Cheese bread is a beloved Brazilian snack that wins hearts everywhere. When it comes to the authentic Minas Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo), expectations are even higher. This recipe is perfect for those moments when you crave a warm, homemade cheese roll just like the ones you find in the best bakeries of Minas Gerais. With simple ingredients and an easy method, you’ll discover the secret to a lightly yellow‑golden dough and spectacular flavor. Get ready to make cheese breads that will delight your family and friends!
Ingredients for Minas Cheese Bread:
- 3 1/2 cups sour tapioca starch
- 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal or fine cornmeal
- 1/2 cup water (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup oil (or butter/margarine)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 eggs
- 7 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- 7 oz grated Parmesan cheese
How to Prepare Minas Cheese Bread:
- In a large bowl, combine the sour tapioca starch and yellow cornmeal. Add 1/2 cup room‑temperature water and stir until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
- In a mug, mix 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup oil and 2 teaspoons salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, pour the hot liquid over the starch‑cornmeal mixture.
- Stir initially with a spoon, then with your hands until the dough is homogeneous and smooth.
- Add 2 eggs, 7 oz shredded mozzarella, and 7 oz grated Parmesan. Mix well until fully incorporated.
- Shape balls of about 1.8 oz (≈50 g) each and place on a lightly oiled baking sheet.
- Bake in a preheated 400°F oven, rack in the middle, until golden and crisp.
Tip:
The dough can be frozen. Form the balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Transfer the frozen balls to a zip‑lock bag for storage. Bake the frozen balls directly in the oven when desired—no need to thaw first.
Prep time:
Approximately 1 hour
Yield:
30 cheese breads, about 1.8 oz each
Fun Fact:
Cheese bread is one of the most traditional snacks of Minas Gerais. Although enjoyed throughout Brazil, its roots are deeply Minas. The dish dates back to the 18th‑century colonial period, when ingredients like tapioca starch and local cheeses were widely used. Originally, cheese bread was a way to use cheese that was about to spoil, mixing it with starch and baking.
The use of cornmeal in this version adds a crunchy texture and a slightly sweet flavor. This variation is less common but equally delicious, showcasing the versatility of Minas cheese bread. It’s perfect alongside fresh coffee, tea, or as a snack any time of day.
Beyond being tasty, cheese bread symbolizes Minas hospitality. In Minas Gerais, it’s customary to welcome guests with a batch of fresh‑out‑of‑the‑oven cheese breads—a gesture of warmth and care. Sharing cheese bread with friends and family is one reason this recipe is so beloved.
Enjoy every bite and share this delight with those you love!