Baked Pão de Queijo Brazilian Cheese Bread

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Light and airy Brazilian cheese breads with a chewy crust and cheesy interior, perfect for breakfast or a snack. This brazilian (gluten-free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs tapioca flour, whole milk, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 110 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: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 12 Brazilian cuisine 110 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup whole milk, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, and 1 tsp salt; heat over medium heat until just boiling, then immediately remove from heat.
  3. Step 3: Pour the hot milk mixture over 2 cups tapioca flour in a large mixing bowl, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until smooth and sticky.
  4. Step 4: Allow the dough to cool slightly for 5 minutes, then beat in 2 large eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
  5. Step 5: Fold in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese thoroughly, resulting in a sticky, elastic dough.
  6. Step 6: Using wet hands, form 1.5-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
  7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the tops are lightly golden and puffed.
  8. Step 8: Remove from oven and serve warm to enjoy the cheese’s gooey center and soft texture.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Pão de Queijo Brazilian Cheese Bread 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 Pão de Queijo Brazilian Cheese Bread?

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 tapioca flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Pão de Queijo Brazilian Cheese Bread?

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 Pão de Queijo Brazilian Cheese Bread 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 Pão de Queijo Brazilian Cheese Bread 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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