Brazilian Cheese Bread Bites

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cheese bread bites are easy to make and require just a few ingredients. The use of tapioca flour gives them a unique chewy texture you won’t find in traditional bread. They’re naturally gluten-free and can be made with a variety of cheeses, depending on your taste. Whether served warm from the oven or reheated the next day, they’re always a comforting and savory treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Tapioca flour (also labeled as tapioca starch)
• Milk
• Butter or oil
• Salt
• Egg
• Grated cheese (such as Parmesan, mozzarella, or a mix)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a mini muffin tin.
2. In a saucepan, heat the milk, butter, and salt over medium heat until the mixture just begins to boil.
3. Remove from heat and add the tapioca flour, stirring until a sticky dough forms.
4. Let the dough cool slightly, then add the egg and mix well.
5. Fold in the grated cheese until fully combined.
6. Use a spoon or scoop to fill each muffin tin cavity about ¾ full.
7. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until puffed and lightly golden.
8. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 mini cheese bread bites.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Use different cheeses such as cheddar, Gruyère, or a smoky provolone.
• Add garlic powder, herbs, or chili flakes for extra flavor.
• Try mixing in chopped jalapeños or sun-dried tomatoes for a twist.
• Make them sweet by using a mild cheese and adding a pinch of sugar or cinnamon.
• Form into larger rolls if you prefer full-size cheese bread (adjust baking time accordingly).
• Substitute part of the milk with cream for a richer texture.
• Add nutritional yeast for a dairy-free cheesy flavor if avoiding cheese.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To reheat, bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave for about 20 seconds to bring back their chewy texture.
You can also freeze unbaked dough portions or baked rolls—just reheat directly from frozen in the oven.

FAQs

What is tapioca flour and where can I find it?

Tapioca flour (also called tapioca starch) is made from cassava root. It’s available in most grocery stores in the baking or gluten-free section.

Are Brazilian cheese breads gluten-free?

Yes, they are naturally gluten-free because they use tapioca flour instead of wheat flour.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours or freeze individual portions for later baking.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Parmesan gives a sharp flavor, while mozzarella adds stretch. A blend of both works beautifully.

Why are my cheese breads not puffing up?

Make sure your oven is fully preheated and don’t overmix the dough. Also, use a mini muffin tin for best results.

Can I make these without a muffin tin?

Yes, you can spoon mounds of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, though they may spread a bit more.

Are these good cold?

They’re best served warm, but still tasty at room temperature. Reheat for the ideal texture.

Can I make them dairy-free?

You can experiment with dairy-free cheese and non-dairy milk, but texture and flavor may vary.

Do they taste like regular bread?

Not quite—these are chewier and cheesier with a different texture due to the tapioca flour.

Are these traditional in Brazil?

Yes, Pão de Queijo is a popular Brazilian snack or breakfast item enjoyed across the country.

Conclusion

Brazilian Cheese Bread Bites are a delicious and unique alternative to traditional bread rolls, with a soft, chewy texture and cheesy punch in every bite. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering, as a snack, or alongside your favorite meals, these easy-to-make bites are sure to impress. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, they’re bound to become a household favorite.

Brazilian Cheese Bread Bites

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Brazilian Cheese Bread Bites, or Pão de Queijo, are chewy, cheesy rolls made from tapioca flour and cheese. Naturally gluten-free, they have a crisp outside with a soft, stretchy interior and are perfect as snacks, appetizers, or sides.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 mini cheese bread bites
• Category: Appetizer, Snack, Side Dish
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: Brazilian
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

1. 2 cups tapioca flour (tapioca starch)
2. 1 cup milk
3. 1/4 cup butter or oil
4. 1/2 teaspoon salt
5. 1 large egg
6. 1 cup grated cheese (Parmesan, mozzarella, or a mix)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a mini muffin tin.

1. In a saucepan, heat the milk, butter, and salt until it just begins to boil.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the tapioca flour until a sticky dough forms.
3. Let the dough cool slightly, then add the egg and mix well.
4. Fold in grated cheese until fully combined.
5. Spoon dough into muffin tin cavities, filling each about ¾ full.
6. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until puffed and lightly golden.
7. Serve warm for best texture and flavor.

Notes

• Best served fresh from the oven, but can be reheated.
• Use a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella for flavor and stretch.
• If dough is too sticky, lightly oil your hands to shape.
• Freeze dough balls to bake later for convenience.
• Experiment with herbs, spices, or different cheeses for variety.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cheese bread bite
• Calories: 80
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 15mg