Experience the authentic taste of Minas Gerais with this traditional Pão de Queijo recipe. An absolute must-try for cheese lovers, this Brazilian delight is perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or a companion to your steaming cup of coffee. Delight in the pillowy texture and cheesy goodness in every bite of these easy-to-make cheese breads.
Ingredients
💧 1 cup 240ml water
🫒 200ml oil any vegetable oil
🥛 1 cup 240ml milk generic boxed milk
🌾 500g sweet cassava starch polvilho doce
🥚 4 eggs
🧂 1 smallest teaspoon pink salt or regular white salt
🧀 300g grated cheese your choice, e.g., mozzarella, Minas cheese
Instructions
1- Boil the Liquid:
- In a pot, combine 1 cup 240ml water, 200ml oil, and 1 cup 240ml milk.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Watch carefully and turn off the heat immediately as the mixture starts to foam and rise.
2- Prepare Starch:
- In a large glass mixing bowl, place 500g of sweet cassava starch polvilho doce.
3- Scald the Starch:
- Carefully pour the boiling liquid over the cassava starch, effectively scalding it.
- Mix well with a pink silicone spatula until the starch is fully moistened.
4- Cool the Mixture:
- Allow the mixture to cool completely, taking about 10-15 minutes.
5- Integrate Eggs:
- Once cooled, incorporate 4 eggs into the mixture.
- Use your hands to mix until the eggs are smoothly integrated with the starch mixture.
6- Add Salt:
- Add the smallest teaspoon of pink salt and mix thoroughly.
7- Knead Cheese:
- Introduce 300g of grated cheese to the mixture.
- Knead with your hands for approximately 5 minutes until the cheese is evenly spread throughout the dough.
- Expect a sticky consistency.
8- Form Balls:
- Lightly oil your hands, and roll pieces of dough into balls weighing about 40g each.
9- Arrange on Trays:
- Arrange the dough balls on ungreased baking trays 40x30 cm and 20x27 cm, spacing them slightly apart as they'll expand during baking.
10- Preheat and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C 350°F.
- Bake the cheese bread for 30-40 minutes, ensuring they emerge with a light golden-brown hue. Avoid over-baking to maintain a soft texture.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: Makes around 25 cheese breads, depending on size.
Equipment: Pot for heating liquids, measuring cups and spoons, large glass mixing bowl, pink silicone spatula, gloves for kneading, grater if not using pre-grated cheese, baking trays 40x30 cm and 20x27 cm, oven, kitchen scale optional for precise dough ball measurements
Cooking Tips
- Closely monitor the boiling liquid to prevent overflow.
- Ensure the scalded starch cools completely before egg addition.
- Keep dough sticky for the perfect traditional texture.
- Utilize oiled hands for easier dough handling.
- Bake on ungreased trays for optimal results.
- Choose cheese and starch types based on preference.
#brazilian #cheese #snack #recipe #minasgerais #pãodequeijo #bakingtips #easyrecipes