Brazilian Cheese Puffs Recipe

Quick & Chewy Brazilian Cheese Puffs Recipe for Any Day

Brazilian cheese puffs tantalize taste buds with their irresistible blend of crispy exterior and pillowy soft center.

These delightful spheres originate from a rich culinary tradition that celebrates simplicity and bold flavors.

Crafted with just a few humble ingredients, they enhance ordinary pantry staples into something magical and extraordinary.

Light, airy, and impossibly addictive, these cheesy morsels dance between elegance and comfort food.

Their unique texture comes from a special preparation method that creates a delicate, almost cloud-like interior.

Each bite promises a warm, cheesy experience that feels both familiar and exciting.

Passionate home cooks and serious food lovers alike will fall in love with this beloved brazilian snack.

Brazilian Cheese Puffs That Are Impossible to Resist

Here are the Reasons to Love Brazilian Cheese Puffs:
  • Melt-in-Your-Mouth Magic: These delicate cheese puffs create an incredibly light, airy texture that practically dissolves on your tongue, delivering a luxurious sensory experience with each bite.
  • Quick Culinary Triumph: Whip up these cheesy delights in just minutes, making them a perfect last-minute appetizer or snack that looks and tastes impressively gourmet without requiring advanced cooking skills.
  • Gluten-Free Goodness: Crafted with tapioca flour, these puffs are naturally gluten-free, offering a delicious option for people with wheat sensitivities while maintaining a wonderfully crisp exterior and tender interior.
  • Versatile Flavor Companion: Serve these Brazilian cheese puffs as a crowd-pleasing side dish, breakfast treat, or party appetizer that pairs beautifully with everything from morning coffee to evening cocktails, adding a touch of Brazilian culinary magic to any meal.

All You Need for Brazilian Cheese Puffs

Base Ingredients:
  • Milk: Fresh whole milk provides creamy richness and helps develop the dough's texture.
  • Oil: Neutral vegetable oil adds moisture and helps create a smooth, soft cheese puff.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the cheese's richness.
Flour Ingredient:
  • Tapioca Flour: Gluten-free Brazilian flour that creates a chewy, stretchy texture unique to cheese puffs.
Cheese and Egg Group:
  • Parmesan Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, aged cheeses that provide deep savory flavor and help bind the puffs.
  • Eggs: Provide structure, help the puffs rise, and contribute to a rich, tender interior.

How to Make Brazilian Cheese Puffs at Home

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pans

Set the oven to 350°F (176°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Heat Liquid Base

In a saucepan, combine milk, oil, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Remove from heat once bubbles appear.

Step 3: Stir in Tapioca Flour

Add tapioca flour to the hot liquid. Mix with a wooden spoon until smooth and lump-free.

Step 4: Beat the Dough

Transfer dough to a stand mixer with a paddle. Beat on medium speed until smooth and slightly cooled.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Cheese

Beat in eggs one at a time. Add grated Parmesan gradually until dough is sticky and thick.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Scoop dough onto lined sheets with a spoon or scoop. Leave space between. Bake 20–25 minutes until puffed and golden.

Step 7: Serve Warm

Remove from oven and serve cheese puffs while warm for the best flavor and texture.

Tips for Crispy and Cheesy Cheese Puffs

  • Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select high-quality tapioca flour and cheese for the most authentic and delicious flavor profile.
  • Control Dough Temperature: Allow the dough to cool slightly before adding cheese to prevent potential separation and ensure smooth texture.
  • Master Mixing Technique: Use a paddle attachment on medium speed to create a consistent, silky dough without overmixing.
  • Check Cheese Quality: Opt for fresh, good-melting cheeses like Parmesan or queso fresco for the best taste and texture.
  • Perfect Portioning: Use a small ice cream scoop or two spoons to create uniform cheese puff sizes, ensuring even baking and consistent results.

Storing and Reheating Brazilian Cheese Puffs

  • Refrigerate: Store Brazilian cheese puffs in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Place a paper towel underneath to absorb excess moisture.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual puffs tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality and taste.
  • Reheat: Warm refrigerated or frozen puffs in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwaving to maintain their original texture and crunchiness.

