We’re about to make Brazilian Cheese Bread, also known as Pão de Queijo, a deliciously soft, chewy, and slightly bouncy bread that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a light meal. If we’ve never baked before, don’t worry! This recipe is super easy and quick.

Unlike traditional bread, there’s no kneading, no waiting for dough to rise, and we can have it ready in just 10 minutes of prep. These breads have a slightly crispy exterior, soft and chewy interior, and a rich cheesy flavor that melts in our mouth.

Ingredients We’ll Need

To make 6 larger breads (or about 12 smaller ones in a standard muffin tray), we’ll need:

- 1 large egg (~55g of liquid egg)

- 37g olive oil (about 1/3 cup)

- 110g milk (around 2/3 cup)

- 170g tapioca flour (important: not mochi flour!)

- 100g mozzarella cheese (or any rich, melty cheese)

- 4–5g salt (adjust to taste)

We can serve the breads with diced vegetables, fresh fruits, or light spreads to make them feel more like a meal. The cheese flavor alone is satisfying, but pairing with fresh ingredients makes the experience even more enjoyable.

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

1. Add the egg to a mixing bowl.

2. Add olive oil, milk, and salt, then whisk lightly to combine.

3. Gradually add tapioca flour, stirring gently to prevent lumps.

4. Add shredded mozzarella cheese and fold into the mixture.

5. Mix using a zigzag motion or spatula until everything is fully combined.

Optional: If we have a food processor, we can blend everything for a smoother batter, with no visible cheese chunks. But mixing by hand works just as well.

The batter should be slightly sticky and elastic—this texture is key for soft and chewy breads.

Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Tray

1. Lightly grease the muffin tray with a small amount of olive oil.

2. Spoon the batter into each mold, filling about 80% full. This allows room for the bread to puff up during baking without overflowing.

3. Smooth the tops slightly with the back of the spoon to ensure even baking.

Leaving this small gap helps the edges turn golden while keeping the centers soft and chewy.

Step 3: Bake the Bread

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).

2. Place the muffin tray on the middle rack for even heat distribution.

3. Bake for 20–24 minutes, until the tops are a warm golden brown.

4. Once baked, immediately remove the breads from the tray to prevent soggy bottoms.

As the breads bake, the kitchen fills with a warm, cheesy aroma—almost like fries but with a richer, cheesy note. The sight of golden, puffed breads coming out of the oven is incredibly satisfying.

Step 4: Serving Suggestions

- Slice the breads open and add diced vegetables such as bell peppers or cucumber for a refreshing bite.

- Pair with fresh fruits or light spreads for a balanced meal.

- Enjoy plain as a snack—cheese flavor alone is satisfying.

Remember, these breads are meant as a main meal, so pairing with light and fresh sides enhances the flavor experience. We can also try mixing different cheeses or adding a pinch of herbs to give each batch a unique twist.

Tips for Success

- Always use tapioca flour—this is the key to the bread’s signature chewiness.

- Strong cheeses will make the flavor richer, but mozzarella ensures the perfect soft stretch.

- Adjust salt according to taste; 4–5g is usually ideal.

- Quick prep is the charm: mix, fill, and bake in just 10 minutes.

- If making ahead, we can freeze the unbaked batter in the tray, then bake directly when needed.

Extra Touches

- Add a sprinkle of grated parmesan on top before baking for an extra cheesy crust.

- We can also experiment with small diced vegetables or herbs mixed into the batter for variety.

- Serve with light sauces or jams for a sweet and savory twist.

Wrapping It Up

Lykkers, now we have soft, golden, and chewy Brazilian cheese breads ready to enjoy! Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a snack, these breads are fast, satisfying, and a little magical. We can try different fillings, share them with friends, or simply enjoy them warm straight from the oven. Who knew just a handful of simple ingredients could create such a delightful treat? Happy baking—we’re sure we’ll love these breads as much as we enjoyed making them!