Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo) by RecipesLace is the ultimate bite-sized treat you’ll want on repeat! Golden, cheesy, and naturally gluten-free, these little rolls are crispy outside yet deliciously chewy inside. Made with tapioca flour, milk, eggs, and your favorite cheese, they come together in minutes—no kneading required. Whether you’ve enjoyed them at a Brazilian steakhouse, found them at Costco, or are trying them for the first time, this recipe brings authentic flavor straight to your kitchen. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or alongside dinner, pão de queijo is proof that simple ingredients can create pure joy.
Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo) is a chewy, cheesy, gluten-free bread from Brazil made with tapioca flour, eggs, milk, and cheese. Crispy outside, soft inside—perfect for breakfast, snacks, or pairing with coffee and meals.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
What is Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo)?
A Traditional Brazilian Favourite
Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo) is a beloved snack and breakfast staple from Brazil. Unlike regular bread, this Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo) recipe uses tapioca flour instead of wheat, giving it a naturally gluten-free chew that sets it apart.
Unique Texture & Ingredients
The dough combines eggs, milk, and cheese—traditionally the mild, salty Queijo Minas, though Parmesan, mozzarella, or cheddar also work. Once baked, the rolls puff into golden bites that are crispy outside and airy inside, a texture often compared to Japanese mochi.
Global Popularity
Traditionally paired with coffee, Brazilian cheese bread (pão de queijo) has spread worldwide. You’ll spot it in Brazilian steakhouses or even in Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo) Costco packs. Still, the best version is homemade—fresh from the oven, perfectly warm, and customizable to your taste.
Why You’ll Love This Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo)
Quick and Easy to Make
One reason this Brazilian cheese bread recipe is so popular is its simplicity. You don’t need fancy equipment or advanced baking skills—just a blender, a muffin tin, and a few pantry staples. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have golden, cheesy rolls ready to serve.
Naturally Gluten-Free & Family-Friendly
Because it’s made with tapioca flour, Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo) calories are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and tasty option for those with wheat sensitivities. Kids love the chewy, stretchy texture, and adults appreciate the rich, cheesy flavor that pairs well with almost anything.
Versatile for Any Occasion
Frozen Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo) from Costco might be quick and easy, but it can’t beat the flavor of fresh, homemade rolls. When you make them yourself, you control everything—the type of cheese, the texture, and the balance of flavors—resulting in a more authentic and irresistibly delicious pão de queijo every time.
Ingredients + Easy Substitutions
Core Ingredients for Authentic Flavor
To make classic Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo), you’ll need just a few pantry staples. These ingredients come together to create the chewy, cheesy texture that makes this bread so addictive.
| Ingredient | Amount | Substitution Ideas |
|---|---|---|
| Egg | 1 large | Use flax egg for vegan-friendly texture (less chewy) |
| Olive oil | 1/3 cup | Swap with avocado or vegetable oil for milder flavor |
| Milk | 2/3 cup | Almond, oat, or soy milk for dairy-free version |
| Tapioca flour | 1 ½ cups (170 g) | Cassava flour works, but texture will vary |
| Cheese | ½ cup (66 g) grated | Parmesan, mozzarella, cheddar, or Queijo Minas for authentic taste |
| Salt | 1 tsp | Adjust depending on cheese’s saltiness |
Ingredient Notes
The star of this Brazilian cheese bread recipe is tapioca flour, which gives the rolls their iconic chewy bite. If you want a dairy-free option, pair plant-based milk with vegan cheese—though the flavor will differ slightly from traditional versions.
If you enjoy baked treats, pair this savory recipe with something sweet like our Banana Bread Latte.
Cheesy Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo) You’ll Crave!
Equipment
- 1 Blender to blend batter smoothly.
- 2 Mini muffin tin for bite-sized rolls (or standard muffin tin for larger rolls).
- 3 Mixing bowl if using the traditional heated method.
- 4 Saucepan Saucepan
- 5 Oven preheated to 400°F for baking.
- 6 Cooling rack to let pão de queijo rest after baking.
Ingredients
- 1 large egg room temperature
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil or avocado/vegetable oil
- ⅔ cup milk whole, or almond/oat/soy for dairy-free
- 1 ½ cups 170 g tapioca flour (or cassava flour, texture varies)
- ½ cup 66 g grated cheese (Parmesan, mozzarella, cheddar, or Queijo Minas for authentic flavor)
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust depending on cheese saltiness
Instructions
- Preheat oven (5 minutes)
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a mini muffin tin lightly with olive oil.
- Blend ingredients (5 minutes)
- In a blender, add egg, olive oil, milk, tapioca flour, cheese, and salt. Blend until smooth, scraping down sides as needed.
- 👉 Pro Tip: Pulse cheese at the end for fluffier texture.
- Fill muffin tin (5 minutes)
- Pour batter into muffin cups, filling about ¾ full. For extra flavor, sprinkle more cheese on top.
- Bake (15–20 minutes)
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, until rolls are puffed and golden. Remove from oven and cool for 5 minutes.
