Brazilian Cheese Bread Recipe Gluten-Free
Brazilian Cheese Bread, or Pão de Queijo, is a delicious gluten-free treat. Combine tapioca flour, milk, oil, eggs, and cheese in a bowl. Mix until smooth, then spoon the batter into greased muffin tins. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden. Enjoy these cheesy, chewy delights!
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Food processor (optional but helpful)
Ingredients
- 1 cup tapioca flour also known as tapioca starch
- 1/2 cup milk or dairy-free alternative
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup grated cheese I prefer mozzarella or a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder optional
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper optional
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- First, I preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that my cheese bread cooks evenly and comes out golden brown.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
- In a mixing bowl, I whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, and egg until well combined. This mix creates a smooth base for the dough.
Step 3: Add the Cheese and Dry Ingredients
- Next, I add the grated cheese, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper to the wet mixture. Then, I gently stir everything together.
Step 4: Incorporate the Tapioca Flour
- Now, I gradually add the tapioca flour to the mixture. I mix it all together until it forms a sticky dough. If you have a food processor, you can blend the ingredients for a smoother texture.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
- With my hands, I take small portions of the dough and roll them into balls, about the size of a golf ball. I love the tactile experience of shaping them!
Step 6: Arrange on Baking Sheet
- I line a baking sheet with parchment paper (though it’s optional) and place the cheese balls about 2 inches apart to allow for expansion while baking.
Step 7: Bake
- I pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake the cheese breads for about 20 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown on the outside.
Step 8: Enjoy!
- Once they’re out of the oven, I let them cool for a minute before devouring them warm. The gooey cheese and chewy texture make every bite irresistible!