These 7 Ingredient Healthy Brazilian Cheese Bread Bites (also known as pão de queijo) are a delicious, quick, & easy side dish, snack, or appetizer! This is a go-to side dish that I will throw in with random meals when I can’t think of anything! They will go with practically ANYTHING. These delightful cheese bites are slightly crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside. They are packed with nutritious ingredients that make them a perfect choice for anyone looking for a gluten-free, health-conscious snack, side dish, or appetizer. They are kid friendly too!
Another great universal side dish that you must try is my Classic Homemade Hummus.
BE SURE TO SAVE THIS RECIPE TO YOUR FAVORITE PINTEREST BOARD FOR LATER!
What is Pão de Queijo?
Pão de Queijo is a traditional Brazilian food made with tapioca flour and cheese, giving it a unique, chewy texture that’s unlike anything you’ve tasted before. While the classic recipe typically calls for a lot of dairy-rich ingredients, I have created a lighter, healthier version that’s still packed with flavor and made with wholesome ingredients.
Key Ingredients
Let’s break down the goodness behind these cheese bites, and why they’re both tasty and good for you!
- Tapioca Flour
Tapioca flour is a fantastic gluten-free alternative to wheat flour. It’s rich in carbohydrates and provides a subtle sweetness to the dough. It’s also naturally free of gluten, making it an ideal base for those with dietary restrictions. Tapioca flour is high in fiber, which aids digestion, and it also helps with hydration, as it’s high in potassium, a key mineral for maintaining fluid balance in the body.
- Unsweetened Almond Milk
Almond milk is a great dairy-free alternative that’s low in calories and rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, which is known for its antioxidant properties. It’s also an excellent source of magnesium, a mineral that supports muscle and nerve function. Unsweetened almond milk keeps the recipe light while adding a subtle, nutty flavor to the cheese bites.
- Olive Oil
Olive oil is packed with monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy and can help reduce inflammation in the body. It’s also rich in antioxidants like vitamin E and polyphenols, which support overall health. This healthy fat not only helps create a crisp texture on the outside of your Pão de Queijo but also gives it a rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheeses.
- Egg
Eggs are an excellent source of protein and essential nutrients like vitamin B12, choline, and selenium. The protein in eggs helps to build and repair tissues, while the healthy fats provide sustained energy. In this recipe, the egg plays an important role in binding the ingredients together and giving the cheese bites a soft, airy texture.
- Fine Sea Salt
Sea salt not only enhances the natural flavors of the cheese and other ingredients but also provides important minerals like iodine and magnesium. If you’re looking to add some extra flavor to your Pão de Queijo, try adding herbs like garlic powder, oregano, or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a unique twist!
- Freshly Grated Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella is a mild, creamy cheese that melts beautifully, creating that signature gooey texture in every bite. It’s a great source of protein and calcium, both essential for bone health. Plus, mozzarella is lower in fat than many other cheeses, making it a lighter option for this recipe.
- Freshly Grated Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar adds a bit of sharpness and depth to the flavor profile of these cheese bites. Like mozzarella, it’s packed with calcium and protein. Cheddar also contains vitamin K2, which plays an important role in bone health by directing calcium to the bones and teeth.
Health Benefits of Pão de Queijo
Not only are these Brazilian cheese bites irresistibly delicious, but they also come with some impressive health benefits, thanks to their wholesome ingredients.
- Gluten-Free: Made with tapioca flour, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
- High in Protein: The combination of eggs and cheese provides a healthy dose of protein, which is essential for muscle building, tissue repair, and overall cellular health.
- Good Fats: The olive oil used in this recipe is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce bad cholesterol and lower the risk of heart disease.
- Calcium Boost: With the mozzarella and cheddar cheese, these bites provide a good amount of calcium, essential for bone health and muscle function.
- Rich in Fiber: Tapioca flour contains fiber, which can help support digestive health and keep you feeling full and satisfied.
How to Make Healthy Brazilian Cheese Bites (Pão de Queijo)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Tapioca Flour
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 egg (room temperature)
- 1 tsp fine sea salt (plus any other seasonings you like)
- ¼ cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
How To Make Them
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a mini muffin pan (I recommend a silicone muffin pan for easy removal!).
- Blend the Batter: In a blender or food processor, combine the tapioca flour, almond milk, olive oil, salt, and egg. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
- Stir in the Cheese: Using a rubber spatula, gently stir in the freshly grated mozzarella and cheddar cheese until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Fill the Muffin Pan: Carefully spoon the batter into the mini muffin pan, filling each muffin hole a little more than halfway. These cheese bites will puff up quite a bit while baking, so leave a little room at the top.
- Bake: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese bites are golden brown on top and puffed up.
- Serve: Once they’re done baking, remove the cheese bites from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These little bites are best enjoyed warm—perfect as a snack or appetizer.
How To Store Leftovers
You can store your leftovers in an air tight container on the counter for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 1 week. You can also freeze these well wrapped for up to 6 months.
Check Me Out on Social Media
I post all my recipes on social media as well and you can stay up to date on what I am up to! Also, I love seeing people try my recipes! When make these, snap a picture, and share it to your socials. Tag @cookingkatielady and #cookingkatielady so I can admire your masterpiece and share with others!
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These Healthy Brazilian Cheese Bites (Pão de Queijo) are a fantastic, gluten-free snack, appetizer, or side dish that satisfies both your cravings and your need for nutritious, whole foods. With their chewy texture, savory cheese, and simple, healthy ingredients, they’re sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re gluten intolerant or just looking for a wholesome, protein-packed goodie, these cheese bites will hit the spot every time!
Description
These 7 Ingredient Healthy Brazilian Cheese Bread Bites (also known as pão de queijo) are a delicious, quick, & easy side dish, snack, or appetizer! This is a go-to side dish that I will throw in with random meals when I can't think of anything! They will go with practically ANYTHING. These delightful cheese bites are slightly crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside. They are packed with nutritious ingredients that make them a perfect choice for anyone looking for a gluten-free, health-conscious snack, side dish, or appetizer. They are kid friendly too!
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a mini muffin pan (I recommend a silicone muffin pan for easy removal!).
-
Blend the Batter: In a blender or food processor, combine the tapioca flour, almond milk, olive oil, salt, and egg. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
-
Stir in the Cheese: Using a rubber spatula, gently stir in the freshly grated mozzarella and cheddar cheese until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
-
Fill the Muffin Pan: Carefully spoon the batter into the mini muffin pan (24 count), filling each muffin hole a little more than halfway. These cheese bites will puff up quite a bit while baking, so leave a little room at the top.
-
Bake: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese bites are golden brown on top and puffed up.
-
Serve: Once they’re done baking, remove the cheese bites from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These little bites are best enjoyed warm—perfect as a snack or appetizer.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Servings 24
Serving Size 1 bite
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 48kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 3.1g5%
- Saturated Fat 0.8g4%
- Cholesterol 11.1mg4%
- Sodium 117.4mg5%
- Total Carbohydrate 4.4g2%
- Protein 0.8g2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Hey Kim – This glitch has been fixed!
Hey Kim. I see the glitch you are referring to. Trying to get it fixed ASAP!:)
When you go to print the recipe it doesn’t show the amounts every one says infinity?