Pao de Queijo (Brazilian Cheese Bread)

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Pao de Queijo is a traditional peasants' bread from Minas-Gerais state in Brazil, but is now a delight countrywide. Last time I visited Brazil I was surprised to find cheese bread at the airport, offered along with American-brand pizza, though with a Brazilian brand that reminds us of this old Mineira tradition. (Minas-Gerais means the general mines, as this part of Brazil was the first where rich mines of gold, diamonds, emeralds, and other precious stones were found. It is also where one of the world's richest iron ore deposits are located.)

Submitted by Moira
Updated on January 14, 2022
4
4
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
30 mins
Additional Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
1 hr
Servings:
48
Yield:
4 dozen
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 48 servings

  • 4 cups tapioca starch (such as Bob's Red Mill®)

  • 1 cup water

  • ½ cup vegetable oil

  • 1 ½ tablespoons salt

  • 1 ¼ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

  • 3 eggs

  • 2 teaspoons water, or as needed

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

  2. Pour tapioca starch into a wide bowl.

  3. Combine 1 cup water, vegetable oil, and salt in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Slowly pour over the tapioca, mixing with a spoon until evenly combined. Let cool slightly, about 10 minutes.

  4. Stir Mexican cheese blend and eggs into the tapioca mixture. Knead dough until soft and sticky, 5 to 10 minutes. Add water, 1 teaspoon at a time, if dough seems dry.

  5. Drop spoonfuls of dough 1 inch apart on the baking sheets.

  6. Bake in the preheated oven until lightly golden, about 25 minutes.

Cook's Notes:

Substitute manioc, cassava, or yucca starch (such as Yoki(R)) for the tapioca if desired.

You can substitute coconut oil, bacon fat, lard, or ghee for the vegetable oil, just know it can affect the flavor profile.

You can use grated Parmesan cheese to add a little bite.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

74 Calories
3g Fat
10g Carbs
1g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 48
Calories 74
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 3g 4%
Saturated Fat 1g 6%
Cholesterol 14mg 5%
Sodium 241mg 10%
Total Carbohydrate 10g 4%
Protein 1g 2%
Calcium 3mg 0%
Iron 0mg 1%
Potassium 7mg 0%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.