
Brazilian Cheese Bread, or Pão de Queijo, offers a chewy, gluten-free bite made from tapioca flour and loaded with cheese. These puffy treats come together quickly and easily, making them perfect for snacking anytime. Fans of cheese can't resist these little gems—grab them hot from the oven or save some for later!
What Makes This Treat So Special
You'll fall in love with how quick and easy this is. Just toss everything in a blender and pop the mixture into mini muffin tins—that's it! There's hardly any work involved but you'll get amazing results. Since it uses tapioca instead of wheat, anyone avoiding gluten can enjoy these too. The unique combo creates an irresistibly chewy texture you won't be able to stop eating.
Your Shopping List
- Tapioca Flour: Creates that distinctive chew—look for it in natural food shops or ethnic grocers.
- Cheese: Pick whatever you like—cheddar, Parmesan, or mix a few kinds for more complex flavor.
- Milk: Brings everything together and adds needed moisture.
- Eggs: Gives these puffs their structure and adds richness.
- Oil: Something without strong flavor works best, like canola or vegetable.
- Salt: Brings out all that cheesy goodness.
Simple Baking Method
- Mix Everything Up
- Throw your tapioca flour, cheese, eggs, milk, oil and salt into a blender and whizz until everything looks smooth.
- Get Your Tin Ready
- Make sure to coat your mini muffin tin really well with oil so nothing sticks, then pour in your batter until each cup is about three-quarters full.
- Into The Oven
- Get your oven hot at 400°F (200°C) and bake for around 15-20 minutes until they puff up and turn golden brown. They taste best when they're still warm.
- Save For Later
- Any leftover batter keeps in the fridge for up to a week in a sealed container. Just pour and bake whenever you want fresh cheese bread.
Fun Ways To Switch Things Up
- Cheese Options: Try swapping in mozzarella, Gruyère, or create your own cheese combo.
- Fresh Herbs: Toss in some chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary to brighten the flavor.
- Heat It Up: Add a dash of chili flakes or paprika if you want a bit of kick.
- Size Matters: Use regular muffin tins for bigger cheese breads, but remember to bake them longer.

Secrets For Amazing Results
Don't skimp on blending time—you want that batter completely smooth. Really oil those muffin cups well or try silicone molds that pop right out. Don't fill the cups too high or they won't puff up properly. Always eat them warm to enjoy that signature chewy texture at its best.
Keeping Them Fresh
You can keep your baked cheese bread in a sealed container on the counter for about 2 days. When you want to eat them again, warm them up in a toaster oven or regular oven on low heat. The raw batter keeps in the fridge for a week, so you can always have fresh-baked treats whenever the mood strikes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why should eggs be warm?
They mix better when not cold; soak in warm water if needed.
- → Can I prepare the mix early?
Yep, store in the fridge for up to a week and let it warm up before baking.
- → Why does the texture feel chewy?
The tapioca flour creates a stretchiness that's a bit like mochi.
- → How should leftovers be kept?
They last a day at room temp, a week in the fridge, or a month frozen.
- → Could I swap out the cheese?
Sure, just adjust the salt depending on how salty your cheese is.