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Authentic Pão de Queijo (Brazilian Cheese Bread)

Several golden-brown, freshly baked brazilian cheese bread puffs piled on a white plate, one broken open showing melted cheese.
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Make this authentic Pão de Queijo, or Brazilian Cheese Bread, for a naturally gluten-free snack. You will achieve a crispy exterior and a wonderfully chewy, cheesy interior using tapioca flour.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups tapioca flour (sour or sweet)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (or a mix of Parmesan and Mozzarella)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, oil, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
  3. Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately. Add the tapioca flour all at once and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a thick, sticky dough. This step scalds the flour.
  4. Let the dough cool for about 10 minutes until it is warm enough to handle.
  5. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated. The dough will look loose at first, but keep mixing until it comes together.
  6. Stir in the shredded cheese until it is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  7. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and roll them into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each ball.
  8. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese bread puffs up and the outside is golden brown.
  9. Serve warm for the best chewy texture.

Notes

  • For the best texture, use tapioca flour (also called tapioca starch). This ingredient makes the bread naturally gluten free.
  • If you want a copycat version similar to Texas de Brazil cheese bread, use a blend of cheeses like Parmesan and Monterey Jack.
  • Do not overbake; these puffs are best when they are slightly soft inside.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbycarla.com/brazilian-cheese-bread-recipe-pao-de-queijo/