Brazilian cheese bread, or “pão de queijo,” is a beloved snack known for its crispy exterior and chewy, cheesy interior. Made with tapioca flour and cheese, these delightful bites are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or any time you crave something comforting and delicious. In this article, we present several variations of homemade cheese bread recipes, from the classic to versions with unique fillings like sausage, ham, and creamy Cream cheese. Whether you follow the traditional method or opt for a creative twist, each recipe is easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy cheese lovers. Discover your favorite version and enjoy these tasty Brazilian treats!
1 – Traditional Cheese Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
- 250g tapioca flour
- 100ml milk
- 50ml water
- 50ml oil
- 1 egg
- 100g grated Minas cheese (or semi-cured cheese)
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a saucepan, bring the milk, water, and oil to a boil.
- Place the tapioca flour in a bowl and pour the hot mixture over it, stirring well until smooth.
- Add the egg, cheese, and salt, and mix until the dough is smooth.
- Shape into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden.
2 – Potato Cheese Bread
Ingredients:
- 1 medium potato, cooked and mashed
- 250g tapioca flour
- 100ml milk
- 50ml oil
- 1 egg
- 150g grated cheese (Minas or Parmesan)
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a saucepan, heat the milk and oil until boiling.
- Place the tapioca flour in a bowl and pour the hot mixture over it, mixing well.
- Add the mashed potato, egg, cheese, and salt, mixing until smooth.
- Shape into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
3 – Vegan Cheese Bread
Ingredients:
- 200g tapioca flour
- 100ml water
- 50ml oil
- 1/2 cup sweet potato or pumpkin puree
- 100g vegan cheese (optional)
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a saucepan, heat the water and oil until boiling.
- In a bowl, combine the tapioca flour and hot mixture, stirring well.
- Add the sweet potato puree, vegan cheese (if using), and salt, mixing thoroughly.
- Shape into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
4 – Cheese-Stuffed Cheese Bread
Ingredients:
- 250g tapioca flour
- 100ml milk
- 50ml water
- 50ml oil
- 1 egg
- 100g grated Minas or Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Cubes of Minas or cheddar cheese for filling
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a saucepan, bring the milk, water, and oil to a boil.
- Place the tapioca flour in a bowl and pour the hot mixture over it, stirring well.
- Add the egg, grated cheese, and salt, mixing until smooth.
- Shape a small ball of dough, make an indentation, and place a cheese cube in the center. Close the dough around the cheese.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden.
5 – Sausage-Stuffed Cheese Bread
Ingredients:
- 250g tapioca flour
- 100ml milk
- 50ml water
- 50ml oil
- 1 egg
- 100g grated Minas cheese
- Salt to taste
- Cooked and chopped sausage, such as calabresa
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a saucepan, heat the milk, water, and oil until boiling.
- Place the tapioca flour in a bowl and pour the hot mixture over it, mixing well.
- Add the egg, cheese, and salt, stirring until smooth.
- Shape small balls of dough, make an indentation, and add a bit of sausage in the center. Close the dough around the sausage.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
6 – Ham and Cheese-Stuffed Cheese Bread
Ingredients:
- 250g tapioca flour
- 100ml milk
- 50ml water
- 50ml oil
- 1 egg
- 100g grated Minas cheese
- Salt to taste
- Cubes of ham (or turkey breast)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a saucepan, heat the milk, water, and oil until boiling.
- Place the tapioca flour in a bowl and pour the hot mixture over it, stirring well.
- Add the egg, cheese, and salt, mixing until smooth.
- Shape into small balls, make an indentation, and place a cube of ham and a cube of cheese inside. Close the dough around the filling.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
7 – Cheese Bread Stuffed with Cream Cheese
Ingredients:
- 250g tapioca flour
- 100ml milk
- 50ml water
- 50ml oil
- 1 egg
- 100g grated Minas cheese (or Parmesan)
- Salt to taste
- Cream cheese for filling
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a saucepan, heat the milk, water, and oil until boiling.
- Place the tapioca flour in a bowl and pour the hot mixture over it, stirring until smooth.
- Add the egg, grated cheese, and salt, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Shape small balls of dough, make an indentation in the center, and fill with a small spoonful of Cream cheese. Close the dough around the filling.
- Place on a greased baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden.
8 – Cheese Bread Stuffed with Cream Cheese (Gluten Free)
Ingredients:
- 250g tapioca flour
- 100ml milk (or plant-based milk)
- 50ml water
- 50ml oil
- 1 egg
- 100g grated Minas or Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Cream cheese for filling
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a saucepan, heat the milk, water, and oil until boiling.
- Place the tapioca flour in a bowl and pour the hot mixture over it, mixing well until smooth.
- Add the egg, grated cheese, and salt, mixing until the dough is smooth.
- Shape small balls of dough, make an indentation in the center, and fill with a small spoonful of Cream cheese. Close the dough around the filling.
- Place on a greased baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden.
These cheese breads are incredibly flavorful, with the melted Cream cheese inside adding a delicious touch! Which recipe is your favorite?