Pão de Queijo (pronounced “pown-dee-KAY-zhoo”), which translates directly to “Cheese Bread,” is a small, baked cheese roll that is a culinary icon of Brazil. It’
Key Characteristics:
- Texture: Its most defining feature is a uniquely chewy, elastic, and slightly gooey interior with a crisp, golden-brown exterior.
- Ingredients: The unique texture comes from its simple, gluten-free dough made from tapioca flour (or sour cassava starch), cheese (typically a hard, salty cheese like Parmesan or Minas cheese), eggs, milk, and oil.
- Flavor: It has a delightful savory, cheesy, and slightly tangy taste that is incredibly moreish.
Why It’s So Popular:
Originating from the state of Minas Gerais, Pão de Queijo is now enjoyed nationwide. It’s found in every bakery, supermarket, and cafe. It’s the perfect comfort food: warm, cheesy, gluten-free by nature, and utterly irresistible. You’ll rarely find a Brazilian home that doesn’t have a bag of frozen pão de queijo ready to bake for guests.
In short, it’s a delicious, bite-sized piece of Brazilian culture.
