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 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 110 calories and feeds 12, 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.

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.

Equipment for this recipe

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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)?

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 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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