Sweetened Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo)

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

Light and chewy Brazilian cheese breads made from tapioca flour and Parmesan, perfect for breakfast or snacks with a subtle cheesy sweetness. This Brazilian-inspired recipe (gluten free), ready in about 40 minutes, turns whole milk, vegetable oil, fine sea salt 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 90 calories and feeds 12, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 12 Brazilian cuisine 90 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup whole milk, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, and 1 tsp fine sea salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Remove the milk mixture from heat and immediately add 2 cups tapioca flour, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until smooth and cohesive.
  4. Step 4: Allow the dough to cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to a mixing bowl. Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time until fully incorporated and the dough is sticky.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 2 tbsp sugar until evenly distributed.
  6. Step 6: Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, form 1 1/2-inch balls of dough and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
  7. Step 7: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese breads are puffed, lightly golden, and cooked through. Serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

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

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 Sweetened Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo)?

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 Sweetened Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo) 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 Sweetened Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo) 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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