If you grew up in Brazil, there is one smell that immediately transports you back to your childhood school days: the aroma of freshly baked, savory pastries waiting for you at the tuck shop or local bakery during recess. These Homemade Brazilian School Snacks—affectionately known in Brazil as Salgado de Presunto e Queijo or Bauru Assado—are a staple of childhood nostalgia.
Made with a beautifully soft, slightly sweet blender-style dough and stuffed with a classic combination of ham, gooey melted cheese, and a pinch of oregano, they are perfect for packing into your kids’ lunchboxes or enjoying with a fresh cup of afternoon coffee. Let’s bring this authentic bakery classic right into your home!
Grandma’s Tips for the Perfect Dough
Before you dive into the recipe card below, here are a few golden rules to guarantee your dough turns out incredibly soft and fluffy:
- The Milk Temperature: Make sure your milk is warm, not hot. If the milk is too hot, it will kill the dry yeast, and your dough won’t rise. It should feel like a warm bath.
- The Kneading Process: Don’t skip the 10-minute knead! Kneading develops the gluten framework, which is what gives this traditional Brazilian snack its signature airy, pillowy texture.
- Preventing Sogginess: Make sure your ham and cheese slices are dry before placing them on the dough. If they have excess moisture, it can trap steam inside the pastry, making the inner dough slightly soggy.

Homemade Brazilian School Snacks (Bauru Assado)
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, mix the eggs, warm milk, flour, vegetable oil, dry yeast, salt, and sugar.
- Stir the ingredients thoroughly until the dough comes together and easily pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Transfer the dough to a clean, lightly floured surface. Knead it firmly for about 10 minutes until it becomes completely smooth, soft, and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot until it doubles in size (about 1 hour).
- Punch down the dough and roll it out into a large rectangle using a rolling pin. Layer your ham and cheese slices evenly across the surface, and sprinkle generously with oregano to taste.
- Roll or fold the dough over the filling to seal it securely. Cut into equal, individual-sized portions and place them onto a non-stick or greased baking tray.
- Brush the top of each snack with the beaten egg yolk for a beautiful golden finish, and sprinkle with white and black sesame seeds for extra crunch and flavor.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 30 minutes, or until the pastries are beautifully golden brown and the cheese inside is melted.