Grilled Pão de Queijo Cheese Bread Bites
Mini Brazilian cheese bread balls with a golden crust and chewy, cheesy center, perfect as a snack or appetizer. This brazilian (gluten free) 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 90 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 tapioca flour
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly oil a mini muffin tin for bite-sized portions.
- Step 2: In a small saucepan, combine 1/3 cup whole milk and 1/4 cup vegetable oil. Heat over medium until just boiling, about 3 minutes.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and immediately stir in 1 cup tapioca flour and 1/2 tsp salt until smooth and elastic.
- Step 4: Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let cool slightly, about 5 minutes. Beat in 1 large egg until fully incorporated.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese until evenly combined.
- Step 6: Spoon the dough into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cavity to the top.
- Step 7: Bake for 15-18 minutes until the tops are puffed and golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Pão de Queijo Cheese Bread Bites 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 Pão de Queijo Cheese Bread Bites?
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 Pão de Queijo Cheese Bread 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 Grilled Pão de Queijo Cheese Bread Bites 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 Pão de Queijo Cheese Bread 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.
