Brazilian Cheese Puffs, also known as Pão de Queijo, are a popular snack or side dish that’s incredibly addictive! Made with tapioca flour and loaded with Parmesan cheese, these puffs are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. They’re perfect for parties, gatherings, or even as a quick treat. These cheese puffs are naturally gluten-free and packed with flavor, making them a great alternative to traditional bread-based snacks.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole milk

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 10 oz. (280g) tapioca flour

• 2 large eggs

• 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium saucepan, combine milk, oil, and salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat once large bubbles begin to form in the milk.

2. Mix the Ingredients:
   Add the tapioca flour to the hot milk mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until it’s fully combined. Transfer the dough to the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Beat the dough at medium speed for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and cools down.

3. Add Eggs and Cheese:
   With the mixer on medium speed, add the eggs one at a time, waiting until the first egg is fully incorporated before adding the second. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then beat in the grated Parmesan cheese until the dough becomes very sticky.

4. Shape and Bake the Puffs:
   Use a small ice cream scoop to portion the dough into 24 pieces, spacing them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Dip the scoop in water between scoops to prevent sticking. Bake for 15 minutes, then rotate the sheets from front to back. Continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the puffs are golden brown on the bottom and have puffed up.

Nutrients (per puff)

• Calories: 88 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 11g

• Protein: 3g

• Fat: 7g

  • Saturated Fat: 5g

• Cholesterol: 20mg

• Sodium: 202mg

• Sugar: 1g

Gluten-Free and Full of Flavor

One of the key features that make Brazilian Cheese Puffs so special is their gluten-free nature. Unlike most traditional bread-based snacks, which rely on wheat flour, these puffs are made with tapioca flour, making them naturally gluten-free. This makes them a perfect choice for people with gluten sensitivities or anyone following a gluten-free diet. Despite being free of gluten, they don’t compromise on taste or texture. The combination of tapioca flour and cheese results in a chewy interior, while the outside becomes crispy and golden brown as they bake.

The rich, nutty flavor of Parmesan cheese is what gives these puffs their delicious taste. As they bake, the cheese melts and crisps up, creating an irresistible crunch. The other ingredients, such as milk, vegetable oil, and eggs, contribute to the puff’s smooth texture and ensure that each bite is full of flavor.

The Perfect Snack for Any Occasion

Brazilian Cheese Puffs are a versatile treat that can be enjoyed at almost any event or occasion. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, a holiday gathering, or just looking for a savory snack to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee, these puffs are an excellent choice. They’re especially popular at Brazilian parties, where they’re often served as appetizers or as a side to a main dish.

Thanks to their light and airy texture, these puffs can be eaten on their own or paired with a variety of dips, such as marinara sauce, spicy salsa, or even a creamy cheese dip. They can also be enjoyed alongside other Brazilian dishes, like feijoada (a traditional black bean stew) or grilled meats, making them a great addition to any meal.

In addition to being served at gatherings, Brazilian Cheese Puffs are also perfect for more casual occasions. Enjoy them as a quick snack while watching a movie, or make them for a quick breakfast alongside a cup of coffee. Their versatility ensures that they’ll become a favorite in your household, no matter the occasion.

Easy to Make with Simple Ingredients

Making Brazilian Cheese Puffs is surprisingly simple, and you don’t need a lot of fancy ingredients or kitchen tools to get started. The recipe requires just a few basic ingredients, such as whole milk, vegetable oil, tapioca flour, eggs, and Parmesan cheese. The process itself is straightforward and doesn’t require a lot of hands-on time, making it a great recipe for cooks of all skill levels.

To start, you’ll heat the milk, oil, and salt together until the mixture begins to bubble. This creates the base of the dough, to which the tapioca flour is added. Once the dough has cooled slightly, it’s transferred to a stand mixer where eggs and Parmesan cheese are mixed in. The resulting dough is sticky, but this is exactly what you want, as it helps create the signature chewy texture of the puffs.

The dough is then shaped into small balls and baked until golden and puffed up. The result is a batch of perfect Brazilian Cheese Puffs with a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior. These puffs are best enjoyed warm, but they can also be stored in an airtight container and reheated for later enjoyment.

Perfect for Meal Prep

If you love the idea of having Brazilian Cheese Puffs on hand for a quick snack or side dish, the recipe is easy to scale for meal prepping. You can make a large batch of puffs and store them in an airtight container for up to a few days. Simply reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispy texture, and they’ll be just as delicious as when they were first baked.

If you’re making them for a special occasion or event, you can also prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it. Once the dough is ready, shape the puffs and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze them until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen puffs directly on the baking sheet and bake as usual. No need to thaw them, and they’ll come out just as fresh as if they were made that day.

Nutritional Benefits of Brazilian Cheese Puffs

Brazilian Cheese Puffs are not only tasty but also packed with essential nutrients. Each puff contains approximately 88 calories, making them a great option for those looking for a satisfying snack without overindulging. They provide 7 grams of fat per serving, with 5 grams of saturated fat, which comes from the vegetable oil and cheese. While they’re not considered a low-fat snack, the fat content primarily comes from healthy sources like cheese and oil.

With 3 grams of protein per puff, they also offer a decent amount of protein, which can help keep you full and satisfied between meals. Additionally, each puff contains 11 grams of carbohydrates and 1 gram of sugar, which makes them a better option than other sugary snacks. The sodium content is 202 milligrams per puff, so it’s important to keep in mind if you’re watching your sodium intake.

In addition to being gluten-free, these puffs are naturally rich in calcium, thanks to the Parmesan cheese, and they can be a great addition to a balanced diet. You can enjoy them guilt-free as a snack or side dish, knowing that you’re getting a healthy dose of protein and essential nutrients.

Conclusion: An Irresistible Snack

Brazilian Cheese Puffs, or Pão de Queijo, are a delightful treat that offers the perfect balance of crispy and chewy textures. Made with simple ingredients like tapioca flour and Parmesan cheese, they are naturally gluten-free and incredibly flavorful. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them as a quick snack, or including them in your meal prep, these cheese puffs are sure to become a favorite in your household. With their versatility, ease of preparation, and delicious taste, it’s no wonder that Brazilian Cheese Puffs have become a beloved snack worldwide.