Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo)

Pão de queijo is one of the most popular Brazilian snacks. These small cheese breads are crispy outside and soft and chewy inside, made with tapioca starch and cheese. They are naturally gluten-free and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or coffee time.

Ingredients

• 2 cups tapioca starch (polvilho doce)
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups grated cheese (traditionally Minas cheese, but mozzarella or parmesan work well)

Instructions

1️⃣ Heat the liquids

In a saucepan combine:

• milk
• oil
• salt

Heat until it just starts to boil, then remove from heat.

2️⃣ Mix with the tapioca starch

Place the tapioca starch in a bowl.

Pour the hot liquid mixture over it and mix well until it forms a sticky dough.

Let it cool for 5 minutes.

3️⃣ Add eggs and cheese

Add:

• eggs
• grated cheese

Mix until smooth. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.

4️⃣ Shape the cheese bread

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Grease your hands and roll the dough into small balls (about 1–1.5 inches).

Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

5️⃣ Bake

Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden.

They should be puffy and slightly crispy outside.

Serving Tips

Pão de queijo is best served warm with:

• coffee ☕
• guava paste
• butter

In Brazil it’s commonly eaten at breakfast or afternoon coffee (café da tarde).