Pan-Fried Cheese Bread Rolls with Parmesan and Herbs
Brazilian-inspired cheese bread balls pan-fried until golden, stuffed with Parmesan and fresh herbs for a savory snack or appetizer. This brazilian-inspired snacks ready in about 30 minutes turns tapioca flour (polvilho), whole milk, (4 tbsp) unsalted butter 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 180 calories and feeds 8, 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.
Ingredients
- 2 cups tapioca flour (polvilho)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup (4 tbsp) unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup for frying vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup whole milk, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, and 1 tsp salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat until butter melts and mixture boils.
- Step 2: Remove from heat and quickly stir in 2 cups tapioca flour until smooth and forms a sticky dough. Let cool for 10 minutes.
- Step 3: Transfer dough to a mixing bowl and beat in 2 large eggs one at a time until fully incorporated and dough is smooth.
- Step 4: Fold in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 5: Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Shape dough into 1 1/2-inch balls and fry in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and puffed.
- Step 6: Drain on paper towels and serve warm as a cheesy, herbaceous snack.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Fried Cheese Bread Rolls with Parmesan and Herbs take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Pan-Fried Cheese Bread Rolls with Parmesan and Herbs?
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 Pan-Fried Cheese Bread Rolls with Parmesan and Herbs?
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 Pan-Fried Cheese Bread Rolls with Parmesan and Herbs for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Pan-Fried Cheese Bread Rolls with Parmesan and Herbs?
Brazilian snacks 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.
