Pão de Queijo: Brazilian Cheese Bread Recipe

If you've ever visited a Brazilian steakhouse, you’ve probably tried the delicious, cheesy goodness that is Pão de Queijo, or Brazilian cheese bread. These little bites of heaven are crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, and are packed with a rich, cheesy flavor that’s impossible to resist. You definitely won't be able to eat just one!

Pão de Queijo is a staple in Brazilian cuisine, often served as a side dish at steakhouses (known as churrascarias) or enjoyed as a snack with a cup of coffee. The best part? You can easily recreate these savory treats at home with just a few simple ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of whole milk
• 1/2 cup of water
• 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 2 cups of tapioca flour (also known as tapioca starch)
• 1 1/2 cups of grated Parmesan cheese (or a mix of Parmesan and mozzarella)
• 2 large eggs

Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the bread from sticking.

2. Heat the Wet Ingredients:

   • In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the milk, water, vegetable oil, and salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it just starts to boil. Once it begins to bubble, remove it from the heat immediately.

3. Mix in the Tapioca Flour:

   • Pour the hot milk mixture over the tapioca flour in a large mixing bowl. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly sticky. It will look somewhat gelatinous, which is exactly what you want.

4. Add the Cheese:

   • Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then stir in the grated cheese. The dough will still be warm, but it should cool down enough so that the cheese doesn’t melt completely.

5. Incorporate the Eggs:

   • Beat the eggs in a small bowl, then add them to the dough mixture. Stir until the eggs are fully incorporated and the dough is smooth. It may seem a bit sticky, but that’s okay—this is what gives Pão de Queijo its chewy texture.

6. Shape the Dough:

   • Using a tablespoon or your hands, scoop out small portions of the dough and roll them into balls about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

7. Bake:

   • Bake the cheese bread in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the bread has puffed up. The exterior should be slightly crispy, while the interior remains soft and chewy.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Allow the Pão de Queijo to cool slightly before serving. These delicious cheese breads are best enjoyed warm, straight out of the oven, but they can also be reheated later if needed.

Contributed by Ray Ibanez, E-Commerce Manager for Plume Ridge Bottle Shop.