Indulge in the delightful flavors of Brazilian cuisine with this easy-to-make Brazilian cheese bread. Known as Pão de Queijo, these cheesy, chewy bites are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even as a side dish. The combination of tapioca flour and parmesan cheese creates a unique texture that is both crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
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 or gluten-free section of most supermarkets. Make sure to pick up some parmesan cheese as well, as its sharp flavor is crucial for the authentic taste.
Ingredients For Brazilian Cheese Bread Recipe
Milk: Provides moisture and richness to the dough.
Vegetable oil: Adds fat and helps 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.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When adding the tapioca flour to the hot milk mixture, make sure to stir vigorously to avoid any lumps. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth dough. If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a splash of milk to help incorporate the flour evenly.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
milk - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk: Unsweetened almond milk provides a similar consistency and neutral flavor, making it a good dairy-free alternative.
vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier option with a slightly different flavor profile.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and offers a more natural taste.
tapioca flour - Substitute with arrowroot flour: Arrowroot flour has similar properties and can be used as a thickening agent in the same way as tapioca flour.
grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar texture and a slightly stronger flavor, making it a good alternative.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoon water per egg) can be used as a vegan alternative, providing a similar binding effect.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store / Freeze This Recipe
Allow the Brazilian cheese bread to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the bread soggy.
For short-term storage, place the cooled cheese bread in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days.
If you prefer to keep them longer, refrigerate the cheese bread in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to a week.
To freeze, arrange the cooled cheese bread on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
Once frozen, transfer the cheese bread to a resealable plastic freezer bag or an airtight container. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When ready to enjoy, reheat the frozen cheese bread directly from the freezer. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.
For a quicker option, you can also reheat the cheese bread in the microwave. Place a few pieces on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 30-60 seconds, or until warm.
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 to prevent them from drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until they are warm and slightly crispy on the outside.
For a quicker method, use a toaster oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and place the cheese bread directly on the rack or on a small baking sheet. Toast for about 5-7 minutes, keeping an eye on them to ensure they don't burn.
If you're in a hurry, the microwave can be your friend. Place the cheese bread on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Be cautious, as microwaving too long can make them chewy rather than crispy.
For an air fryer, preheat it to 320°F (160°C). Arrange the cheese bread in a single layer in the basket. Heat for about 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are warming evenly.
If you have a steamer, you can reheat the cheese bread by placing them in the steamer basket over boiling water for about 5 minutes. This method keeps them moist and soft, perfect if you prefer a less crispy texture.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Saucepan: Used to combine and heat the milk, oil, and salt mixture.
Mixing bowl: Essential for mixing the tapioca flour with the heated liquid mixture and later combining it with cheese and eggs.
Whisk: Helps in mixing the ingredients smoothly and ensuring there are no lumps.
Wooden spoon: Useful for stirring the tapioca flour into the hot liquid mixture.
Muffin tin: Used to bake the batter into individual portions of Brazilian cheese bread.
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.
Oven: Preheated to the required temperature for baking the cheese bread.
Cooling rack: Allows the baked cheese bread to cool slightly before serving.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out milk, vegetable oil, salt, tapioca flour, parmesan cheese, and eggs before starting to streamline the process.
Use a blender: Combine the milk, oil, salt, tapioca flour, cheese, and eggs in a blender for a smoother batter and quicker mixing.
Preheat the oven early: Start preheating your oven while you prepare the ingredients to save time.
Grease the muffin tin in advance: Prepare your muffin tin before mixing the batter to avoid delays.
Use a piping bag: Transfer the batter into a piping bag to fill the muffin tin quickly and neatly.
Brazilian Cheese Bread Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups tapioca flour
- 1 cup 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 over medium heat.
- Remove from heat and add tapioca flour. Mix well until smooth.
- Let the mixture cool for a few minutes, then add the cheese and eggs. Mix until well combined.
- 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
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