Pão De Queijo Recipe
Make Pão De Queijo Recipe in just 45m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Dough
Method
Dough
- 1
Preheat and prepare
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Have a cookie scoop or measuring spoon and a wire rack ready for cooling.
- 2
Heat liquids and fat
In a medium saucepan combine 1 cup whole milk, 1/4 cup water, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, and 1 tsp fine sea salt. Heat over medium until the mixture comes to a gentle boil and the butter is fully melted, stirring once or twice. Remove from heat as soon as it boils.
- 3
Combine with tapioca
Place 2 cups tapioca starch in a large heatproof bowl. Immediately pour the hot milk-butter mixture over the starch. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, stir vigorously until the starch fully absorbs the liquid and forms a sticky, homogenous paste. Let the mixture cool for 8–10 minutes so it is warm but not hot (this prevents cooking the eggs when added).
- 4
Incorporate eggs
Add the 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. The dough will loosen and become glossy. If using a stand mixer, use the paddle on low; if by hand use a sturdy spoon. Scrape down sides as needed.
- 5
Add cheeses
Fold in 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan and 1 cup grated Minas cheese (or mozzarella/cheddar blend) until evenly distributed and the dough is smooth and slightly sticky. Taste a small pinch and adjust salt if needed (remember cheeses are salty).
- 6
Portion the dough
Lightly oil your hands or a cookie scoop to prevent sticking. Portion dough into golf-ball sized rounds (about 1.5 tablespoons or a heaping 1.25"–1.5" cookie scoop) and place them spaced 1 to 1.5 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Wet or oiling your hands between portions helps with sticky dough.
- 7
Optional brushing
Brush each ball lightly with 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter for a shinier, slightly crisper exterior (optional).
- 8
Bake
Bake in the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 18–25 minutes, rotating the trays halfway through, until the pães de queijo are puffed and lightly golden on top. Exact time depends on size—smaller bites may be done closer to 18 minutes.
- 9
Cool and serve
Remove from oven and let the pães de queijo rest on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm for the best chewy interior and crisp exterior. Reheat leftovers in a hot oven (350°F/175°C) for 5–7 minutes.