Pão de Queijo with Coconut and Parmesan
Soft, cheesy Brazilian cheese breads with a subtle coconut crunch and nutty Parmesan finish. This brazilian-inspired desserts (gluten-free) ready in about 50 minutes layers pão de queijo flour, mozzarella cheese, coconut flakes into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 110 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. 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 pão de queijo flour
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup coconut flakes
- 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, combine 2 cups pão de queijo flour, 1 cup grated mozzarella, and 2 tbsp finely grated Parmesan. Mix until incorporated.
- Step 2: Add 2 tbsp melted vegetable oil and 1/4 cup coconut flakes; stir until a dough forms. Knead gently for 2 minutes until smooth.
- Step 3: Shape dough into 1-inch balls and place on prepared sheet. Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown around edges and firm to the touch.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pão de Queijo with Coconut and Parmesan take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (30 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Pão de Queijo with Coconut and Parmesan?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pão de Queijo with Coconut and Parmesan?
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 with Coconut and Parmesan 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 with Coconut and Parmesan 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The coconut added a lovely sweetness that balanced the parmesan perfectly. My kids devoured these!
- ★★★★★
Made these for a party and everyone asked for the recipe! The coconut and parmesan combo is genius.
- ★★★★☆
Took longer than the recipe said to bake, but they were worth the wait. Flavor was good.
