Crisp Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo)
Light and airy Brazilian cheese bread made with tapioca flour and sharp Parmesan, perfect as a gluten-free snack or breakfast treat. This brazilian-inspired gluten free ready in about 45 minutes pairs whole milk, water, vegetable oil 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 2 cups tapioca flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup whole milk, 1/2 cup water, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, and 1 tsp kosher salt; bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Step 3: Remove saucepan from heat and immediately add 2 cups tapioca flour, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until mixture is smooth and forms a sticky dough.
- Step 4: Transfer dough to a mixing bowl; let cool for 10 minutes, then beat in 2 large eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
- Step 5: Fold in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese until evenly mixed.
- Step 6: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop 1.5-inch rounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Step 7: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese breads puff up and turn golden brown; remove and cool slightly before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Crisp Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo) 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 Crisp 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 Crisp 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 Crisp 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 Crisp 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
So easy to make and perfect for a snack. The cheese flavor is spot on.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! The crust was perfectly crisp and the inside was soft.
- ★★★★★
These are the best gluten-free cheese bread I've ever made! My whole family devoured them.
