Brazilian cheese bread (pão de queijo)

4 steps · 43 min total

1. 01

   Preheat Oven, Prep Pan

   Get your oven going: preheat it to 220°C/200°C fan/gas 7. While it heats, lightly oil or butter a baking sheet and set it aside.
2. 02

   Cook Milk Mixture

   In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, butter, and salt. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil over medium heat, then immediately pull it off the burner. Stir in the tapioca flour vigorously until it forms a thick, shaggy dough, then let it cool down for a few minutes.
3. 03

   Beat Dough with Eggs and Cheese

   Transfer the slightly cooled dough to a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, or use a sturdy wooden spoon if mixing by hand. Beat the dough until it's cool enough to handle. Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated into the dough before adding the next; the dough will look smooth and glossy. Finally, mix in the Parmesan until it's evenly distributed.
4. 04

   Bake Pão de Queijo

   Using a tablespoon, scoop the dough onto your prepared baking sheet, forming balls about 1 tablespoon each and spacing them about 5 cm apart. Slide the sheet into the hot oven and bake for about 30 minutes, until the cheese breads are puffed, crisp, and deeply golden. Pull them out and serve them warm — that's when they're at their best.