Brazilian Cheese and Cassava Bread (Pão de Queijo)

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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. 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

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a mini 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 heat until it just begins to boil, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. 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.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is glossy and sticky.
  5. Step 5: Fold in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese, and 1 tsp salt until evenly combined.
  6. 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.
  7. Step 7: Remove from oven and serve warm for best texture and flavor.

Equipment for this recipe

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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.

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