Description
Brazilian Cheese Puffs, or Pão de Queijo, are deliciously chewy, cheesy bites made from tapioca flour and a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. These naturally gluten-free appetizers are perfect for serving warm, fresh out of the oven, and can be enjoyed as a snack or party treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Puffs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups tapioca flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or half Parmesan, half mozzarella)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a mini muffin tin or line it with paper liners to prevent sticking.
- Heat Milk Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, vegetable oil, and salt. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil while stirring continuously to combine the ingredients well, then remove from heat.
- Mix Tapioca Flour: Slowly add the tapioca flour into the hot milk mixture, stirring constantly until a dough forms. This dough will be thick and sticky.
- Cool Dough: Allow the dough mixture to cool for about 5 minutes to make it safe to handle and incorporate the egg properly.
- Add Egg and Cheese: Transfer the cooled dough to a mixing bowl. Add the egg and beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and uniform. Then stir in the grated cheese until fully incorporated into the dough.
- Fill Muffin Tin: Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full to give them space to puff up while baking.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese puffs are puffed up and lightly golden on top.
- Serve Warm: Remove from oven and serve the Brazilian cheese puffs warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- These cheese puffs are naturally gluten-free due to the use of tapioca flour.
- Best enjoyed fresh and warm, straight from the oven for the ideal chewy texture.
- You can freeze baked puffs and reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes when ready to serve.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations, such as mixing Parmesan and mozzarella, for enhanced flavor depth.
