Cheese-Stuffed Pão de Queijo Rolls

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

Light and chewy Brazilian cheese bread rolls filled with melted mozzarella, perfect as a snack or accompaniment. This brazilian-inspired snacks (gluten free) ready in about 45 minutes turns tapioca flour, whole milk, vegetable oil 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 130 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: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 12 Brazilian cuisine 130 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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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 and 1/4 cup vegetable oil; heat over medium heat until it just begins to boil, then remove from heat.
  3. Step 3: Immediately pour the hot liquid into a large bowl containing 1 1/2 cups tapioca flour and 1 tsp salt; stir vigorously until combined and a sticky dough forms.
  4. Step 4: Let the dough cool for 5 minutes, then beat in 2 large eggs one at a time until smooth and elastic.
  5. Step 5: Mix in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese until evenly incorporated.
  6. Step 6: With lightly oiled hands, form dough into 12 small balls, flatten each ball slightly, place a 1-inch cube of mozzarella cheese in the center, and seal the dough around the cheese forming a smooth roll.
  7. Step 7: Place rolls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until puffed and lightly golden on top; serve warm to enjoy melted cheese inside.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cheese-Stuffed Pão de Queijo Rolls take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 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 Cheese-Stuffed Pão de Queijo Rolls?

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 Cheese-Stuffed Pão de Queijo Rolls?

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 Cheese-Stuffed Pão de Queijo Rolls 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 Cheese-Stuffed Pão de Queijo Rolls 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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