Pao de Queijo (Brazilian Cheese Bread)

Pao de Queijo is a traditional peasants' bread from Minas-Gerais state in Brazil, but is now a delight countrywide. Last time I visited Brazil I was surprised to find cheese bread at the airport, offered along with American-brand pizza, though with a Brazilian brand that reminds us of this old Mineira tradition. (Minas-Gerais means the general mines, as this part of Brazil was the first where rich mines of gold, diamonds, emeralds, and other precious stones were found. It is also where one of the world’s richest iron ore deposits are located.)

Step: 1

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step: 2

Pour tapioca starch into a wide bowl.

Step: 3

Combine 1 cup water, vegetable oil, and salt in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Slowly pour over the tapioca, mixing with a spoon until evenly combined. Let cool slightly, about 10 minutes.

Step: 4

Stir Mexican cheese blend and eggs into the tapioca mixture. Knead dough until soft and sticky, 5 to 10 minutes. Add water, 1 teaspoon at a time, if dough seems dry.

Step: 5

Drop spoonfuls of dough 1 inch apart on the baking sheets.

Step: 6

Bake in the preheated oven until lightly golden, about 25 minutes.

Per Serving: 74 calories; protein 1.1g; carbohydrates 9.8g; fat 3.4g; cholesterol 14.2mg; sodium 240.7mg.

The best flavour of the flour can make a real difference to your bread. Different brands do vary. Extra-strong or Canadian flours, which are naturally higher in gluten, may give you a best rise than standard bread flours – especially if you’re make wholemeal bread , which doesn’t always rise as well as white bread.

To made this in a breadmaker , add all the ingredients to your breadmaker and follow the makers instructions.

A dough’s first rising can be done in the fridge 24 hours . This slows down the time it takes to rise to double its size, giving it a deeper flavour. It’s also a great timesaver , as you can start it yesterday , then clear it off the next day.