Pão de Queijo Crocante

Introduction

Pão de Queijo is a delightful Brazilian cheese bread known for its crispy exterior and soft, chewy interior. Originating from the state of Minas Gerais, this recipe has become a staple throughout Brazil and gained international popularity. It’s traditionally enjoyed during breakfast or served as a snack at any time of the day. The marvelous aspect of this bread lies in its gluten-free nature, as it primarily uses tapioca flour as its base ingredient.

The history of Pão de Queijo dates back to the 18th century when slaves made the bread by mixing the abundant cassava with cheese. Over the years, the recipe evolved, especially with the introduction of dairy farms in Minas Gerais, which led to the integration of cheese into the bread, hence the name "cheese bread." Today, this treat is synonymous with comfort food in Brazil, enjoyed for its unique texture and combination of flavors.

Ingredients

• Tapioca flour - 2 cups
• Milk - 1 cup
• Vegetable oil - 1/2 cup
• Eggs - 2 large
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup
• Grated mozzarella cheese - 1 cup

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Having everything measured and ready will streamline your cooking process. Ensure your milk and eggs are at room temperature. Also, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mixing the Dough

In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, vegetable oil, and salt over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture comes to a boil. Remove from heat immediately.

Place the tapioca flour in a large mixing bowl. Carefully pour the hot liquid over the tapioca flour, stirring with a spatula until the mixture is combined and resembles a sticky dough. Allow the dough to cool for a few minutes.

Step 3: Adding Cheese and Eggs

After the dough has cooled slightly, add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. The dough will appear very sticky at first, but continue mixing until smooth.

Next, fold in the grated Parmesan cheese and grated mozzarella cheese. Mix until the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Cooking Process

Step 4: Shaping the Dough

Using a small cookie scoop or lightly oiled hands, form the dough into golf-ball-sized pieces. Place each ball onto the prepared baking sheet, allowing enough space between them for slight expansion during baking.

Step 5: Baking

Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven. Bake the Pão de Queijo for 20-25 minutes, or until the breads turn a light golden color and the outsides are crispy. To keep track of the baking time, you might find a cooking timer useful.

Once baked, remove the Pão de Queijo from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy Your Pão de Queijo

Pão de Queijo is best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. Its crispy shell and chewy inside make it the perfect companion for a cup of coffee or a refreshing afternoon tea. These cheese breads also make an excellent addition to breakfast spreads or served as an appetizer at gatherings.

For an authentic Brazilian experience, consider pairing Pão de Queijo with guava paste or dulce de leche. Its versatility means it can be complements with both sweet and savory toppings, allowing everyone to enjoy it in their preferred way.

Whether enjoyed alone or accompanied, Pão de Queijo brings a taste of Brazilian heritage to your table, blending historical roots with delightful flavors.