Brazilian Cheese Bread Recipe (Pao de Queijo) – Gluten-Free!
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Get ready to savor the irresistible taste of authentic Brazilian Cheese Bread, also known as Pao de Queijo. These cheesy, chewy rolls are naturally gluten-free and packed with flavor, making them perfect for anyone looking to indulge without the guilt. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat or a side dish, this traditional recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home!
Can you believe these mouthwatering bread rolls are gluten-free? This authentic Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pao De Queijo) is naturally gluten-free and tastes amazing!
I love cheese and I love bread, so when I first heard about this Brazilian cheese bread, I had to make it immediately! My two favorite foods combined together – deliciousness! The Brazilian name of this bread is Pao De Queijo, which means “Cheese Bread” in Portugese.
This Brazilian Cheese Bread is an authentic Pao De Queijo recipe, made the same way they make it in Brazil! Cheese bread is very popular in Brazil and is widely available in their supermarkets and bakeries. If you are outside of Brazil and want to eat this amazing bread, you’ll just have to make it yourself :)
Why You’ll Love Brazilian Cheese Bread
- Naturally Gluten-Free: This bread is authentically gluten-free, thanks to tapioca flour, making it perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions while still enjoying an authentic, chewy bread experience.
- Cheesy Goodness: Packed with Parmesan cheese, these rolls are bursting with cheesy flavor in every bite.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with easy-to-find ingredients like milk, eggs, and cheese, it’s a recipe you can whip up without a special trip to the store.
- Versatile Use: Serve it as a breakfast treat, a snack, or a side dish with soups, stews, or marinara sauce.
- Quick to Make: From start to finish, these rolls are ready in under an hour, making them ideal for last-minute baking cravings.
Now here’s the best news: Brazilian Cheese Bread is GLUTEN-FREE! This is not some gluten-free version of a real bread – this IS the real cheese bread! Pao De Queijo is supposed to be gluten-free, and it tastes amazing!
If you are on a gluten-free diet and are craving a chewy warm REAL bread roll, you are going to go absolutely crazy about this recipe! These cheese bread rolls are very chewy – the chewiness comes from all the cheese! They are toothsome, chewy and addictive, with some real texture – oh yeah!
Ingredients For Brazilian Cheese Bread
- Vegetable Oil – Adds moisture and richness to the bread rolls.
- Water – Helps create the dough’s consistency.
- Milk – Provides creaminess and enhances the overall flavor.
- Salt – Brings out the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Tapioca Flour – The key to the bread’s chewy texture and naturally gluten-free base.
- Parmesan Cheese – Delivers a bold, savory cheesy flavor.
- Eggs – Help bind the dough and add richness to the texture.
For exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
Brazilian cheese bread is using tapioca flour, which is widely available in large supermarkets. Tapioca flour is all natural and gluten-free. It is made from a starch extracted from Cassava plant root. Cassava is a native Brazil plant, so tapioca flour is really popular there!
These amazing Brazilian cheese bread rolls are an absolute must for all gluten-free bakers. Their delicious cheesy chewiness will keep you begging for more!
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Brazilian Cheese Bread
- Saucepan – To heat the liquid ingredients and combine them with tapioca flour.
- Mixing Bowls – For whisking eggs and mixing the dough.
- Whisk – To blend the eggs smoothly.
- Spoon – For mixing the dough and scooping portions.
- Baking Sheet – To bake the cheese bread rolls.
- Parchment Paper – Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
How To Make Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pao De Queijo): Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Bring liquid to boil
Combine water, milk and oil in a saucepan and bring to boil. Once it comes to boil, remove from heat immediately.
Step 2: Stir In Tapioca Flour
Add the tapioca flour to the saucepan and stir until combined.
Step 3: Whisk the eggs
Whisk the eggs in a bowl until the look like the picture below:
Step 4: Add whisked eggs
Add the whisked eggs to the tapioca mixture.
Step 5: Add Parmesan cheese
Add grated Parmesan cheese to the tapioca mixture
Step 6: Mix until combined
Stir the mixture with a spoon until well combined. The texture will resemble sticky cottage cheese.
Step 7: Shape into balls
Take the mixture by a heaping tablespoon
Put it in your hand
Drop onto a a parchment-paper-lined baking sheet and shape into a ball.
Here are the Brazilian Cheese Bread Rolls (Pao De Queijo) ready to be baked!
Step 8: Bake Brazilian Cheese Bread In The Oven
Bake Pao De Queijo in pre-heated 375F oven for 20-25 minutes.
Enjoy the deliciousness!
This Brazilian cheese bread is extremely filling – no wonder in Brazil it is a popular breakfast food! Stuck in a breakfast rut? You need these delicious filling Brazilian cheese rolls! They are also great as an accompaniment to soup, and amazing dunked into a marinara sauce!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm as a hearty breakfast roll with a side of coffee or tea.
- Pair with soups like tomato or chicken broth for a comforting meal.
- Offer as a snack or appetizer alongside cream cheese or onion dipping sauce.
- Use as a side dish for Brazilian-inspired meals, such as turkey or grilled chicken.
- Add them to your holiday table for a unique and crowd-pleasing bread option.
Tips For Success
- Use Fresh Tapioca Flour: Tapioca flour is the key ingredient that gives Brazilian cheese bread its signature chewiness. Make sure to use fresh flour for the best results.
- Cool the Liquid Mixture: Allow the liquid mixture to cool slightly before adding eggs and cheese. If it’s too hot, it might cook the eggs prematurely and affect the dough’s texture.
- Mix Thoroughly: When combining the ingredients, mix until the dough is sticky and evenly blended. The texture should resemble cottage cheese before shaping into balls.
