Pão de Queijo (Brazilian Cheese Bread) - How It's Made
Pão de Queijo is a popular Brazilian cheese bread that’s known for its chewy texture and cheesy flavor. Here’s how it’s made:
Ingredients
- Tapioca flour
- Milk
- Oil (olive oil or vegetable oil)
- Cheese (Parmesan, Minas, Canastra, or a mix)
- Eggs
- Water
- Salt
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to a 180º C temperature.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
- In a saucepan, combine milk, water, oil, and a pinch of salt.
- Heat the mixture until it’s warm but not boiling.
Step 3: Mix in Tapioca Flour
- Gradually add tapioca flour to the warm liquid, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
Step 4: Cool the Mixture
- Let the mixture cool for a bit to make it easier to handle.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Cheese
- Beat the eggs separately and then mix them into the cooled tapioca mixture.
- Add grated cheese (Parmesan, Minas, Canastra, or a combination) to the batter.
Step 6: Form Dough Balls
- With lightly greased hands, form small dough balls from the batter
Step 7: Bake
- Place the dough balls on a baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven until they’re golden brown.
Step 8: Eat it
- Enjoy Pão de Queijo while it’s still warm for the best taste and texture.
Now you have a simplified guide to making delicious Pão de Queijo!
Tips and Notes:
Recipe Variations: Different recipes may use slight variations in ingredients, like using soy milk or queso fresco, but the basic steps remain similar.
Texture and Flavor: The combination of tapioca flour and cheese gives Pão de Queijo its unique chewy texture and rich, cheesy taste.
Cultural Notes: Pão de Queijo is a staple in Brazilian cuisine, and the type of cheese used can vary by region. It’s often enjoyed as a snack or breakfast item.