- Serve & enjoy (immediate)
- Enjoy warm straight from the oven, or let them cool slightly for a chewier bite.
Notes
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day, or refrigerate up to 1 week. Freeze baked rolls for 1 month and reheat in the oven at 350°F.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare batter up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate. You can also freeze unbaked portions in muffin tins for 3 months.
- Cheese Options: Traditionally made with Queijo Minas, but Parmesan, mozzarella, or cheddar work perfectly. Mixing cheeses creates extra depth of flavor.
- Texture Tip: Don’t worry if some rolls are hollow inside — authentic Brazilian cheese bread (pão de queijo) often bakes with airy pockets.
- Gluten-Free Bonus: Made with tapioca flour, this bread is naturally gluten-free, chewy, and stretchy. Cassava flour can be used, though texture may differ slightly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare (5 minutes)
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a non-stick mini muffin tin with olive oil to keep the Brazilian cheese bread (pão de queijo) from sticking. A mini tin makes 16–24 rolls, while a standard tin yields about 7 larger ones.
Step 2: Blend the Batter (5 minutes)
Add egg, olive oil, milk, tapioca flour, cheese, and salt into a blender. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. For a fluffier texture, pulse in the cheese at the end—this helps prevent clumping.
Tip: If your batter feels too thin, add a tablespoon of tapioca flour. Too thick? A splash of milk will balance it.
Step 3: Fill the Muffin Tin (5 minutes)
Pour the batter into each muffin cup, filling about ¾ full. If desired, sprinkle a little cheese on top. This gives your Brazilian cheese bread pao de queijo recipe extra flavor but may slightly reduce puffiness.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection (15–20 minutes)
Bake for 15–20 minutes, until rolls are puffed and golden. Remove from oven and cool briefly on a rack. Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Troubleshooting:
- If the bread turns out dense, your oven may not have been hot enough—make sure it’s fully preheated.
- Hollow rolls? That’s normal! Many Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo) recipes bake with airy pockets, making them light and chewy.
Traditional Method Variation
For a classic touch, heat milk and oil in a saucepan until just simmering. Pour over tapioca flour, stir, then mix in egg and cheese. This dough can be kneaded for a denser, chewier bite compared to the blender version.
Storage Note
Eat fresh, or store cooled rolls in an airtight container. Reheat in a toaster oven for 1–2 minutes to restore crispness.
Just like these simple steps, you’ll love the ease of making our crispy Salmon Croquettes
Love cheese? Try our authentic Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo) – gluten-free, chewy, and irresistible! Save this recipe 👉 Pinterest RecipesLace
Variations & Serving Ideas
Classic & Creative Cheese Options
The traditional Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo) recipe uses Queijo Minas, but you can swap in Parmesan for sharpness, mozzarella for stretch, or cheddar for a bold twist. Mixing cheeses adds depth, making each bite unique.
Fun Fillings
Elevate your Brazilian cheese bread pão de queijo by stuffing it with deli meats, extra cheese, or even herbs. Ham and mozzarella make a kid-friendly combo, while spicy chorizo creates a savory snack with a kick.
Seasonal Twists
During fall, try blending pumpkin purée into the batter for a festive touch. In summer, serve warm rolls with fresh tomato salsa or guacamole for a light, refreshing pairing. This versatility fills the gap many competitors miss—showing pão de queijo works year-round.
Perfect Pairings
Enjoy these rolls with coffee at breakfast, alongside grilled meats at dinner, or as party appetizers. At family gatherings, serve with dipping sauces like garlic butter, pesto, or marinara. Even frozen Brazilian cheese bread Costco packs can’t compare to the flavor of freshly baked variations.
For a hearty dinner, serve pão de queijo alongside our rich Olive Garden Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo
Storage & Make-Ahead
Short-Term Storage
Freshly baked Brazilian cheese bread (pão de queijo) is best eaten warm, but leftovers can be stored easily. Keep rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day, or refrigerate them for up to 1 week. To reheat, pop them in a toaster oven for 1–2 minutes or microwave briefly.
Freezer-Friendly Option
For longer storage, freeze the baked rolls in a single layer on a tray until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents sticking and keeps them fresh for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, just reheat straight from frozen until warm and golden. They’ll keep for up to 1 month. Reheat frozen rolls directly in the oven at 350°F until warm and crispy again. This keeps the chewy texture that makes Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo) recipe so special.
Make-Ahead Dough
Another option is to get ahead by prepping the batter or dough in advance. You can refrigerate blended batter for up to 2 days, keeping it covered to maintain freshness. For longer storage, portion the unbaked batter into muffin cups, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, pop them straight into the oven from frozen—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Pro Tip
Whether you bake, chill, or freeze, fresh always beats Brazilian cheese bread Costco packs. Homemade storage methods guarantee better flavor and texture every time.
Similar to how you can prepare Christmas Crack ahead of time, this cheese bread stores beautifully for later.
