Description
Brazilian cheese puffs deliver a crispy, cheesy explosion of flavor from South America’s culinary treasure chest. Pão de queijo combines tapioca flour, cheese, and eggs into irresistible golden-brown bites you’ll crave with every delightful, addictive mouthful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 10 oz (280 g) 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
- Heat the milk, oil, and salt in a saucepan, bringing the mixture to a subtle boil while gently stirring. Watch for emerging bubbles, then immediately remove from heat.
- Swiftly incorporate tapioca flour into the hot liquid, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until a cohesive dough forms.
- Transfer the warm dough to a stand mixer, using the paddle attachment to blend and smooth the mixture. Mix at medium speed, allowing the dough to cool and become more uniform.
- Introduce eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully integrated before adding the next. The dough will gradually become more elastic and glossy.
- Gradually fold in the cheese, mixing until evenly distributed throughout the dough. The mixture should appear slightly lumpy and textured.
- Using a small scoop or two spoons, portion the dough into uniform round mounds onto prepared parchment-lined baking sheets. Space the portions slightly apart to allow for expansion.
- Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven, positioning one rack in the center and another in the lower third to ensure even baking.
- Bake until the cheese puffs transform into golden, puffy rounds with crisp exterior and soft interior, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let the puffs rest for a few minutes. Serve warm for optimal flavor and texture, enjoying the delicate crispness and cheesy interior.
Notes
- Gluten-free magic happens when tapioca flour transforms into these light, airy cheese puffs.
- Serve these Brazilian cheese balls warm for the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth experience that’ll wow guests.
- Quick tip: Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth dough consistency and perfect texture.
- Cheese selection matters – sharp parmesan or aged cheddar will boost the flavor profile dramatically.
- Store leftover unbaked puffs in the freezer for up to one month, ready to bake whenever cravings strike.
- Best enjoyed immediately after baking, these puffs lose their crispy exterior if left sitting too long.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg