Pão de queijo

From my hometown in Brazil, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, I bring you the world-famous Pão de Queijo, also known as Brazilian cheese bread. This bread is made in just about every Brazilian churrascaria (a Brazilian style steak restaurant). It’s easy to make and is really an amazing recipe.

Ingredients

• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 5 cups tapioca starch
• 2 tsp fine table salt
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  
  

Prep & Seasoning

1. Combine the milk and vegetable oil in a large saucepan over mediumhigh heat. Bring just to a boil, and then remove from the heat.
   
   
2. Combine the tapioca starch and salt in a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer.
   
   
3. Begin mixing the tapioca starch and salt with a hand mixer or stand mixer while slowly adding the milk–vegetable oil mixture. Add the eggs and continue mixing until the ingredients are combined.
   
   
4. Add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until a dough is formed.
   
   

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
   
   
2. Line a large baking tray with aluminum foil. Spray a light layer of nonstick cooking spray onto the foil.
   
   
3. Using two spoons, form the dough into small balls, and then place the balls on the prepared baking tray.
   
   
4. Bake for 30 minutes or until lightly golden brown. (This bread will last up to 6 months in the freezer.)