Oven-Baked Pão de Queijo with Parmesan and Tapioca Flour

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Brazilian cheese bread rolls baked to a golden crust with a chewy, airy interior, made from tapioca flour and Parmesan cheese. This brazilian-inspired brazilian (gluten free, vegetarian) ready in about 35 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: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 12 Brazilian cuisine 110 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine 3/4 cup whole milk, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, and 1 tsp salt. Heat over medium heat until it just begins to boil.
  3. Step 3: Remove from heat and immediately pour the hot liquid over 2 cups tapioca flour in a large mixing bowl. Stir vigorously until it forms a sticky dough.
  4. Step 4: Let the dough cool slightly for 5 minutes, then beat in 2 large eggs one at a time until fully incorporated and the dough is smooth.
  5. Step 5: Fold in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese until evenly distributed.
  6. Step 6: Using a tablespoon, scoop dough and roll into 1 1/2-inch balls. Place them spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Step 7: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden and puffed. Serve warm to enjoy the soft, chewy texture.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Oven-Baked Pão de Queijo with Parmesan and Tapioca Flour take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Oven-Baked Pão de Queijo with Parmesan and Tapioca Flour?

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 Oven-Baked Pão de Queijo with Parmesan and Tapioca Flour?

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 Oven-Baked Pão de Queijo with Parmesan and Tapioca Flour 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 Oven-Baked Pão de Queijo with Parmesan and Tapioca Flour 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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