Brazilian cheese bread recipe, also known as Pão de Queijo, is a popular snack that originated in the Minas Gerais region of Brazil. This delicious bread is made with tapioca flour, which gives it a unique texture that is chewy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
The addition of cheese, typically a mild white cheese such as queijo minas or Parmesan, gives the bread a savory flavor that is sure to delight. Pão de Queijo can be enjoyed as a snack or as a side dish with a variety of meals. Its popularity has spread beyond Brazil, and it is now enjoyed around the world. Making this easy Bazilian cheese bread recipe at home is easy and requires only a few simple ingredients.
History and Culture of Brazilian Cheese Bread
Brazilian cheese bread, also known as pão de queijo in Portuguese, has a rich history and culture in Brazil. It is a popular snack that can be found in bakeries, cafes, and restaurants all over the country.
The origins of Brazilian cheese bread can be traced back to the 16th century when cassava was introduced to Brazil by the Portuguese. Cassava flour, also known as tapioca flour, was used to make bread because it was cheap and readily available.
Over time, cheese was added to the bread, and the result was a delicious and savory snack that became popular throughout Brazil. The traditional cheese used in Brazilian cheese bread is called “queijo de Minas” or “cheese from Minas Gerais”, which is a type of hard, salty cheese that is produced in the state of Minas Gerais.
Tips for Making Perfect Brazilian Cheese Bread
- Use the right type of cheese: The traditional cheese used in Brazilian cheese bread is called “queijo de Minas” or “cheese from Minas Gerais”. If you can’t find this cheese, you can use Parmesan cheese or a similar hard, salty cheese.
- Measure the ingredients carefully: The proportions of the ingredients are important in Brazilian cheese bread, so make sure to measure them accurately.
- Use tapioca flour: Tapioca flour, also known as cassava flour, is the key ingredient in Brazilian cheese bread. Don’t substitute it with regular flour or any other type of flour.
- Mix the dough well: When you’re mixing the dough, make sure to mix it well until it becomes smooth and elastic. This will help to create the characteristic chewy texture of Brazilian cheese bread.
- Let the dough rest: After you’ve mixed the dough, let it rest for at least 30 minutes before shaping it into balls. This will help the dough to develop its flavor and texture.
- Don’t overbake the bread: Brazilian cheese bread should be crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside. Don’t overbake it, or it will become dry and hard.
- Use a blender or food processor: To make the dough, it’s best to use a blender or food processor. This will help to ensure that the dough is well-mixed and smooth.
- Experiment with different flavors: You can add different ingredients to the dough to create different flavors of Brazilian cheese bread. For example, you can add herbs, spices, or even bacon bits.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups tapioca flour/starch
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup cheddar, feta, or Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400 F/205 C. Grate cheese if needed or buy pre-shredded cheese.
- Place all ingredients in a blender and blend for 1 to 2 minutes until well blended.
- Spray a mini muffin tin with cooking spray, then fill each cavity in the top with batter, (you should be able to get 24 of them).
- Place the pan on the middle rack and bake for 20 to 23 minutes, until puffed and lightly golden brown.
- The bottoms of the pan cavities will be slightly browner than the tops.
- Take them out of the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes.
- Remove from the pan and place on a wire rack to cool completely. They are nice and chewy and cheesy and delicious.
- Enjoy!
Calories in Brazilian cheese bread
Servings Per Recipe: 12
Serving Size: 1 serving
Amount Per Serving
| Calories | 121.9 |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 7.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.2 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.6 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 23.0 mg |
| Sodium | 55.6 mg |
| Potassium | 27.4 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 17.9 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.0 g |
| Sugars | 0.0 g |
| Protein | 2.2 g |
| Vitamin A | 1.1 % |
|---|---|
| Vitamin B-12 | 2.5 % |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.6 % |
| Vitamin C | 0.2 % |
| Vitamin D | 1.9 % |