Description
Brazilian Cheese Puffs, or Pão de Queijo, are delicious, naturally gluten-free bite-sized cheese breads that are crispy on the outside and chewy inside. Made from tapioca flour and a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, these fluffy puffs are perfect as an appetizer or snack, best enjoyed fresh and warm from the oven.
Ingredients
Scale
Liquid 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 and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin or line it with paper liners to prevent sticking.
- Heat the liquids: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, vegetable oil, and salt. Stir continuously and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately remove it from heat.
- Add tapioca flour: Gradually stir in the tapioca flour to the hot liquid until the dough starts to form and pull away from the sides of the pan. Let the dough rest and cool for about 5 minutes.
- Mix the dough: Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and add the egg. Beat the mixture until you achieve a smooth, sticky consistency.
- Incorporate cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan (and mozzarella if using) until fully combined, ensuring an even cheesy distribution throughout the dough.
- Fill muffin tin: Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full to allow room for puffing.
- Bake: Place the tray in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese puffs are puffed up and their tops turn light golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm to fully enjoy the puffs’ crispy exterior and soft, chewy interior texture.
Notes
- These cheese puffs are naturally gluten-free, making them suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- For best taste and texture, eat them fresh and warm right out of the oven.
- You can freeze baked puffs and reheat them in an oven preheated to 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Experiment with a variety of cheeses such as Gouda or cheddar for a more complex flavor profile.
