Pão de Queijo Baked Brazilian Cheese Buns

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Light and fluffy Brazilian cheese bread made with tapioca flour and Parmesan, perfect for a gluten-free snack or breakfast. This brazilian-inspired gluten free (gluten free) ready in about 40 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: 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 grease a mini muffin tin or line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, heat 1 cup whole milk and 1/2 cup vegetable oil over medium heat until it just begins to boil, then immediately remove from heat.
  3. Step 3: Quickly pour the hot milk and oil mixture into a large mixing bowl containing 2 cups tapioca flour and 1 tsp sea salt; stir vigorously until a sticky dough forms and cools slightly.
  4. Step 4: Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until smooth and elastic.
  5. Step 5: Fold in 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese evenly into the dough.
  6. Step 6: Using a spoon or hands, shape dough into 1 1/2-inch balls and place them spaced on the baking sheet or mini muffin tin.
  7. Step 7: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the tops are puffed and lightly golden; allow to cool slightly before serving warm and chewy.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pão de Queijo Baked Brazilian Cheese Buns take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 Pão de Queijo Baked Brazilian Cheese Buns?

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 Pão de Queijo Baked Brazilian Cheese Buns?

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 Pão de Queijo Baked Brazilian Cheese Buns 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 Pão de Queijo Baked Brazilian Cheese Buns 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.

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