Grilled Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo)

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

These small, chewy cheese breads are a beloved Brazilian snack, perfect warm from the oven with a crisp exterior and tender, cheesy interior. This brazilian-inspired snacks (gluten free, vegetarian) ready in about 33 minutes pairs tapioca flour, whole milk, 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 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 18 min Serves 12 Brazilian cuisine 110 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup whole milk, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, and 1/2 teaspoon salt; bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Remove the milk mixture from heat and immediately add 1 cup tapioca flour, stirring vigorously until it forms a sticky dough.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool slightly for 5 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy.
  6. Step 6: Fold in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated.
  7. Step 7: Using a tablespoon, scoop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  8. Step 8: Bake for 15–18 minutes until the cheese breads puff up and turn lightly golden on top.
  9. Step 9: Serve warm for the best chewy texture and cheesy flavor.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo) take to make?

Total time is about 33 minutes (15 min prep + 18 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 Grilled 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 tapioca flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled 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 Grilled 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 Grilled Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo) gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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