Chef John's Pão de Queijo (Brazilian Cheese Bread)

Brazilian cheese bread is very easy to make and features a chewy, cheesy, bready center encased in a beautiful, thin pastry crust. It is gluten-free, thanks to tapioca flour, which is also responsible for its unique texture. Happily, the ingredients are relatively inexpensive, so you can play around with a few batches and see for yourself.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Calories: 109 Calories

Ingredients

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

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat.

Step 2

Place tapioca flour in a mixing bowl; set aside.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

Bake in the preheated oven until rolls are puffed and golden, about 20 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes and serve warm.