Easy Brazilian Cheese Bread: 3 Reasons You’ll Love This Cheesy Delight

Easy Brazilian Cheese Bread

Easy Brazilian Cheese Bread is a delicious snack you’ll want to make again and again! Known as Pão de Queijo in Brazil, these cheesy little bites are naturally gluten-free and made with tapioca flour. Crispy on the outside and soft, gooey on the inside, they’re perfect for breakfast, snack time, or served warm with coffee. The best part? They’re super easy to make with just a few ingredients. Once you try them fresh out of the oven, you’ll understand why they’re a favorite in every Brazilian kitchen!

Ingredients for Brazilian Cheese Bread

🥛 Milk (1 cup / 240 ml)

• Whole milk is the best choice for this recipe. It gives the cheese bread a rich, creamy texture that makes it soft and chewy. If you don’t have whole milk, you can use 2% milk, but whole milk will yield the best results!

🛢️ Oil (1/2 cup / 120 ml)

• You can use vegetable oil or olive oil — both work great. The oil helps create that tender, soft texture inside the cheese bread while also providing a subtle richness. Choose olive oil for a slight flavor boost.

🧂 Salt (1 teaspoon)

• Just a pinch of salt is needed to balance the cheesy flavors. Don’t skip this step; it brings everything together and enhances the overall taste of your Brazilian cheese bread.

🌾 Tapioca Flour (2 cups / 250 g)

• The star ingredient! Tapioca flour is what makes this bread gluten-free and gives it that classic chewy texture. It’s also what makes it stretchy and gooey when baked. Don’t substitute this with regular flour; tapioca flour is a must for authenticity!

🥚 Egg (1 large)

• The egg is the binding agent in this recipe. It holds all the ingredients together and contributes to the bread’s delicate structure. Be sure to use room temperature eggs for the best results!

🧀 Grated Cheese (1 to 1 1/2 cups / 100–150 g)

• You can use Parmesan, mozzarella, or a mix of both. Parmesan gives a sharp, nutty flavor, while mozzarella adds a stretchy, melty quality. If you love cheese, feel free to go for the higher end of the cheese range! The more cheese, the better the flavor!

That’s It!

These are the simple ingredients that come together in just minutes to make Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo). The beauty of this recipe is that it’s quick, easy, and delicious. You likely already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen!

Just remember to use tapioca flour — it’s the key to getting that irresistible chewy, cheesy texture everyone loves!

How to Make Brazilian Cheese Bread (Step-by-Step)

This cheesy, chewy Brazilian classic comes together easily with just a few simple steps. Follow along for the perfect batch every time!

🔥 1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a mini muffin tin or line it with paper cups to prevent sticking. A nonstick pan also works well!

🥛 2. Heat the Wet Ingredients

In a small saucepan, combine:

• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup oil
• 1 teaspoon salt

Place the pan over medium heat and warm the mixture until it just starts to bubble. Make sure not to let it boil — you just want it hot enough to blend with the tapioca flour.

🌾 3. Add the Tapioca Flour

Once the milk mixture is hot, remove it from the heat.
Slowly add in 2 cups of tapioca flour, stirring as you go. It will quickly turn into a sticky, stretchy dough — don’t worry if it looks a bit unusual at this stage. That’s totally normal for pão de queijo!

⏳ 4. Let the Dough Cool

Allow the dough to cool for 5–10 minutes. This is important so the egg doesn’t cook when added. Once it’s slightly cooled but still soft, you’re ready for the next step.

🥚 5. Mix in the Egg

Add 1 large egg to the dough. Use a spoon or hand mixer to beat it in until the dough becomes smooth and well combined. It will look thick, elastic, and slightly shiny.

🧀 6. Stir in the Cheese

Now for the best part — the cheese!
Stir in 1 to 1½ cups of grated cheese (Parmesan, mozzarella, or a blend). Make sure it’s evenly distributed so each bite is cheesy and delicious. The dough should be thick and stretchy at this point.

🧁 7. Fill the Muffin Tin

Use a spoon or cookie scoop to fill each muffin cup about ¾ full. Don’t overfill — the dough will puff up as it bakes!

🔔 8. Bake Until Puffy and Golden

Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the tops are puffed up and lightly golden. Your kitchen will smell amazing — cheesy, toasty, and irresistible!

🧈 9. Cool Slightly & Serve

Let the cheese breads cool for a few minutes in the pan. They’re best enjoyed warm and fresh, when the outside is lightly crisp and the inside is soft and chewy.

✨ Enjoy Your Homemade Pão de Queijo!

These little cheese breads are perfect for snacking, serving with coffee, or pairing with a soup or salad. They also happen to be naturally gluten-free, which makes them great for sharing.

Want to get creative? You can add chopped herbs, spices, or even bits of cooked bacon to the dough before baking!

These cheesy bites are perfect on their own or with a cup of coffee or tea. Enjoy!

Serving & Storage Tips

• Serve warm: Brazilian cheese bread tastes best fresh out of the oven when it’s soft and cheesy inside.
• Pair with: Enjoy it with coffee, tea, or as a side to soups and salads.
• Make ahead: You can prep the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 1 day.
• Store leftovers: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• To reheat: Warm in the oven for a few minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds.
• Freeze option: Freeze unbaked dough balls or baked pieces for up to 2 months — just bake or reheat when ready!

Nutrition & Healthy Swaps

• Naturally gluten-free: Made with tapioca flour, so it’s safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
• Good source of protein: Thanks to the cheese and egg, each bite has a bit of protein.
• High in fat: Traditional cheese bread is rich and cheesy, so enjoy in moderation.
• Want it lighter? Use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese to cut down on calories.
• Dairy-free option: Swap regular cheese for a dairy-free alternative and use plant-based milk.
• Add extra flavor: Mix in herbs like oregano, parsley, or garlic powder for a twist without adding extra calories.
• Portion smart: Make mini versions to control portion size and keep snacking light.

Nutrition Facts (per piece)

Why 1 Bite Is All It Takes to Fall in Love

So next time you’re craving something comforting yet exciting, give this easy Brazilian cheese bread a try. It’s more than just a recipe — it’s a bite of Brazilian warmth, tradition, and joy. Simple ingredients, quick prep, and that perfect cheesy stretch… it’s proof that the best things in life really are the simplest. One batch, and your kitchen will smell like a cozy bakery in the heart of Brazil. Trust us — you won’t stop at just one!

Note:If you love starting your day with flavorful and energizing dishes, you’ll also enjoy our Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash. It’s the perfect companion to the cheesy goodness of Brazilian Cheese Bread — packed with wholesome ingredients that boost your morning energy. Check out the recipe next for a tasty and nutritious breakfast combo!

Learn more about the nutritional benefits of tapioca flour on Healthline.