How to Make Chef John's Pão de Queijo (Brazilian Cheese Bread) - A Step-by-Step Guide

If you've never tried Pão de Queijo before, you're in for a real treat. This Brazilian cheese bread is a savory, gluten-free snack that is both chewy and crispy on the outside, and irresistibly cheesy on the inside. Chef John's take on this classic recipe is sure to impress, so get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into the world of Brazilian cuisine.

One of the defining features of Pão de Queijo is its unique texture, which is achieved through a combination of ingredients and cookin...

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Ingredients

  • 2 ¼ cups tapioca flour, or more as needed
  • ⅔ cup milk
  • ½ cup mild olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 ounces freshly grated mozzarella cheese
  • 2 ounces finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper

Information

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
  • Additional Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 45 mins
  • Servings: 24
  • Yield: 24 pão de queijo

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat.
  • Place tapioca flour in a mixing bowl; set aside.
  • Combine milk, olive oil, and salt in a pan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Immediately remove from heat and pour into tapioca in the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough starts to form. Let rest for 5 minutes.
  • Add eggs, mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and cayenne to the bowl; stir with a fork until thoroughly combined. Use a medium ice cream scoop to portion dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Poke down any jagged bits using a wet finger if desired.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until rolls are puffed and golden, about 20 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes and serve warm.
  • Nutrition

    109 cal.

    • Total Fat: 6g
    • Saturated Fat: 2g
    • Cholesterol: 20mg
    • Sodium: 140mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 11g
    • Total Sugars: 0g
    • Protein: 2g
    • Calcium: 56mg
    • Iron: 0mg
    • Potassium: 24mg