Brazilian Cheese and Cassava Bread (Pão de Queijo)
Light and airy Brazilian cheese breads made from cassava starch, perfect for a gluten-free snack or breakfast treat. This brazilian-inspired gluten free (gluten-free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs tapioca starch (cassava flour), 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.
Ingredients
- 2 cups tapioca starch (cassava flour)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a mini muffin tin or line with paper liners.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup whole milk and 1/2 cup vegetable oil. Heat over medium heat until it just begins to boil, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and immediately pour the hot milk and oil mixture over 2 cups tapioca starch in a large bowl. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until smooth and slightly cool to the touch.
- Step 4: Add 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is glossy and sticky.
- Step 5: Fold in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese, and 1 tsp salt until evenly combined.
- Step 6: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, fill the prepared muffin tin cups about 3/4 full with dough. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the tops are puffed and lightly golden.
- Step 7: Remove from oven and serve warm for best texture and flavor.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Brazilian Cheese and Cassava Bread (Pão de Queijo) 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 Brazilian Cheese and Cassava Bread (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 Brazilian Cheese and Cassava Bread (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 Brazilian Cheese and Cassava Bread (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 Brazilian Cheese and Cassava Bread (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.
