Pão de Queijo (Brazilian Cheese Bread)

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Light and chewy Brazilian cheese bread made from tapioca flour and Parmesan, perfect as a gluten-free snack or breakfast. This brazilian (gluten free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs tapioca flour, milk, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 12 Brazilian cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease two baking sheets. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon salt. Heat over medium until it just begins to boil.
  2. Step 2: Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately add 2 cups tapioca flour, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a sticky dough and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
  3. Step 3: Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for 10 minutes. Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Fold in 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese until evenly incorporated. Using wet hands, shape the dough into 1.5-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
  5. Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the tops are lightly golden and puffed. Serve warm for a chewy, cheesy bite.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pão de Queijo (Brazilian Cheese Bread) 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 (Brazilian Cheese Bread)?

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 (Brazilian Cheese Bread)?

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 (Brazilian Cheese Bread) 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 (Brazilian Cheese Bread) 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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