Brazilian Cheesy Bites (Pão de Queijo)
Inspired by a beloved Brazilian grandmother's recipe, these gluten-free cheese puffs are golden and crispy on the outside while staying wonderfully gooey inside. Ready in 35 minutes with just a blender, they are perfect for kids' parties, snack time, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
🛒 Ingredients
12 servings
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (120 ml) neutral vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 250 g (8.8 oz) tapioca starch
- 1 cup (120 g) grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan)
- 1 pinch of salt
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Directions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 350 °F (180 °C) and lightly grease a mini-muffin tin or silicone molds.
- 2
Combine the milk, oil, eggs, and salt in a blender and blend for about 1 minute until completely smooth.
- 3
Add the tapioca starch gradually while blending, scraping the sides with a spatula as needed until fully incorporated.
- 4
Add the grated cheese and pulse briefly just to combine, keeping a few small pieces for a pleasant texture.
- 5
Pour the batter into the prepared molds, filling each about two-thirds full.
- 6
Bake for 25–30 minutes until lightly golden and firm on the outside. Serve warm and enjoy.
💡 Chef's Tip
These bites freeze beautifully unbaked — place them in the oven straight from the freezer and add 5 extra minutes to the baking time. Try mixing two types of cheese for a richer flavor.
🍽️ Complete your meal
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