Cheddar filled Brazilian Cheese Rolls

Name: Cheddar filled Brazilian Cheese Rolls
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 15
Ingredients: 2 cups tapioca flour (250 g); 1/2 cup whole milk (120 ml); 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (use extra to grease hands); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 large egg (at room temperature); 3.5 oz queso fresco (crumbled, about 100 g); 1-2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme (optional (if using dried herbs, cut amount in half)); 15 cubes medium or sharp Cheddar cheese for the filling (1/3 to 1/2-inch)

January 18, 2016 by Denise Browning 22 Comments

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Gluten Free

As my fond memories of Brazil grow, so does my appetite for all Brazilian snacks and treats. Brazilian cheese rolls happen to be a real favorite of mine. The last time I passed through Rio, I had some filled with cheese — as well as other types of fillings. As nostalgia was calling me homeward through food, I found myself preparing these naturally gluten-free Cheddar filled Brazilian cheese rolls (pão de queijo recheado com cheddar) —which pairs so great with coffee. How about some cheese rolls?

Made from basic ingredients such as milk, cheese, vegetable oil, salt, eggs…

… and tapioca flour…

… this small baked good is easy and quick to prepare and delivers flavor with every single bite. The best part? You don’t have to be a great cook to come away like a hero. Mixing the ingredients, cubing the cheese to fill small portions of dough, and then baking is ALL that you have to do. Pure enjoyment will fill both your mouth and soul!

In the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, pão de queijo has been around since the eighteenth century, but its popularity spread to other regions of the country after the 1950’s. I would say that it is one of the most popular snacks in my home country. It is relatively inexpensive, and often sold on the streets, in snack bars, cafes, airports, bakeries, Brazilian steakhouses, and supermarkets.

And that’s not all! These Cheddar filled Brazilian cheese rolls make a great snack, breakfast, and small party bites. Is there a televised sports event coming up? Surprise your crowd with these comforting bites and you’ll score major points.

But if you thought all the commotion about pao de queijo is just limited to Brazil, you’d be dead wrong. Pão de queijo is beloved in several other South American countries and even in Japan, where it is usually made with rice flour instead of tapioca flour.

It is also becoming more and more popular in the USA now through the influence of Brazilian steakhouses (churrascarias). And this is one of those recipes that my American friends have most inquired about. But you know what? You won’t find them filled with cheese at any churrascaria.

Believe me, if you enjoy the ones served at Brazilian steakhouses here in the US, you will be totally crazy for our Cheddar filled Brazilian cheese rolls… after all, they contain the best of two countries: American cheddar on the inside and an exquisite Brazilian dough on the outside. 😉

So grab your cup of coffee and enjoy our finger-licking rolls.