Brazilian Cheese Bread
Surprisingly I first discovered Brazilian Cheese Bread, known as pão de queijo, in the freezer aisle. Those cheesy, naturally gluten free bites became a fun new side for us to serve with soup. But now they have grown into so much more for our family: buns for sandwiches, breakfast sandwiches and burgers plus a cheesy, gluten free pizza crust!
Despite the name, this isn’t “bread” in the usual sense. There’s no wheat, no yeast, and no kneading. Brazilian cheese bread is made from tapioca flour (ground from cassava root), cheese and a few more whole food ingredients. The batter bakes up into light, airy puffs that stretch like melted mozzarella inside and crisp up beautifully on the outside.
It’s comfort food — Brazilian style — and it happens to align with many wellness-minded principles: naturally gluten-free and rich in real food ingredients.
Jump to Recipe
Why Make Brazilian Cheese Bread?
1. Naturally Gluten-Free
Because tapioca flour comes from cassava root, these little puffs are safe for those avoiding gluten. They offer an easy, non-processed alternative to many packaged “gluten-free” breads that rely on starch fillers and gums.
2. Cassava: A Resistant Starch Source
Cassava root provides carbohydrates that digest more slowly than refined flours, supporting steadier blood sugar levels. Some of its starch even resists digestion, feeding beneficial gut bacteria — a natural prebiotic effect.
3. Protein and Calcium from Cheese and Eggs
The cheese and eggs make each roll a source of complete protein and calcium. That combo helps balance the carbs from cassava and supports bone, muscle, and nervous system health.
4. Healthy Fats for Satiety
Made with olive oil and grass-fed butter, the fat content helps slow digestion and improves the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K.
5. Simple, Real-Food Ingredients
No preservatives. No chemical leaveners. Just seven ingredients you can pronounce — which means your body knows what to do with them.
What You Need To Make Brazilian Cheese Bread
- Tapioca Flour
- Organic Grass Fed Whole Milk
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Grass Fed Butter
- Salt
- Large Eggs
- Cheddar Cheese or Mexican Shredded Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese
How To Make Brazilian Cheese Bread
- Heat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place tapioca flour in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- Heat a medium pot over medium heat. Add milk, olive oil, butter and salt. Bring to a boil, whisk and immediately pour into tapioca flour. Stir together. *** this next step is crucial- Allow the dough to come to room temperature/let it sit for at least 5 minutes.*** Add eggs, stir together. Add cheese and stir together. Dough will be sticky.
- Roll the dough into balls (I find this is easiest when I wet my hands with water first) and place them on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Makes 16 balls. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Serve with soup, alongside dinner, or as a snack.
- Want to make sandwich rolls instead? Or pizza crusts? The options are endless. See the recipe notes below the recipe card!
Want more bread options? Try my Gluten Free Green Chili Cornbread or Sheetpan Pancake.
Brazilian Cheese Bread
Ingredients
- 2 2/3 cup Tapioca Flour
- 1 cup Organic Whole Milk
- 1/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/3 cup Grass Fed Butter
- 1 tsp Salt
- 2 large Eggs, whisked
- 1 1/3 cup Cheese of choice (I like cheddar but you can do mozzarella for a milder flavor) grated
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- Heat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place tapioca flour in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- Heat a medium pot over medium heat. Add milk, olive oil, butter and salt. Bring to a boil, whisk and immediately pour into tapioca flour. Stir together. **Allow dough to cool for at least 5 minutes or until it reaches room temperature.** Add eggs, stir together. Add cheese and stir together. Dough will be a little sticky.
- Roll the dough into balls (I find this is easiest when I wet my hands with water first) and place them on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Makes 16 balls. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Serve with soup, alongside dinner, or as a snack.
- Want to make sandwich rolls instead? Or pizza crusts? The options are endless. See the recipe notes below!
Notes
