese Bites?

Brazilian snacks 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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