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Close-up of golden Brazilian cheese bread in a basket, with one cut open to show the fluffy interior.

Easy Brazilian Cheese Bread (Naturally Gluten-Free!)

Whip up a batch of these chewy, cheesy, and utterly addictive Brazilian cheese breads, known as Pão de Queijo! Naturally gluten-free, they're perfect as a snack, breakfast item, or a delightful side dish.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 20 pieces
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: Brazilian
Calories: 110

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 1/2 cup milk whole milk recommended
  • 1/4 cup olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 cups tapioca flour polvilho doce, sweet tapioca starch
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 1 cup shredded cheese Parmesan, mozzarella, or a mix of both

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Measuring Cups & Spoons
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for non-stick baking.
Make the Dough
  1. In a small saucepan, combine the milk, olive oil, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture just comes to a rolling boil. Remove from heat immediately.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, place the tapioca flour. Pour the hot milk and oil mixture directly over the tapioca flour. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon or a sturdy whisk until the liquid is fully absorbed and a thick, shaggy, clumpy dough forms. It will be very hot.
  3. Let the dough cool for 5-10 minutes. It should still be warm but cool enough to handle without burning, and cool enough so that the egg will not scramble when added.
  4. Once cooled slightly, add the large egg to the dough. Mix thoroughly, ideally by hand, kneading until the egg is completely incorporated and the dough starts to become smoother. Then, add the shredded cheese and continue to knead until it is well combined and the dough feels soft and pliable. If the dough is too sticky to handle, add an additional 1-2 teaspoons of tapioca flour.
Form and Bake
  1. Lightly oil your hands with a little vegetable oil. Take small portions of the dough, about 1-inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, and roll them into smooth balls. Place them 1-2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
  2. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese breads are beautifully puffed and golden brown on the outside. They should have a slightly crisp exterior and a wonderfully chewy, cheesy interior.
  3. Serve the Easy Brazilian Cheese Bread warm, immediately after baking, for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

Tapioca Flour: Ensure you're using tapioca flour (also called tapioca starch or polvilho doce). It's crucial for the texture and is different from cassava flour. For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan and a good quality mozzarella, or a blend of your favorite melting cheeses. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer for best results. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at the same temperature, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.