Patrick Oconnell
Brazilian cheese bread, or pão de queijo, is a typical Brazilian snack that is gluten-free and made with tapioca flour, milk, eggs, olive oil, and cheese. It is soft and chewy on the inside with a lightly crunchy exterior. The recipe originated in the 18th century in the states of Minas Gerais and Goiás, where wheat flour was hard to come by, so locals used yuca starch (also known as tapioca flour) instead. Pão de queijo is often served with coffee, butter, or dulce de leche, and pairs well with the national Brazilian soda, Guaraná.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Traditional Name | Pão de queijo |
| Origin | Brazil |
| Region | Minas Gerais and Goiás |
| Main Ingredients | Cheese, tapioca flour, milk, eggs, olive oil |
| Texture | Crispy exterior, soft and chewy interior |
| Taste | Tangy and cheesy |
| Dietary Requirements | Gluten-free, wheat-free |
| Serving Suggestions | Plain, with butter, dulce de leche, marinara sauce, or Guaraná |
| Baking Method | Baked in a mini muffin pan or standard muffin pan |
| Baking Temperature | 350°F to 400°F |
| Baking Time | 15-25 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
How to make Brazilian cheese bread dough
Brazilian Cheese Bread, or Pão de Queijo, is a gluten-free snack that is typically made with tapioca flour, milk, eggs, olive oil, and cheese. The dough can be made in a blender or food processor, and the bread can be baked in a muffin pan or on a baking tray.
To make the dough, start by adding the tapioca flour to a bowl or blender jar. If using a bowl, create a well in the centre of the flour and add the milk, vegetable oil, and salt. If using a blender, add the milk, oil, and salt first, followed by the flour. Pulse the blender a few times to combine the ingredients into a smooth batter. If making the dough by hand, mix the ingredients with a spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
Next, add the eggs. If using a blender, add them one at a time, pulsing after each addition. If making the dough by hand, create a well in the centre of the flour mixture and add the eggs, mixing until incorporated. The dough should be silky and mouldable; if it is breaking, add another egg.
Finally, add the grated cheese. If using a blender, add the cheese last and pulse a couple of times to combine. If making the dough by hand, mix in the cheese until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Once the dough is ready, it can be baked into Brazilian Cheese Bread. The dough can also be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
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Baking Brazilian cheese bread
Brazilian cheese bread, or pão de queijo, is a popular snack that is gluten-free and loaded with gooey cheese. It is usually baked in the oven and can be served with butter, dulce de leche, or marinara sauce.
Ingredients
The ingredients for Brazilian cheese bread typically include tapioca flour, milk, eggs, olive oil, and cheese. Some recipes may also call for additional ingredients such as herbs, spices, or potato.
Preparation
The preparation process for Brazilian cheese bread is fairly simple. The ingredients are combined in a blender until smooth, and the dough is then shaped into small balls. These balls are placed on a baking sheet and baked in the oven until golden brown.
Baking
To bake Brazilian cheese bread, preheat your oven to between 350°F and 450°F. Arrange the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each ball to allow for air circulation. Bake for 15 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese bread is golden brown and puffed.
Serving
Brazilian cheese bread can be served warm or at room temperature, but it is best enjoyed fresh. It can be served plain or with various accompaniments such as butter, dulce de leche, or marinara sauce. It also pairs well with a cup of black coffee or a glass of ice-cold Guaraná, the national Brazilian soda.
Storage
Brazilian cheese bread can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to one day or in the fridge for up to one week. It can also be frozen for up to one month and reheated in a toaster oven or low oven until thawed and crisp.
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How to store Brazilian cheese bread
Brazilian cheese bread, or Pão de Queijo, is a popular snack that can be stored in various ways depending on whether you are storing the batter, freshly baked bread, or leftovers.
Storing the batter
If you have made a large batch of batter, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. When you are ready to bake, simply let the batter come to room temperature, give it a quick whisk, and proceed with the recipe. Alternatively, you can freeze the batter in a ziplock bag for up to one month. Transfer the frozen batter to the fridge to thaw, then portion and bake as directed.
Storing freshly baked Brazilian cheese bread
Brazilian cheese bread is best enjoyed freshly baked as it tends to lose its texture and flavour over time. If you are planning to consume the bread within a day of baking, you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
Storing leftovers
If you have leftover Brazilian cheese bread, it is recommended to store it in an airtight container or a plastic bag to prevent it from drying out. It can be kept at room temperature for one day or refrigerated for up to one week. To restore its chewy texture before serving, reheat the bread in the oven, toaster oven, or microwave for a few seconds to minutes. You can also freeze leftovers for up to one month and reheat them in a toaster oven or low oven until they are thawed and crisp.
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Brazilian cheese bread serving suggestions
Brazilian cheese bread, or pão de queijo, is a gluten-free snack that is crunchy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside. It is typically made with tapioca flour, milk, eggs, olive oil, and cheese.
There are several ways to serve Brazilian cheese bread. One popular way is to serve them plain, either as a snack or as a side dish. You can also get creative and experiment with different herbs, spices, or seasonings, such as Italian seasoning. If you want to enhance the cheesiness of the bread, you can serve it with butter or dulce de leche.
Brazilian cheese bread also pairs well with various drinks. Traditionally, it is served with a cup of black coffee, but it also goes well with a glass of ice-cold Guaraná, the national Brazilian soda.
If you want to make a meal out of it, Brazilian cheese bread can be served with marinara sauce on the side. You can also add other ingredients to the bread itself, such as different types of cheese like Parmesan, mozzarella, or cheddar, or even cooked potatoes.
Brazilian cheese bread can be made in advance and frozen for later. Simply follow the recipe until you get to the rolling stage, then place the baking sheet in the freezer for 15 minutes to set the dough balls. Once set, you can transfer them to a freezer bag and store them for up to 3-4 months. When you're ready to bake them, preheat the oven to 350°F and arrange the frozen balls on a baking sheet, baking until golden brown, which usually takes 40-45 minutes.
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Brazilian cheese bread and drinks
Brazilian cheese bread, or pão de queijo, is naturally gluten-free and can be served at any time of the day, whether it's breakfast, as a snack, or as a savoury treat. The bread is crispy on the outside and soft and cheesy on the inside.
Brazilian cheese bread is often served with coffee, and it is customary to have it with black coffee in the afternoon. However, it also goes well with a glass of ice-cold Guaraná, the national Brazilian soda. For a more indulgent treat, you can serve the bread with butter or dulce de leche.
If you want to add more flavour to your bread, you can add herbs or spices of your choice. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as Parmesan or mozzarella, or add more or less salt depending on the saltiness of the cheese.
When making Brazilian cheese bread, you can use a blender to mix the ingredients, which typically include tapioca flour, milk, eggs, olive oil, and cheese. You can then pour the batter into a greased muffin tin and bake in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes at around 375°F to 400°F until golden brown and puffy.
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Frequently asked questions
Brazilian cheese bread, or pão de queijo, is a typical Brazilian snack that is gluten-free, wheat-free, and lightly crunchy on the outside, with a soft and chewy inside.
The ingredients you will need are tapioca flour, milk, eggs, olive oil, and cheese.
Put all the ingredients into a blender and pulse until smooth. Grease a mini muffin tin and pour the batter into the tin. Bake for 15-20 minutes in an oven preheated to 400°F.
You can store the batter in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the baked cheese bread for up to 3-4 months and reheat them in an air fryer or oven whenever you want to enjoy them fresh.
Brazilian cheese bread is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with butter, dulce de leche, or marinara sauce. It goes well with a cup of black coffee or a glass of ice-cold Guaraná, the national Brazilian soda.
