Golden Cheesy Tapioca Bread (Pão de Queijo) with Cheddar and Parmesan
Chewy, golden cheese rolls made with tapioca flour and a blend of sharp cheddar and nutty Parmesan, ideal for breakfast or snacks. This brazilian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 35 minutes pairs tapioca flour, whole milk, finely grated shredded cheddar cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 8, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup tapioca flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup, finely grated shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup, finely grated shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons, melted unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium saucepan, heat 1 cup whole milk over medium heat until simmering (do not boil), then remove from heat.
- Step 2: Stir 1 cup tapioca flour into the hot milk until fully combined and smooth. Add 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a ball that pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Step 3: Scoop 1 tablespoon portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy around the edges, rotating the pan halfway through.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Golden Cheesy Tapioca Bread (Pão de Queijo) with Cheddar and Parmesan take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Golden Cheesy Tapioca Bread (Pão de Queijo) with Cheddar and Parmesan?
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 tapioca flour from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Golden Cheesy Tapioca Bread (Pão de Queijo) with Cheddar and Parmesan?
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 Golden Cheesy Tapioca Bread (Pão de Queijo) with Cheddar and Parmesan 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.
What goes well with Golden Cheesy Tapioca Bread (Pão de Queijo) with Cheddar and Parmesan?
Brazilian vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
- ★★★★★
Added this to my weekly meal rotation. So satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
