Name: Easy Brazilian Cheese Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-491239H2M24S
Total time: PT-491239H2M24S
Cuisine: Brazilian
Ingredients: 1 large egg (room temperature); 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (plus more for greasing the pan); 1 cup milk (whole or low-fat); 1 cup tapioca flour; 1 cup grated or crumbled cheese (mozzarella or parmesan recommended); 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

Introduction

Easy Brazilian Cheese Bread, or Pão de Queijo, is a delightful, chewy snack bursting with cheesy flavor. Made with simple ingredients and tapioca flour, it’s naturally gluten-free and perfect for any time of day.

A heap of round bread rolls with a light golden crust is stacked in a white bowl, each roll showing a slightly rough and uneven surface texture with small cracks. The bowl sits on a white marbled textured surface with a blue and white checkered cloth draped softly around its base. The rolls appear soft and airy, with a warm, inviting color that ranges from pale yellow to light tan on the tops and sides. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 large egg (room temperature)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (use more for greasing the pan)
1 cup milk (whole or low-fat)
1 cup tapioca flour (essential for texture)
1 cup grated or crumbled cheese (mozzarella or parmesan recommended)
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Lightly brush the insides of each well of a non-stick mini muffin tin with extra virgin olive oil.
Step 3: Place the egg, olive oil, milk, tapioca flour, cheese, and salt into a blender. Blend until smooth.
Step 4: Carefully pour the batter into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each well just shy of the top.
Step 5: Bake for 15-20 minutes until puffed and golden brown. Let cool on a rack for a few minutes.
Step 6: Enjoy warm, or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

Try using different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a unique flavor twist.
If you don’t have a blender, mix the ingredients well by hand until smooth.
For extra crispiness, bake a few minutes longer but watch carefully to avoid burning.

Storage

Store leftover cheese bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until crisp and heated through.

How to Serve

The image shows a pile of small round cheese bread balls with smooth, golden-brown tops and slightly rougher sides, all placed on a white marbled surface. One bread ball is broken open in the center, revealing a light yellow, airy, and soft inside with a spongy texture full of small holes. The bread balls have a uniform size and shape, stacked closely together in a loose pile. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour?

Tapioca flour is essential for the chewy texture of Brazilian Cheese Bread. Using regular wheat flour will change the texture significantly and is not recommended.

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to bake the cheese bread soon after blending for the best puff and texture. However, you can refrigerate the batter for up to 24 hours—just give it a quick stir before baking.

Easy Brazilian Cheese Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 91 reviews

This Easy Brazilian Cheese Bread recipe offers a delightful gluten-free snack that’s crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Made with tapioca flour and a combination of mozzarella or parmesan cheese, this bite-sized treat is perfect for any time of day. The simple ingredients blend quickly and bake in mini muffin tins for a golden, puffed finish that’s irresistible.

Author: Cleo
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Yield: Makes about 24 mini cheese breads 1x
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Brazilian
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 large egg (room temperature)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (plus more for greasing the pan)
1 cup milk (whole or low-fat)
1 cup tapioca flour
1 cup grated or crumbled cheese (mozzarella or parmesan recommended)
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the cheese breads evenly.
Prepare Muffin Tin: Lightly brush each well of a non-stick mini muffin tin with extra virgin olive oil. This prevents sticking and helps achieve a crisp crust.
Blend Ingredients: In a blender, combine the egg, olive oil, milk, tapioca flour, cheese, and salt. Blend until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated, creating a batter ready for baking.
Pour Batter: Carefully pour the batter into each muffin well, filling just below the rim to allow room for the cheese breads to puff up during baking.
Bake: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese breads are golden brown and puffed.
Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the cheese breads cool on a rack for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Store Leftovers: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 2 days.

Notes

Use tapioca flour specifically for authentic texture; other starches will not yield the same results.
Room temperature eggs help the batter blend more evenly.
You can substitute cheese types according to preference, but mozzarella and parmesan provide the best flavor and melt.
For a dairy-free version, try using a vegan cheese alternative and plant-based milk, though texture may vary.
Serve these cheese breads as a snack, breakfast item, or alongside soups and salads.

Keywords: Brazilian cheese bread, pão de queijo, gluten-free snack, tapioca flour recipe, easy cheese bread