Indulge in the irresistible flavours of Brazil with two of our all-time favourite recipes: Pão de Queijo (Brazilian cheese bread) and Tapioca stuffed with cheese and ham. These classic delights are perfect for breakfast, a light snack, or a comforting treat anytime. Whether you’re craving the chewy cheesiness of Pão de Queijo or the crispy, gooey perfection of a Tapioca, these easy recipes will transport you straight to the heart of Brazil. What’s more, Tapioca is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed with a variety of fillings, from sweet to savory, without needing a drop of oil to cook. Let’s get cooking!

This recipe will make approximately 20 small cheese breads. Double the quantity to make more, or larger breads.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups tapioca flour (you will also find this called Polvilho – a starch from the Manioc root. You can find it in Brazilian  food stores, or in the world food isles of major supermarkets. It is also available on Amazon)
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a muffin tin or baking tray.
2. In a saucepan, heat milk, butter, and salt until the mixture begins to boil.
3. Remove from heat and gradually stir in the tapioca flour until it forms a doughy consistency.
4. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before adding the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until evenly combined.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough onto the prepared tray or into the muffin tin.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and puffed.
8. Enjoy warm for the best chewy texture!

Tapiocas are like crispy Tacos, only much better and healthier (depending on what you put in them of course). You will find Tapioca food bars located throughout Brazil, in shopping centre food courts, coach stations and airports – they are very popular.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup tapioca starch
A pinch of salt
2 slices of ham
1/2 cup grated mozzarella or your favorite melting cheese
1 teaspoon butter (optional)

Instructions:
Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat.
In a bowl, mix the tapioca starch with a pinch of salt. Sift it directly onto the hot pan, spreading it into an even circle (like a crepe).
Let it cook for 1-2 minutes until the starch binds together into a solid form.
Place the ham and cheese on one side of the tapioca. Fold the other half over to form a semi-circle.
Cook for another minute until the cheese is melted. Optionally, add a small dab of butter for extra flavor.
Serve hot and enjoy the crispy, gooey goodness!

These recipes are easy to prepare and pack a punch of Brazilian charm. Let us know how they turn out for you! 🌟

Tapioca is a blank canvas for creativity! Here are some popular sweet and savory filling ideas to try:

• Sweet: Nutella and banana, condensed milk and coconut, or fresh strawberries with cream.
• Savory: Chicken and cream cheese, sautéed spinach with garlic, or scrambled eggs with bacon.

Its simplicity and adaptability make Tapioca a go-to favourite in Brazilian kitchens—and now, hopefully, yours too! 🌟

We hope this post inspired you to get cooking. How did your recipe turn out? Do you have any other great Brazilian receipes we should try? Please share your idea’s below