Fried Cheese Pão de Queijo Bites
Mini Brazilian cheese bread balls with a crispy exterior and chewy, cheesy center, perfect as a snack or appetizer. This Brazilian-inspired recipe (gluten free), ready in about 30 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 150 calories and feeds 8, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups tapioca flour
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup whole milk and 1/4 cup vegetable oil. Heat over medium until just boiling, then remove from heat.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, place 1 1/2 cups tapioca flour and 1 teaspoon salt. Pour the hot milk and oil mixture over the tapioca flour, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until a sticky dough forms.
- Step 3: Let the dough cool for 10 minutes. Then mix in 1 large egg and 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and well combined.
- Step 4: Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F for frying.
- Step 5: Using a tablespoon, scoop out small balls of dough and carefully drop them into the hot oil. Fry in batches for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and puffed.
- Step 6: Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve warm as a cheesy, chewy snack.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Fried Cheese Pão de Queijo Bites take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Fried Cheese Pão de Queijo Bites?
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 Fried Cheese Pão de Queijo Bites?
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 Fried Cheese Pão de Queijo Bites for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Fried Cheese Pão de Queijo Bites 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.
