Vegan Pão de Queijo with Tapioca Flour

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

Chewy, golden Brazilian cheese bread made entirely vegan with tapioca flour and nutritional yeast for a perfectly crispy exterior and soft interior. This brazilian-inspired vegan (gluten-free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs tapioca flour, plant-based milk, nutritional yeast 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.

★ 4.5 (13 ratings) 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 oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup tapioca flour, 1/4 cup nutritional yeast, and 1 teaspoon salt until well combined.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup plant-based milk and 1/4 cup melted coconut oil until emulsified.
  4. Step 4: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a sticky dough forms.
  5. Step 5: Roll dough into 12 small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place on the prepared baking sheet. Dust lightly with 1/4 cup tapioca starch.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and puffed, rotating the pan halfway through.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vegan Pão de Queijo with Tapioca Flour 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 Vegan Pão de Queijo with Tapioca Flour?

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 Vegan Pão de Queijo with Tapioca Flour?

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 Vegan Pão de Queijo with Tapioca Flour 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 Vegan Pão de Queijo with Tapioca Flour 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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