Brazilian Pan de Queso Tapioca Cheese Bread Rolls

Prep: 15 minCook: 25 min1 loafmedium
Brazilian Pan de Queso Tapioca Cheese Bread Rolls

Golden, chewy Brazilian cheese bread made with tapioca starch that creates an irresistibly stretchy, airy texture. These gluten-free rolls puff beautifully in the oven, developing crispy exteriors while staying soft and cheesy inside. Perfect as appetizers, snacks, or alongside Brazilian meals. The combination of parmesan and mozzarella delivers rich, savory flavor that makes these addictive little breads disappear quickly from any table.

Ingredients

Yield: 1 loaf
  • 1 cup whole milk
    2% milk1:1dairy-reduced

    slightly less rich

    Full guide →
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
    olive oil1:1flavor-enhanced

    adds slight fruity notes

    Full guide →
  • 2 ¼ cups tapioca starch
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 egg whites
    whole eggs2 whites = 1 eggconvenience

    richer color and flavor

    Full guide →
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
    pecorino romano1:1flavor-variationdairy-free

    sharper, saltier taste

    Full guide →
  • ½ cup mozzarella, shredded

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven and line baking sheet with parchment paper

  2. 2

    Bring milk, salt, and oil to a boil

  3. 3

    Transfer hot mixture to mixer and add tapioca flour in two parts until well blended and gelatinous

  4. 4

    Beat in egg whites until smooth

  5. 5

    Mix in parmesan and mozzarella cheeses

  6. 6

    Portion mixture using ice cream scoop onto baking sheet

  7. 7

    Bake until golden on top and puffed

Tips

Tip 1

Use an ice cream scoop for uniform portions that bake evenly and look professional

Tip 2

The mixture should be gelatinous after adding tapioca flour - this creates the characteristic chewy texture

Tip 3

Serve immediately while still warm and puffed for the best texture and cheese pull

Good to Know

Storage

Store covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days

Make Ahead

Can be shaped and frozen on baking sheets, then baked directly from frozen adding 5 minutes

Serve With

Serve warm for best texture and cheese pull

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't skip the boiling step to avoid dense, gummy texture

Watch

Add tapioca flour gradually to prevent lumps

Watch

Use room temperature egg whites to avoid seizing the hot mixture

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

whole milk
2% milk1:1dairy-reduced

slightly less rich

Full guide →
parmesan
pecorino romano1:1flavor-variationdairy-free

sharper, saltier taste

Full guide →

General Alternatives

vegetable oil
olive oil1:1flavor-enhanced

adds slight fruity notes

Full guide →
egg whites
whole eggs2 whites = 1 eggconvenience

richer color and flavor

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make these without a mixer?

Yes, use a wooden spoon to vigorously mix the hot milk mixture with tapioca flour, though a mixer gives smoother results and is much easier on your arm.

What if I don't have tapioca starch?

Tapioca starch is essential for the characteristic chewy texture - regular flour won't work. Look for it in Latin markets or online if your grocery doesn't carry it.

How long do these keep fresh?

Best eaten same day while still warm. Store covered at room temperature up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days, then reheat briefly in oven.