Brazilian cheese bread, or Pão de Queijo, naturally gluten-free

Pão de Queijo is a Brazilian specialty, usually served for breakfast. These cheese rolls, made with tapioca starch , are naturally gluten-free and perfect for a gourmet aperitif. With their soft and slightly crispy texture, they could almost replace our gougères! The recipe is simple and quick to make: here's how to prepare these Brazilian buns at home!

Preparation time 10 mins

Cooking time 20 mins

Total time 30 mins

Cooking method: traditional

Difficulty: beginner

Servings: 20

Ingredients

250 g of tapioca flour (also called cassava flour or cassava flour)
100 ml of milk
50 ml of water
50 ml of vegetable oil
1 tsp of salt (yes it's a lot but it's the traditional recipe)
1 egg
100 g 100 grated cheese (in the absence of Brazilian "queijo minas" cheese, use well-ripened cheese such as Parmesan0

Preparation

1
Preheat the oven to 180°C and prepare a baking tray lined with baking paper.
2
Heat the liquids: In a saucepan, combine the milk, water, oil and salt. Bring to a boil while stirring.
3
Pour the tapioca starch into a large bowl. As soon as the milk mixture begins to boil, gradually pour it into the starch, stirring constantly to obtain a thick, homogeneous paste. If necessary, add a little water, one tablespoon at a time. Let cool slightly so as not to cook the egg the next time you add it.
4
Add the egg and grated cheese: Add the egg to the dough and mix well. Then add the grated cheese and knead until you obtain a homogeneous dough. The dough will be slightly sticky, which is normal.
5
Form the rolls: If the dough is sticky, moisten your hands, then form walnut-sized balls. Arrange them on the baking tray, spacing them apart.
6
Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the buns are lightly browned and puffy.
7
Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Note

You can vary the cheeses : You can use cheddar, gruyere, roquefort to vary the flavors.
Storage : Pão de Queijo are best hot, but you can store them in an airtight container. Reheat them for a few minutes in the oven before serving.
Freezing : Before baking, place the dough balls on a baking sheet and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. You can cook them as needed, directly in the oven (adjust the cooking time).

Keywords: Brazilian Queijo Pão, Gluten -free cheese buns, cassava flour bread

An original and Gluten-Free Aperitif

Originally from the state of Minas Gerais, this little bread has become a true culinary icon in Brazil. Easy to prepare and gluten-free, it's a pleasure for everyone to share as an aperitif. Pão de Queijo recipe and offer your guests a gourmet escape to Brazilian lands!