Description
Brazilian Cheese Puffs, also known as pão de queijo, are delightful, gluten-free snacks made with tapioca flour and cheese. These golden, puffed delights are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, perfect as an appetizer or a savory treat. Made with simple ingredients like milk, oil, eggs, and cheese, they are easy to prepare and are best enjoyed warm.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
Dry Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups tapioca flour
Cheese
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese or grated Minas cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature by the time the batter is ready.
- Heat Milk Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, vegetable oil, and salt. Bring it to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching, then immediately remove from heat.
- Incorporate Tapioca Flour: Stir in the tapioca flour until fully incorporated and the mixture turns gelatinous and smooth. This creates a thick batter base.
- Cool Down Batter: Let the mixture cool for a few minutes to prevent the eggs from cooking when added.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until the batter is smooth and uniform.
- Mix in Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan or Minas cheese until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Scoop Batter: Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop portions of the batter onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow room for puffing.
- Bake: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cheese puffs are golden and puffed up.
- Serve Warm: Remove from oven and serve immediately to enjoy their soft, cheesy centers.
Notes
- You can substitute Parmesan with a mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheese for a milder flavor.
- For a quicker preparation, the batter can be blended in a blender instead of mixing by hand.
- Cheese puffs are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven to regain crispiness.
