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Authentic Pão de Queijo (Brazilian Cheese Bread): Naturally Gluten-Free

A mound of freshly baked, golden-brown Brazilian cheese bread rolls stacked on a white plate.
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Make this authentic Brazilian Cheese Bread, Pão de Queijo, using tapioca flour for a naturally gluten-free snack. This recipe delivers the signature crispy exterior and chewy, elastic center.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups tapioca flour (tapioca starch)
  • 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 baking sheet.
  2. Combine the milk, oil, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat.
  3. Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately. Add the tapioca flour all at once and stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until a thick, sticky dough forms.
  4. Allow the dough to cool for about 10 minutes until it is warm, not hot.
  5. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated into the dough. The dough will look loose at first.
  6. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese until the dough is uniform and cheesy.
  7. Scoop rounded tablespoons of the dough and roll them into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each ball.
  8. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese bread puffs up and the outside is golden brown.
  9. Serve warm for the best texture.

Notes

  • For the most authentic result, use a mix of sour tapioca starch (polvilho azedo) and sweet tapioca starch (polvilho doce) if available, using 1 cup of each instead of 2 cups of just one type.
  • These cheese puffs freeze well before baking. Place frozen balls on a baking sheet and add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
  • This recipe is naturally gluten free, making it a great option for gluten free appetizers for a party.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookerycommand.com/brazilian-cheese-bread-authentic-pao-de-queijo/