Go Back
+ servings
Golden Brazilian Pão de Queijo cheese bread rolls piled in a rustic basket lined with a linen cloth, steam rising, melted cheese visible inside a torn-open roll, warm kitchen background

Brazilian Pão de Queijo

No ratings yet
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 24 rolls
Calories 95 kcal

Equipment

  • Mini muffin tin or baking sheets
  • Blender or large mixing bowl
  • Small saucepan
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cookie scoop or spoon

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups tapioca starch also sold as tapioca flour
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup neutral oil or melted butter for richer flavor
  • 1 tsp fine sea salt
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese finely grated
  • 3/4 cup low-moisture mozzarella shredded

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin generously with oil or cooking spray, or line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • In a small saucepan, combine the milk, oil, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture just begins to simmer and steam rises — about 3-4 minutes. Do not let it boil.
  • Place the tapioca starch in a large bowl or the jar of a blender. Pour the hot milk mixture over the starch all at once and stir vigorously (or blend) until combined. The mixture will look clumpy and shaggy at first — this is normal.
  • Allow the dough to cool for 5 minutes until it is warm but not scalding hot. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition (or blending between additions) until the dough is smooth and glossy.
  • Add the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella to the dough. Stir or blend until fully incorporated. The dough will be sticky, wet, and pourable — this is correct.
  • Using a spoon, small cookie scoop, or squeeze bottle, fill each mini muffin cup about three-quarters full. Alternatively, drop tablespoon-sized mounds onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the rolls are deeply golden and puffed. They should feel set on the outside but still have a very slight jiggle in the center. Do not overbake — you want the inside to stay stretchy and gooey.
  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 3-5 minutes before serving. Serve warm for the best texture and maximum cheese pull.

Notes

Storage: Best eaten warm and fresh, but leftover rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-8 minutes to restore the crispy exterior. Freezing raw batter: Portion into a greased muffin tin, freeze solid, transfer to a freezer bag, and store for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 400°F, adding 5-6 minutes to the bake time. Cheese variations: Try adding 2 tablespoons of cream cheese for extra richness, or swap mozzarella for shredded gouda or Gruyère for a deeper flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 95kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 3gFat: 4gSodium: 115mg
No ratings yet