Traditional Brazilian Cheese Bread

Pão de queijo is a beloved Brazilian classic, known for its irresistible flavor and perfect texture—crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. This cheese bread originates from Minas Gerais and has won hearts worldwide. Follow this authentic recipe and enjoy a true taste of Brazil!

Traditional Brazilian Pão de Queijo

Pão de queijo mineiro is one of the most iconic treats in Brazilian cuisine, especially from the state of Minas Gerais. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, this beloved snack dates back to the 18th century, when Portuguese settlers adapted bread recipes using local ingredients. Since wheat flour was scarce at the time, tapioca starch (sweet or sour) became the base, combined with aged cheese, milk, eggs, and oil.

Over the years, the recipe has evolved, and today there are many variations, including stuffed versions with cream cheese, dried beef, guava paste, and even chocolate. Pão de queijo has become not only a Brazilian favorite but also a globally loved snack.

Whether enjoyed at breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or paired with coffee, pão de queijo brings a comforting, homemade taste that connects back to the rich traditions of Minas Gerais. 🧀🥖💕

Prep Time 45 mins

Total Time 45 mins

Cooking Method: Baking, Scalding

Cuisine: Brazilian

Courses: Appetizer, Breakfast

Difficulty: Beginner

Cooking Temp: 375 F

Servings: 35

Estimated Cost: 50

Calories: 667 kcal

Description

Pão de queijo is a beloved Brazilian classic, known for its irresistible flavor and perfect texture—crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. This cheese bread originates from Minas Gerais and has won hearts worldwide. Follow this authentic recipe and enjoy a true taste of Brazil!

Traditional Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo Mineiro) Recipe

8 cup sweet tapioca starch
8 cup sour tapioca starch
2 pounds meia cura cheese (grated, using the large holes)
6 ½ cup milk
3 ½ cup oil
1 teaspoon salt (level)
Eggs (as needed to reach the right consistency)

Instructions

Prepare the dough

1
Prepare the dough
In a large mixing bowl, sift the sweet and sour tapioca starch together. Meanwhile, heat the milk, oil, and salt in a pan over medium heat until it comes to a boil.

Scald the starch

2
Scald the starch
Carefully pour the boiling liquid over the tapioca starch and mix well to scald it. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. Let the dough rest for about 30 minutes.

Incorporate the ingredients

3
Incorporate the ingredients
After resting, add the grated meia cura cheese and mix thoroughly. Then, add the eggs one at a time, kneading until the dough is smooth and no longer sticks to your hands. The number of eggs needed may vary, so add gradually until the right consistency is reached.

Shape the cheese bread

4
Shape the cheese bread
Lightly grease your hands with oil or water, then roll small portions of the dough into balls and arrange them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake the cheese bread

5
Bake the cheese bread
Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake until golden and crispy on the outside (approximately 25 to 30 minutes).

Nutrition Facts

Servings 35

Amount Per Serving
Calories 667kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 43.01g67%
Saturated Fat 15.09g76%
Trans Fat 0.69g
Cholesterol 115.4mg39%
Sodium 434mg19%
Potassium 146.6mg5%
Total Carbohydrate 53.8g18%
Dietary Fiber 0.54g3%
Sugars 3.5g
Protein 16.5g33%

Vitamin A 229 IU
Calcium 484.4 mg
Iron 0.8 mg
Vitamin D 0.89 IU
Vitamin E 3.77 IU
Vitamin K 15.3 mcg
Thiamin 0.037 mg
Riboflavin 0.314 mg
Niacin 0.126 mg
Vitamin B6 0.086 mg
Folate 15.1 mcg
Vitamin B12 1.23 mcg
Biotin 1.49 mcg
Pantothenic Acid 0.62 mg
Phosphorus 355.3 mg
Iodine 36.3 mcg
Magnesium 22 mg
Zinc 2.41 mg
Selenium 13.54 mcg
Copper 0.043 mg
Manganese 0.073 mg
Molybdenum 4.14 mcg
Chloride 562 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For freezing: Shape the cheese bread balls and freeze them before baking. When ready to eat, simply bake them straight from the freezer.

Filling options: Try stuffing them with shredded chicken, mozzarella, ham, ground beef, or even guava paste for a sweet twist!

Alternative shape: You can also bake them in muffin tins for an even, uniform shape.

Keywords: cheese bread, cheese, bread,