Brazilian cheese bread, or pão de queijo, is a delightful snack that hails from the heart of Brazil. These small, cheesy rolls are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, making them a perfect treat for any time of the day. Made with tapioca flour and parmesan cheese, they offer a unique texture and flavor that is both comforting and addictive.
One of the key ingredients in this recipe is tapioca flour, which might not be a staple in every pantry. Tapioca flour, also known as tapioca starch, is derived from the cassava root and is essential for achieving the chewy texture of the bread. You can find it in the baking aisle or the gluten-free section of most supermarkets. Make sure to pick up a good quality parmesan cheese as well, as it will greatly enhance the flavor of the bread.

Ingredients For Brazilian Cheese Bread Recipe
Milk: Provides moisture and richness to the dough.
Vegetable oil: Adds fat and helps to create a tender texture.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bread.
Tapioca flour: Gives the bread its unique chewy texture.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, savory flavor to the bread.
Eggs: Help to bind the ingredients together and provide structure.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When adding the tapioca flour to the hot milk mixture, make sure to do it gradually and stir vigorously to avoid lumps. This step is crucial for achieving the right consistency of the dough. Additionally, using freshly grated parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated can enhance the flavor and texture of the Brazilian cheese bread.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can provide a similar liquid base and mild flavor, making it a good dairy-free alternative.
milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a slight sweetness and richness, suitable for those avoiding dairy.
vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used for its healthy fats and similar consistency.
vegetable oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a subtle coconut flavor and works well in baking.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used for its similar taste and texture.
salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has a similar flavor profile and can be used in the same quantity.
tapioca flour - Substitute with arrowroot flour: Arrowroot flour has a similar starchy consistency and can be used as a direct replacement.
tapioca flour - Substitute with cassava flour: Cassava flour is made from the same plant as tapioca and offers a similar texture.
grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar hard texture and salty flavor.
grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated asiago cheese: Asiago cheese provides a similar sharp and nutty flavor.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoon water per egg) can be used as a vegan alternative.
eggs - Substitute with chia eggs: Chia eggs (1 tablespoon chia seeds + 3 tablespoon water per egg) offer a similar binding property for a vegan option.
Other Alternative Recipes
How to Store or Freeze This Dish
Allow the Brazilian cheese bread to cool completely at room temperature before storing or freezing. This helps maintain their texture and prevents condensation from making them soggy.
For short-term storage, place the cheese bread in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you live in a humid climate, consider storing them in the refrigerator to extend their freshness.
To freeze, arrange the cooled cheese bread on a baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until the cheese bread is completely frozen. This prevents them from sticking together.
Once frozen, transfer the cheese bread to a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When ready to enjoy, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen cheese bread directly on a baking sheet. There's no need to thaw them first. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and the tops are lightly golden.
For a quicker option, you can also reheat the frozen cheese bread in a microwave. Place a few pieces on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for about 30-60 seconds, or until warm. Note that this method may result in a slightly softer texture compared to oven reheating.
If you have stored the cheese bread in the refrigerator, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps restore their crispiness.
Always serve Brazilian cheese bread warm for the best taste and texture. Enjoy them as a delightful snack or a perfect accompaniment to soups and salads.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover Brazilian cheese bread on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until they are warm and slightly crispy on the outside.
Use a microwave for a quick reheat. Place the cheese bread on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Check and add more time if needed, but be careful not to overheat as they can become chewy.
For a toaster oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the cheese bread directly on the rack or on a baking sheet. Heat for about 5-10 minutes until they are warm and slightly crispy.
If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 320°F (160°C). Place the cheese bread in the basket in a single layer. Heat for about 3-5 minutes until they are warmed through and have a slight crisp on the outside.
For a stovetop method, use a non-stick skillet. Heat the skillet over medium heat and add the cheese bread. Cover with a lid and heat for about 2-3 minutes per side until they are warm and slightly crispy.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Saucepan: Used to combine and heat the milk, oil, and salt mixture until it reaches a boil.
Wooden spoon: Essential for stirring the tapioca flour into the hot liquid mixture to ensure a smooth consistency.
Mixing bowl: Needed to combine the cooled mixture with the cheese and eggs.
Whisk: Useful for thoroughly mixing the cheese and eggs into the tapioca mixture.
Muffin tin: Used to hold the batter and shape the cheese bread while baking.
Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the milk, oil, and tapioca flour.
Measuring spoons: Needed for measuring the salt.
Grater: Used to grate the parmesan cheese if it is not pre-grated.
Oven: Preheated to 375°F (190°C) for baking the cheese bread.
Cooling rack: Allows the cheese bread to cool slightly after baking, ensuring the perfect texture.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure and prepare all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Use a blender: Blend the milk, oil, salt, tapioca flour, cheese, and eggs together for a smoother batter and quicker preparation.
Preheat oven early: Start preheating your oven while you prepare the batter to save time.
Grease muffin tin ahead: Grease the muffin tin before you start mixing the batter to avoid delays.
Batch baking: Make a double batch and freeze the extras for quick reheating later.

Brazilian Cheese Bread Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Milk
- ½ cup Vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 cups Tapioca flour
- 2 cups Grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 Eggs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a saucepan, combine milk, oil, and salt. Bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat and slowly add tapioca flour, stirring constantly until smooth.
- Let the mixture cool for a few minutes, then add the cheese and eggs. Mix well.
- Pour the batter into a greased muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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