Pão De Queijo Recipe
Make Pão De Queijo Recipe in just 40m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Dough
Finish & Baking
Method
Prepare dough
- 1
Heat liquid and fats
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a medium saucepan combine whole milk, water, unsalted butter, fine sea salt, and granulated sugar. Bring just to a boil over medium heat, stirring so the butter melts and salts dissolve. Remove from heat as soon as it begins to bubble.
- 2
Add tapioca
Place the tapioca flour in a large heatproof bowl. Pour the hot milk-butter mixture over the tapioca flour in one go. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula until the mixture is smooth and glossy and no dry pockets remain. Let it cool for about 10–15 minutes so it is warm but not hot (eggs won't scramble).
- 3
Incorporate eggs
When mixture is warm to the touch, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. The dough will be sticky and somewhat adhesive; it should form a smooth, elastic mass that holds together.
- 4
Fold in cheeses
Fold in the grated parmesan and the shredded mozzarella (or Minas). Work quickly so the heat doesn't melt all the cheese into a single greasy pool; you want the cheese distributed through the dough. Adjust texture if necessary: if dough seems too stiff, add 1–2 teaspoons of milk; if too loose, add up to 1–2 tablespoons more tapioca flour.
Shape and bake
- 5
Portion
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats and lightly grease. Using a small cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon) or wet hands (dip hands in water or oil to prevent sticking), portion dough into balls about 1 to 1 1/4 inches (2.5–3 cm) in diameter. Place them 1 to 1 1/2 inches apart on prepared sheets.
- 6
Optional brush
If you like a shinier exterior, lightly brush tops with a little vegetable oil or melted butter using a pastry brush.
- 7
Bake
Bake in the preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 15–20 minutes, rotating pans halfway through, until the pão de queijo are puffed and lightly golden on top. Smaller bites may finish closer to 12–15 minutes; larger balls need the full time.
- 8
Rest and serve
Remove from oven and let rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack. Serve warm — pão de queijo are best the same day while interior is soft and cheesy. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to revive if cooled.