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Authentic Gluten-Free Pão de Queijo (Brazilian Cheese Bread): Crispy Outside, Chewy Inside

A stack of freshly baked, golden brown brazilian cheese bread puffs sitting on a speckled ceramic plate.
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Make this authentic Pão de Queijo, or Brazilian Cheese Bread, using tapioca flour for a naturally gluten-free snack. This recipe delivers the desired texture: crispy on the outside and delightfully chewy and cheesy inside. It is perfect for breakfast, appetizers, or a savory snack.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups tapioca starch (tapioca flour)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a standard muffin tin or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Combine the milk, oil, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
  3. Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately. Add the tapioca starch all at once and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a thick, sticky dough. This step scalds the starch.
  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 into the dough. The dough will look sticky and loose.
  6. Mix in the Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese until evenly distributed.
  7. Scoop the dough into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet or in the muffin tin cups. Do not flatten them.
  8. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese bread puffs up and the exterior is golden brown and slightly crisp.
  9. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving warm.

Notes

  • For the best texture, use a combination of cheeses. Parmesan adds flavor, while mozzarella contributes to the chewiness.
  • You can prepare the dough ahead of time, roll the balls, and freeze them. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time.
  • This recipe is naturally gluten free because it relies entirely on tapioca starch instead of wheat flour.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mayaplate.com/brazilian-cheese-bread-authentic-recipe/