Brazilian Cheese Bread

Pão de Queijo is a beloved Brazilian cheese bread, renowned for its crispy exterior and soft, chewy, cheesy interior. Made from tapioca flour (or cassava starch) and typically filled with cheese like Minas or Parmesan, it is a staple snack or breakfast item enjoyed throughout Brazil.

🍳 View the full Brazilian Cheese Bread recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is generally high in carbohydrates and fat due to the starch and cheese, with a moderate amount of protein. A typical serving of three small breads provides roughly 150-200 calories, offering calcium and some iron.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	180 kcal
Protein	6 g
Carbs	22 g
Fat	8 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	1 g
Sodium	250 mg
Calcium	120 mg
Iron	1.5 mg
Potassium	80 mg
Vitamin A	50 IU
Phosphorus	100 mg
Magnesium	10 mg
Selenium	5 mcg
Vitamin B12	0.3 mcg

Per 3 small breads (approx. 60 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Unlike traditional bread, Pão de Queijo is naturally gluten-free because it uses tapioca starch instead of wheat flour. Its unique texture comes from the gelatinization of the starch, which creates a distinctively chewy, mozzarella-like consistency.