Pairing Ideas for Cheese Puffs from Brazil

  • Pair with Brazilian Cocktails: Sip on a refreshing caipirinha, Brazil's national cocktail made with cachaça, lime, and sugar, which complements the cheesy puffs with its zesty and slightly sweet profile.
  • Match with Robust Red Wines: Choose a bold Brazilian red wine like Tannat or Cabernet Sauvignon to enhance the rich, cheesy flavor of the puffs with its deep, complex notes.
  • Serve with Fresh Salsa: Accompany these cheese puffs with a bright, tangy Brazilian-style salsa made from diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and a splash of lime juice to cut through the richness.
  • Combine with Light Herbal Tea: Enjoy a crisp, aromatic green or chamomile tea that provides a clean, refreshing contrast to the dense, cheesy texture of the puffs.

Cheese Puff Twists and Flavor Ideas

  • Spicy Pepper Cheese Puffs: Add finely chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the dough for a kick of heat that complements the cheesy base. The spice will create a bold flavor profile perfect for those who love some extra zest.
  • Herb-Infused Cheese Clouds: Mix in fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives to elevate the traditional recipe. These green additions will bring a fresh, aromatic dimension to the classic Brazilian cheese bread.
  • Smoky Paprika Cheese Bites: Incorporate smoked paprika or a sprinkle of Spanish paprika into the dough for a deep, rich undertone. This variation adds complexity and a subtle warmth that transforms the original recipe into something more sophisticated.
  • Mediterranean Cheese Puffs: Blend in crumbled feta or grated parmesan to introduce a Mediterranean flavor profile. These cheese alternatives will create a different texture and taste while maintaining the light, airy characteristic of the original puffs.
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Brazilian Cheese Puffs Recipe

Brazilian Cheese Puffs Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 20 1x

Description

Brazilian cheese puffs deliver a delightful explosion of cheesy goodness with their crispy exterior and pillowy center. Cheese lovers will savor these gluten-free delicacies that bring Brazil’s irresistible culinary charm right to your table.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 10 ounces (280 grams) tapioca flour
  • 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 large eggs

Liquid Ingredients:

  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil

Seasoning:

  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Heat the milk, oil, and salt in a medium saucepan, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer while stirring intermittently. Remove from heat immediately when substantial bubbles emerge through the liquid surface.
  2. Incorporate tapioca flour into the hot liquid, vigorously mixing with a sturdy utensil until a cohesive, slightly sticky dough forms.
  3. Transfer the warm dough to a stand mixer equipped with a paddle attachment, beating at medium velocity for several minutes to achieve a smoother, more uniform consistency.
  4. Allow the dough to cool slightly, ensuring it reaches a comfortable handling temperature.
  5. Gradually introduce eggs into the mixture, blending thoroughly after each addition to create a uniform, silky texture.
  6. Fold in the cheese carefully, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough without overmixing.
  7. Using a small scoop or spoon, portion the dough into uniform rounds directly onto parchment-lined baking sheets, maintaining consistent sizing for even baking.
  8. Position the prepared baking sheets in a preheated oven, positioned in the middle rack to promote balanced heat circulation.
  9. Bake until the cheese puffs transform into golden, puffy morsels with crisp exterior and soft, airy interior, typically requiring 15-20 minutes of cooking time.
  10. Remove from the oven and allow the Brazilian cheese puffs to rest briefly, enabling them to set and develop their signature light, delicate texture before serving warm.

Notes

  • Gluten-free delight packed with authentic Brazilian flavor, these cheese puffs are crispy outside and wonderfully chewy inside.
  • Tapioca flour creates a unique texture that makes these puffs different from traditional bread or pastry recipes.
  • Prep work is quick and simple, requiring basic kitchen tools like a saucepan, mixer, and baking sheets.
  • Always use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth dough consistency and optimal rising.
  • Serving these warm guarantees the best taste and texture, with a golden-brown exterior and soft, cheesy center.
  • Perfect as a party appetizer, breakfast side, or gluten-free snack that impresses everyone with minimal effort.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Brazilian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 20
  • Calories: 165
  • Sugar: 0.5 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

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