Description
Brazilian Cheese Puffs, also known as pão de queijo, are small, airy, and cheesy bread rolls made with tapioca flour. They are naturally gluten-free and feature a chewy texture with a golden, crisp exterior. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, these cheese puffs combine Parmesan and mozzarella for a rich, savory flavor that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
Dry Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups tapioca flour
Cheeses
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin to prevent sticking.
- Make the Dough Base: In a medium saucepan, combine whole milk, vegetable oil, and salt. Heat over medium heat until the mixture reaches a gentle boil, then immediately remove from heat to prevent overcooking.
- Add Tapioca Flour: Stir in the tapioca flour all at once into the hot liquid mixture, stirring vigorously until a sticky, elastic dough forms that pulls away from the sides of the pan.
- Cool the Dough: Let the dough rest and cool for about 5 minutes so it doesn’t cook the eggs when added.
- Incorporate Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Add Cheeses: Fold in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese thoroughly, ensuring even distribution.
- Portion Batter: Using a spoon or small scoop, drop the batter into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full to allow room for puffing.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the cheese puffs are puffed up and golden brown on top.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- These cheese puffs are naturally gluten-free due to the use of tapioca flour.
- Best enjoyed fresh from the oven but can be reheated in a toaster oven to regain crispness.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley to the dough.
- Use a mini muffin tin to create perfectly sized bite-sized puffs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 puffs
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
