Baked Pão de Queijo with Aged Cheddar and Mozzarella

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

Light, chewy Brazilian cheese breads filled with melted cheese, baked to golden perfection. This brazilian ready in about 40 minutes pairs tapioca flour, all-purpose flour, aged cheddar cheese 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: 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 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup tapioca flour, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, and 1/4 tsp salt.
  3. Step 3: In a small saucepan, heat 3/4 cup milk and 1 tbsp butter over medium heat until butter melts and milk is warm (do not boil). Pour mixture into flour mixture and stir until a dough forms. Let cool for 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup shredded aged cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese until evenly distributed. Drop tablespoon-sized portions onto prepared baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
  5. Step 5: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and puffed. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Pão de Queijo with Aged Cheddar and Mozzarella 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 with Aged Cheddar and Mozzarella?

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 with Aged Cheddar and Mozzarella?

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 with Aged Cheddar and Mozzarella 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 Pão de Queijo with Aged Cheddar and Mozzarella?

Brazilian brazilian 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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