Description
Brazilian Cheese Puffs, known as pão de queijo, are deliciously airy, cheesy bites made from tapioca flour and cheese. Naturally gluten-free and perfect as appetizers or snacks, these savory puffs combine the creaminess of Parmesan with the unique chewy texture of tapioca, baked to a light golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
Dry Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups tapioca flour
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or half Parmesan, half mozzarella)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). 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 whole milk, vegetable oil, and salt. Stir constantly and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then remove from the heat immediately to prevent curdling.
- Incorporate Tapioca Flour: Slowly add the tapioca flour to the hot milk mixture while stirring vigorously until a cohesive dough forms. This initial cooking helps activate the starch for the characteristic chewy texture.
- Cool Dough: Let the dough cool down for about 5 minutes to avoid cooking the egg in the next step when added.
- Add Egg and Mix: Transfer the cooled dough to a mixing bowl. Add the egg and beat or mix thoroughly until smooth and elastic.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese (or a combination of Parmesan and mozzarella) until fully incorporated into the dough, which will give the puffs their signature cheesy flavor.
- Fill Muffin Tin: Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full to allow room for puffing.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the tops are puffed up and lightly golden brown.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and serve the cheese puffs warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- These puffs are naturally gluten-free, making them suitable for those avoiding gluten.
- Best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when warm and airy.
- You can freeze baked puffs and reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes for convenience.
- Experiment with different cheeses, such as mixing Parmesan and mozzarella, for a deeper flavor profile.
