Creamy Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo)

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

Soft, chewy, and cheesy gluten-free bread balls made from tapioca flour and Parmesan, perfect for a snack or breakfast. This brazilian-inspired gluten free ready in about 40 minutes pairs whole milk, vegetable oil, kosher salt 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 rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 12 Brazilian cuisine 110 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup whole milk, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Heat until the mixture is just about to boil and small bubbles appear at the edges, about 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately add 2 cups tapioca flour, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until smooth and a sticky dough forms.
  3. Step 3: Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and allow it to cool slightly for 5 minutes. Then, beat in 2 large eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
  4. Step 4: Fold in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese until evenly distributed. Using a tablespoon, scoop dough and roll into 1.5-inch balls, placing them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
  5. Step 5: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the tops are lightly golden and the pães de queijo puff up. Serve warm for a cheesy, chewy bite.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamy Brazilian Cheese 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 Creamy Brazilian Cheese 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 Creamy Brazilian Cheese 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 Creamy Brazilian Cheese 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 Creamy Brazilian Cheese 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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