Grilled Pão de Queijo Skewers with Herb Chimichurri
Brazilian cheese bread bites threaded on skewers and grilled, served with a zesty herb chimichurri sauce for a smoky, cheesy appetizer. This Brazilian recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs pão de queijo dough, fresh parsley, fresh cilantro for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 20 small balls (store-bought or homemade, about 1 inch each) pão de queijo dough
- 1/2 cup, chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4-5 wooden skewers
Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F). Thread 4 small pão de queijo balls (1 inch each) onto each wooden skewer, spacing slightly.
- Step 2: Grill the skewers over direct heat for 8-10 minutes, turning every 2 minutes until the cheese breads are puffed, golden, and have light grill marks.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, in a small bowl combine 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir until emulsified.
- Step 4: Remove cheese bread skewers from grill and brush immediately with herb chimichurri sauce. Serve warm as a smoky, cheesy snack or appetizer.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Pão de Queijo Skewers with Herb Chimichurri take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Skewers with Herb Chimichurri?
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 pão de queijo dough from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Pão de Queijo Skewers with Herb Chimichurri?
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 Skewers with Herb Chimichurri for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Grilled Pão de Queijo Skewers with Herb Chimichurri?
Brazilian brazilian 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.
