Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pao de Queijo)

Step 1

In a pot, add in milk, olive oil and salt. Stir everything and bring it to a boil. Turn the heat off and set aside.

Step 2

In a bowl, add in tapioca starch. Slowly and carefully pour in the hot milk mixture while mixing everything together at the same time, using a wooden spoon. Mix everything as much as you can.

Step 3

Once the mixture is not that hot to handle, mix everything with your hand. It will look crumbly.

Step 4

Add in 3 eggs and immediately mix everything together. Then add in parmesan. Mix to incorporate everything and then knead until nothing sticks to your hand. It's going to take a few minutes but don't worry.

Step 5

Take a piece of dough and form it into 1 inch balls. Place them on a baking tray with a baking sheet, 1 inch apart.

Step 6

Bake in a preheated oven at 400ºF (200ºC) for 25 minutes or until the cheese turns golden brown and the balls are fully cooked. Best eaten warm, enjoy!

Step 7

Don't worry. Different flour brands have different results. I know because I tested some brands. Here's what you should do:

Step 8

Leave the sticky dough covered for 10-15 minutes. It's going to be more manageable by then. Using a 1 1/2 tbsp (20 ml) ice cream scoop, scoop the dough onto a baking tray with baking sheet (leaving 1 inch apart).

Step 9

Then roll the balls on your hand to get smooth balls. Finally bake as instructed.