Today you will learn how to make the easiest Brazilian cheese bread (pão de queijo). There’s no need to scald the starch or knead the dough; simply mix everything together. You’ll be surprised at how easy, practical, and delicious this recipe is. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients for Easy Pão de Queijo:
- 2 large eggs;
- 1 teaspoon salt;
- 1 cup (240ml) milk;
- ¼ cup (60ml) vegetable oil;
- 4 cups (approx. 500g) sour cassava starch (polvilho azedo);
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese;
- ¾ cup (100g) chopped mozzarella cheese.
How to Prepare Easy Brazilian Cheese Bread:
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and salt together until slightly beaten;
- Add the milk and continue to whisk by hand;
- Stir in the oil;
- Gradually add the sour cassava starch, mixing as you go until you reach the desired consistency;
- Once the dough becomes heavy, finish mixing it by hand;
- Add the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, kneading well with your hands to incorporate them evenly into the dough;
- Shape the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lightly greased with oil;
- Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes. Serve while warm and enjoy!
Pro Tips:
This recipe makes a generous batch. You can freeze some of the cheese balls to bake later: simply shape them and place them on a tray, cover with plastic wrap, and freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, add about 10 minutes to the original baking time.
Did You Know?
Pão de queijo is one of Brazil’s most iconic snacks, originating from the Minas Gerais region. It is believed that the recipe dates back to the 18th century, when enslaved Africans used cassava starch to make bread. Over time, cheese was added to the recipe, creating the beloved snack we know today. It is so popular in Brazil that there is even a National Cheese Bread Day, celebrated annually on August 17th.
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