- Shape with Wet Hands: To make it easier to roll the sticky dough, dampen your hands slightly. This prevents the mixture from sticking while forming the balls.
- Bake Until Golden: Keep an eye on the cheese bread while baking. The tops should turn golden brown, indicating that the bread is cooked through with a perfect texture.
- Experiment with Cheese: While Parmesan is traditional, you can try adding other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor twist.
- Serve Fresh: These rolls are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when they’re warm and chewy. If needed, reheat leftovers to bring back their soft texture.
Variations And Substitutions
- Cheese Options: While Parmesan cheese is traditional, you can substitute it with other types of hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a slightly different flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, try mozzarella or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap the milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Use a dairy-free cheese substitute to maintain the cheesy flavor.
- Herb-Infused: Add fresh or dried herbs like parsley, chives, or rosemary to the dough for an aromatic twist. A pinch of garlic powder or onion powder can also enhance the savory profile.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to give the bread a spicy kick. This works wonderfully for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
- Vegan Adaptation: Substitute eggs with a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water for each egg) and use vegan cheese. The texture may differ slightly but will still be delicious.
- Mini Cheese Bites: Make smaller, bite-sized balls instead of larger rolls. Adjust the baking time to 15-18 minutes for these mini delights.
- Flavor Boost: Sprinkle the tops with additional grated cheese or sesame seeds before baking for extra texture and flavor.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Let the cheese bread rolls cool completely before storing them. Place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag to maintain freshness. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the rolls. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To bring back their fresh-out-of-the-oven texture, reheat the cheese bread in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes. If frozen, bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the reheating time.
- Microwave Option: For a quick reheat, microwave the rolls for 20-30 seconds. This will make them warm but may not restore the full crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of flour instead of tapioca flour?
Tapioca flour is essential for achieving the chewy texture that Brazilian cheese bread is known for. Substituting with other flours, such as almond or coconut flour, will result in a different texture and flavor, and may not work as well in this recipe.
What type of Parmesan cheese should I use?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is ideal for this recipe, as it melts beautifully and enhances the flavor. Pre-grated Parmesan can also work but may not deliver the same rich taste.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Shape the dough into balls and freeze them raw on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
Why is my dough too sticky to handle?
The dough’s stickiness is normal due to the tapioca flour. To make it easier to handle, slightly dampen your hands with water or oil before shaping the dough into balls.
What should I serve with Brazilian cheese bread?
These rolls are versatile and pair well with soups, stews, or dipping sauces like marinara. They also make a delicious snack on their own or alongside breakfast favorites like scrambled eggs.
Can I make these without eggs?
While eggs are important for binding the dough and creating the fluffy texture, you can try substituting them with flaxseed or chia seed mixtures as an egg replacement. Keep in mind, the texture may vary slightly.
How can I store leftovers?
Leftover cheese bread can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the rolls and reheat them in the oven for a fresh, warm taste.
Other Easy Cheese Recipes
Air Fryer Aldi Loaded Cheese Fries: Crispy golden fries topped with gooey melted cheese and your favorite Aldi toppings, all made effortlessly in the air fryer.
Air Fryer Cheese Ravioli with Tomato Sauce: Perfectly crispy cheese ravioli paired with warm marinara sauce for a quick and delicious air fryer meal.
Quick Microwave Cheese Toastie: A super-fast, melty cheese sandwich made in the microwave for a comforting snack anytime.
Sausage and Cream Cheese Crescent Roll Appetizers: Flaky crescent rolls stuffed with savory sausage and creamy cheese, perfect for parties or snacking.
Easy Baked Frozen Cheese Ravioli Casserole: A no-fuss baked casserole layered with frozen cheese ravioli, marinara, and melted cheese for a comforting family meal.
Air Fryer Frozen Cheese Curds Snack: Crispy, gooey cheese curds cooked to perfection in the air fryer for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack.
Refried Bean and Cheese Quesadilla Recipe – Simple and Fast: A quick and easy quesadilla filled with creamy refried beans and melted cheese, perfect for a busy day meal.
Brazilian Cheese Bread Recipe (Pao de Queijo) - Gluten-Free!
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cups tapioca flour
- 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Spoon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375F.
- Line the baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pour oil, water and milk into a saucepan, add salt and stir. Heat it over High heat just until the mixture comes to a boil. When it comes to a boil, remove it from heat immediately. Add the tapioca flour and stir until smooth. Set aside and let it cool for 10 minutes.
- Whisk the eggs in another bowl and set aside.
- When the milk mixture cooled down, add the Parmesan cheese and eggs to it, and mix until combined. The mixture will be chunky and have the texture like cottage cheese.
- Put rounded 1/4 cup balls of mixture on a baking sheet.
- Put the cheese bread in the oven on the middle rack and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the tops of the bread rolls are golden-brown.
Notes
More Baked Recipes
- Oven-Baked Whole Red Snapper with Herbs
- Instant Pot Stuffed Twice-Baked Potatoes
- Crispy Oven-Baked Fried Chicken Recipe
May the milk be substituted with coconut milk or such?
I haven’t tried substituting the milk. If you try it, please let me know how it turns out!
Your ingredient list states vegetable oil but your directions say pour olive oil… Which is it, olive or vegetable, as I’m sure it will make a difference. If it is olive is EVOO okay or just plain olive oil? Thank you! Want to make this bread to go with my italian sauce with meatballs etc.
Oops, it was a typo, meant to be vegetable oil! But it will work with olive oil too!
This was so delicious and unique recipe.
Wow, these gluten-free cheese bread rolls are amazing!