Nutrition Facts for Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo)
Eating Brazilian cheese bread Calories in moderation fits into most diets, especially since it’s naturally gluten-free. The exact nutrition will vary depending on the cheese used, but here’s an approximate breakdown per mini roll (based on Parmesan cheese).
| Nutrient | Amount per Roll |
|---|---|
| Calories | 85 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 9 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 15 mg |
| Sodium | 110 mg |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Calcium | 60 mg |
This breakdown makes it easy to track Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo) calories whether you’re enjoying them as a snack, appetizer, or side. For a lighter version, try using reduced-fat cheese and plant-based milk, though it may slightly change the flavor and texture.
Tested Notes
This Brazilian cheese bread recipe has been tested multiple times to ensure both the blender and traditional methods deliver consistent results. While the dough texture may vary slightly depending on your flour brand and cheese choice, the outcome is always chewy, cheesy, and delicious.
- Last Retest Date: August 25, 2025
- Date Modified: September 1, 2025
We confirmed that using Parmesan creates a sharper flavor, while mozzarella gives a stretchier bite. For the best rise and chewy texture, always ensure your oven is completely preheated before baking. This allows the rolls to puff properly and develop their signature crisp edges with a soft, airy interior.
About the Author
👩🍳 Emily Grace is a home cook, food blogger, and recipe developer at RecipesLace. She specializes in creating approachable recipes that blend authenticity with simplicity, helping families enjoy global flavors from their own kitchens.
Her passion for Brazilian food began after visiting a traditional churrascaria, where she fell in love with Brazilian cheese bread (pão de queijo). Since then, she has perfected this recipe to make it easy for home bakers everywhere—whether you’re using pantry staples or looking for creative flavor twists.
When Emily isn’t in the kitchen, you’ll find her testing gluten-free recipes, photographing comfort food, or enjoying coffee with freshly baked pão de queijo. Follow her journey on RecipesLace for more family-friendly, flavor-packed dishes.
According to King Arthur Baking, tapioca flour is a key ingredient for gluten-free breads, giving them that chewy texture without gluten
What kind of cheese is used in pão de queijo?
Traditionally, Brazilian cheese bread (pão de queijo) is made with Queijo Minas, a soft, slightly salty Brazilian cheese. Since it can be hard to find outside Brazil, many home cooks use Parmesan, mozzarella, or cheddar as easy substitutes.
What is the difference between pandebono and pão de queijo?
Pandebono is a Colombian cheese bread, while Brazilian cheese bread recipe uses tapioca flour and has a chewier, mochi-like texture. Pandebono often includes corn flour, making it denser and less stretchy than pão de queijo.
How do you eat Brazilian cheese bread?
These rolls are best enjoyed fresh and warm. Pair them with coffee for breakfast, serve alongside soups or stews, or stuff with deli meats and herbs for a quick snack. Many fans compare their versatility to dinner rolls.
Do you need to refrigerate Brazilian cheese bread?
Yes—if not eaten the same day. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day, or refrigerate for up to 1 week. Reheat in a toaster oven for the perfect crisp-chewy texture.
Why is Brazilian cheese bread so good?
It’s all about the texture. Brazilian cheese bread calories are low compared to other breads, but the tapioca flour creates a chewy, stretchy bite that’s naturally gluten-free. Combined with melty cheese, it’s comfort food at its best.
Can I make Brazilian cheese bread without tapioca flour?
Tapioca flour is essential for the chewy bite. Cassava flour can be substituted, but the texture will be slightly different. Regular wheat flour won’t work—it loses the stretch that defines Brazilian cheese bread pao de queijo recipe.
Bonus: Seasonal Ideas
Many competitors skip this, but pão de queijo works year-round. Add pumpkin purée in fall, spinach in spring, or jalapeños for a spicy summer version. These seasonal twists make your homemade rolls stand out compared to frozen Brazilian cheese bread Costco packs.
Quick Recap / Key Takeaways
- Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo) is a chewy, cheesy, naturally gluten-free bread made with tapioca flour.
- Traditional versions use Queijo Minas, but Parmesan, mozzarella, or cheddar are excellent substitutes.
- Easy to prepare in a blender or with the classic heated dough method.
- Best served fresh, but can be refrigerated for 1 week or frozen for 1 month.
- Variations include fillings with deli meats, seasonal twists like pumpkin, or spicy add-ins for bold flavor.
- Homemade pão de queijo always beats frozen Brazilian cheese bread Costco options in taste and texture.
Conclusion
Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo) is more than just a snack—it’s a warm, chewy bite of comfort that fits any occasion. With simple ingredients like tapioca flour, milk, eggs, and cheese, this Brazilian cheese bread recipe proves that authentic flavor doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’ve tried the frozen Brazilian cheese bread Costco version or are baking from scratch for the first time, homemade pão de queijo delivers unbeatable freshness.
👉 Bake a batch today, and let your kitchen fill with the irresistible aroma of cheesy, golden pão de queijo!
