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Forkin
SnackBreakfast

Pão de Queijo

These small, chewy Brazilian cheese breads are naturally gluten-free and incredibly addictive. They have a delightful crisp exterior and a soft, cheesy interior, perfect for a snack or light breakfast.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time
40 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Medium
Per serving
498 kcal
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Gluten-free

Allergen information: may contain eggs and milk. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Pão de Queijo

Mise en place

Ingredients

Measurements

Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.

  • 250 gtapioca starch
  • 120 mlmilk
  • 60 mlwater
  • 60 mlvegetable oil
  • 0.5 tspsalt
  • 1 pcsegg, large
  • 100 gparmesan cheese, grated

Equipment

saucepan · baking sheet · mixing bowl · wooden spoon · oven

The method

Step by step

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

    Cook’s note: Ensure the oven is fully preheated before baking for best results.

  2. 2

    In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, water, vegetable oil, and salt.

  3. 3

    Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

    About 5 min

  4. 4

    Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately add the tapioca starch.

  5. 5

    Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms and all the starch is incorporated.

    About 2 min

    Cook’s note: The dough will be very thick and sticky at this stage.

  6. 6

    Let the dough cool for about 5 minutes, or until it's cool enough to handle.

    About 5 min

  7. 7

    Transfer the dough to a large mixing bowl or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment.

  8. 8

    Add the egg and beat until fully incorporated and the dough becomes smoother.

    About 2 min

    Cook’s note: The dough will look a bit separated at first, but keep mixing until it comes together.

  9. 9

    Add the grated parmesan cheese and mix until well combined.

    About 1 min

  10. 10

    Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.

  11. 11

    Using your hands (lightly oiled if the dough is too sticky), roll the dough into small balls, about 3-4 cm (1.5 inches) in diameter.

    About 5 min

    Cook’s note: Aim for uniform size for even baking.

  12. 12

    Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.

  13. 13

    Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.

    About 25 min

    Cook’s note: The exact baking time can vary depending on your oven and the size of the pão de queijo.

  14. 14

    Serve warm and enjoy immediately.

Per serving

Nutrition

Calories
497.7kcal
Protein
12.2g
Carbs
58.1g
Fat
23.9g
Sugar
4g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover pão de queijo in an airtight container at room temperature.

Reheating

Reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 150°C (300°F) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

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