Discover the Delight of Pão de Queijo: A Gluten-Free Brazilian Cheese Bread Recipe
Craving a warm, cheesy treat that’s naturally gluten-free? Look no further than Pão de Queijo, the iconic Brazilian cheese bread! These delightful little dough balls are made with tapioca flour, offering a unique texture and flavor that everyone can enjoy. If you’re new to gluten-free baking, exploring alternative flours like tapioca can open up a world of possibilities. We’ve used tapioca flour in other exciting recipes like our Pecan Coconut Crusted Fish, where it adds a delightful crispness.
Whether you’re following a gluten-free diet or simply seeking a delicious snack, Pão de Queijo is a perfect choice. It’s incredibly versatile. If you’re looking for other gluten-free bread alternatives, you might enjoy our Gluten-Free Banana Bread.
The Magic of Tapioca Flour
Tapioca flour (also known as tapioca starch) is the key to Pão de Queijo’s distinctive chewy texture. It’s a fantastic gluten-free ingredient that creates a light and airy crumb, as well as contributing to that lovely crispy exterior. Many of our readers appreciate tapioca flour so much that we suggest you try out our Mango Sticky Rice Recipe.
How to Enjoy Pão de Queijo
These cheese breads are wonderful on their own, but also pair well with a variety of accompaniments. For a savory experience, try serving them alongside soups, stews, or salads. They also make a unique and tasty addition to breakfast or brunch. Consider our Lentil Salad, or our BLT Chicken Salad. Get ready to experience a delightful explosion of flavor and texture in every bite!
Authentic Pão de Queijo Recipe (Gluten-Free)
Ready to bake some delicious, naturally gluten-free Brazilian cheese bread? Follow these simple steps for the perfect Pão de Queijo!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (fan/convection oven).
- Heat the Liquid Mixture: In a small, non-stick saucepan, pour in the milk, olive oil, and salt. Heat gently until the mixture is just about to boil. Then, remove from heat.
- Combine Tapioca Starch and Hot Liquid: Add the tapioca starch to a large mixing bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer. Pour the hot milk mixture into the bowl with the tapioca starch. If using a stand mixer, mix for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is smooth. If mixing by hand, stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth and sticky.
This may take a bit of effort, but it ensures the right texture! - Incorporate the Egg: Add the egg to the mixture and stir until it is fully incorporated into the sticky dough.
- Add the Cheese: Add the grated cheddar cheese and grated mozzarella cheese to the dough. Mix until the cheese is evenly distributed throughout.
Yes, it will be a sticky mess, but that’s exactly how it should look! - Prepare for Baking: Line an oven tray with a silicone mat or non-stick baking parchment. Wet your hands to prevent the dough from sticking.
- Form the Dough Balls: Scoop a small ball of dough (about a heaped tablespoon) onto your wet palms. Gently form it into a smooth ball and place it on the prepared baking mat. Repeat until you have 6 balls of dough ready to bake.
The balls don’t need to be perfectly shaped; they will puff up during baking. - Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the Pão de Queijo are beautifully puffed and golden.
- Repeat and Enjoy: Repeat steps 6-7 with the remaining dough. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious cheese bread!
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container. To reheat, warm them in the oven for a few minutes until heated through.
Enjoy these delightful, gluten-free Pão de Queijo! They’re perfect fresh out of the oven. For more gluten-free inspiration, check out our other recipes!
Ingredients for the Best Gluten-Free Pão de Queijo Recipe
- 200ml semi-skimmed milk
- 1 tsp fine salt
- 45ml olive oil
- 270g tapioca starch/flour (I use Shipton Mill or Bob’s Red Mill)
- 1 large egg
- 80g grated cheddar cheese
- 60g grated mozzarella cheese
Gluten-Free Pão de Queijo: Nutritional Insights
Our pão de queijo recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic choice for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Tapioca starch/flour forms the base of these delightful cheese breads, offering a light and airy texture that’s naturally free from gluten. Here’s a closer look at the nutritional benefits:
- Gluten-Free Goodness: Tapioca starch is a pure carbohydrate source, providing energy without any gluten.
- Calcium Boost: Thanks to the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, these breads are a good source of calcium, essential for bone health.
- Protein Content: The cheeses and egg contribute protein, which is important for muscle repair and overall body function.
- Healthy Fats: Olive oil adds healthy monounsaturated fats, beneficial for heart health.
Tips and Variations for Your Pão de Queijo
Get the most out of your pão de queijo with these helpful tips and delicious variations:
Cheese Variations
Traditionally, pão de queijo is made with Minas cheese, a Brazilian cheese. Since it’s not always available, we’ve used a combination of cheddar and mozzarella for a great flavor and texture. Here are some other cheese options:
- Parmesan: Substitute cheddar with parmesan for a sharper, more intense flavor.
- Monterey Jack: Offers a mild and creamy alternative to mozzarella.
- Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese blends to find your perfect combination!
Dairy-Free Option
Want to make these dairy-free? Here’s how:
- Plant-Based Milk: Use almond, soy, or oat milk instead of cow’s milk.
- Dairy-Free Cheese: Opt for your favorite dairy-free cheddar and mozzarella alternatives.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Pão de queijo is perfect for making ahead! Here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Storage: Store cooled pão de queijo in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 170°C (338°F) for 5 minutes to restore their warm, cheesy goodness.
- Freezing: Freeze cooled pão de queijo for longer storage. Defrost at room temperature or microwave briefly before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your pão de queijo in a variety of ways:
- Breakfast: Serve with jam, honey, or other sweet condiments for a delightful breakfast treat.
- Snack: Enjoy them plain or with savory dips for a satisfying snack.
- Side Dish: Pair them with soups, stews, or other saucy meals. They’re especially delicious with our Spiced Carrot and Parsnip Soup or Spanish Chicken and Chorizo Stew.
Essential Equipment for This Recipe
To prepare this delicious recipe, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:
- Mixing Bowls – A set of good quality mixing bowls is essential for combining your ingredients.
Find Mixing Bowls on Amazon - Measuring Cups and Spoons – Accurate measurements are key to a successful recipe!
Find Measuring Cups and Spoons on Amazon - Baking Sheets – Needed for baking.
Find Baking Sheets on Amazon - Whisks – For incorporating air into your mixture.
Find Whisks on Amazon - Spatulas – Great for scraping bowls and spreading batter.
Find Spatulas on Amazon - Food Processors – Ideal for quick chopping and puréeing.
Find Food Processors on Amazon - Saucepans – For cooking sauces or melting ingredients.
Find Saucepans on Amazon - Chef’s Knives – A sharp knife is a must-have in any kitchen.
Find Chef’s Knives on Amazon - Cutting Boards – Protect your countertops while you prep.
Find Cutting Boards on Amazon