Brazilian Cheese Puffs – a savoury snack for any time of the day!
I came across these addictive cheese puffs at the United Nations Christmas Fair in Vienna. Every December, many countries prepare and sell their nation’s typical food and the money goes to charity. The Brazilian stand is always popular for its cheese puffs which originally comes from the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil. In Brazil, they are typically eaten at breakfast, as an afternoon snack or at parties.
Key Ingredients
Strong cheese
Traditionally, the puffs are made with the cheese from Minas Gerais, but as this is hard to come by, Emmental cheese works well for its gooeyness and mature cheese flavour. If Emmental is not easily found, Monterey Jack or a mature Cheddar are good substitutes.
Tapioca or potato starch
The dough is typically made with tapioca starch – Brazil being the top exporter of this starch. If you can’t find tapioca starch, potato starch gives the same result for that crunchy shell and soft, fluffy interior.
Optional ingredients
Nutmeg
This spice is not a traditional ingredient, but I feel it brings out the flavour of the cheese in the puffs. Feel free to leave it out if you are not a fan of nutmeg or want the authentic version of Pao de Queijo.
Different fillings
Try different fillings by adding small pieces of ham, green olives or small pieces of pickled artichoke together with the cheese. If you fancy some spice, adding some chopped pickled jalepeños will give a nice heat.
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This recipe makes between plenty of bite-size puffs, perfect as a snack or to serve with drinks at a get-together or party. Children love these too, so give these a go at their next birthday party as a savoury snack.
Brazilian Cheese Puffs (Pao de Queijo)
Ingredients
- 150 g Emmental cheese, grated (or Monterey Jack or mature Cheddar)
- 200 ml milk
- 100 ml sunflower oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp white pepper
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 250 g tapioca or potato starch
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients together.
Preparing the dough
- In a large pot, heat the milk, oil, salt, white pepper and nutmeg on medium heat for 7 minutes. It should reach 90°C/195°F. If you don’t have a food thermometer, after 7 minutes you will know it has reached the right temperature as the milk mixture will appear frothy with some light bubbling.
- Add the tapioca starch and mix well using a wooden spoon until the mixture is just combined. Don’t be put off if you notice the dough looking straggly and crumbly.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
- Add the eggs and grated cheese to the tapioca mixture.
- Beat well for around 5 minutes using a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms. You could use a stand mixer for this step if you prefer.
- Cover with a tea towel and rest for 20 minutes.
Baking the Cheese Puffs
- Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F.
- Line several baking trays with baking paper or silicone mats. Using a small 4cm ice-cream scoop or large tablespoon, place each dough ball 5cm apart.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until puffed and golden.
- The bottom of each puff should have a nice crisp finish.
- Serve immediately as a snack or a side to salads or soups.
Notes
- Best eaten on the same day
- Can be reheated in the oven for 5 minutes covered with foil
- Suitable to freeze unbaked dough balls. No need to defrost. Can be baked straight from frozen
TIP:
Try different fillings by adding small pieces of ham, green olives or small pieces of pickled artichoke together with the cheese. If you fancy some spice, adding some chopped pickled jalepeños will give a nice heat.
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These cheese puffs will b made for a club meeting nxt month. Love the jalepino idea too. Nxt month, in the citrus salad, going to use braaied (barbecued) pork neck.,Should go well together Spring is almost here.
Wonderful to hear, Dorothy! I love them with jalapeños! I like the sounds of using braised BBQ pork…would love to see a photo after you have made it. Enjoy the remainder of your late Winter!
I made these puffs as a drink snack for a family get-together, adding some pickles. They were gone in no time! Thanks for the recipe idea, Sandra.
That’s great to hear, Louise! Thanks for your feedback!