Brazilian cheese bread, a classic of Brazilian cuisine, was recently ranked the 3rd best breakfast in the world by the TasteAtlas website. This delightful treat from Minas Gerais has been winning over palates worldwide. If you haven’t tried this marvel yet, it’s time to discover what makes Brazilian cheese bread so special.
The History of Brazilian Cheese Bread
Brazilian cheese bread has deep roots in the Colonial Period of Brazil (1700s and 1800s). It originated in the farms of Minas Gerais, located in the southeast of Brazil, where local ingredients were used to create simple and delicious recipes. The scarcity of wheat, which was common in Europe, led cooks to use cassava starch (known as “polvilho” in Portuguese), a widely available product in Brazil, to make the bread dough. Over time, the recipe was refined, and cured Minas cheese was incorporated, giving cheese bread its characteristic flavor.
Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
How Cheese Bread Became a Brazilian Icon
Over time, cheese bread became a hallmark of Minas Gerais cuisine. However, its popularity soon spread throughout Brazil. By the 1950s and 1960s, cheese bread began to be sold in bakeries and cafes, becoming a quick and delicious snack enjoyed at any time of the day.
Brazilian Cheese Bread Today
Today, cheese bread can be found in Brazilian markets, specialty restaurants across the U.S., and even in international grocery stores like Trader Joe’s in the United States. The industrialization of the product, with frozen and pre-baked versions, has allowed it to reach an even broader audience.
The Ideal Cheese for Cheese Bread
The best cheese for the recipe is the Artisanal Minas Cheese, which is made with raw cow’s milk and aged for about 7 to 11 days. This cheese has the perfect firmness and flavor for cheese bread, as it doesn’t completely melt during baking and adds a unique taste loved by all.
How to Make Cheese Bread: My Favorite Recipe
Now that you know more about the history and significance of cheese bread, let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups of cassava starch (also known as tapioca flour)
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- ½ cup of oil (110 ml)
- ½ cup of water (110 ml)
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ cups of water at room temperature (320 ml)
- 2 cups of shredded cheese (I like to use a mix of mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheese)
Note: For an authentic flavor, I recommend purchasing cassava starch (polvilho azedo) from Amazon or Brazilian markets instead of tapioca flour.
While the traditional Minas cheese is unavailable in the U.S., the recommended cheese blend works wonderfully.
Instructions:
- In a pan, bring the oil and ½ cup of water to a boil.
- In a bowl, add the cassava starch and slowly mix in the hot oil and water, stirring to dissolve any lumps.
- Beat the egg and add it to the mixture, stirring until well incorporated.
- Gradually add the 1 ½ cups of room-temperature water, mixing with your hands or a spoon until the dough is creamy.
- Mix in the shredded cheese until evenly distributed.
- Refrigerate the dough for 10 minutes to make it easier to shape.
- Using a cookie scoop, form small balls and place them on a tray or container for freezing.
- Store the cheese bread balls in ziplock bags in the freezer.
Baking Instructions:
- To bake, place the cheese bread balls in an air fryer at 320°F:
- 7 minutes if the balls are thawed
- 14 minutes if frozen.
Note:
Baking time may vary depending on the size of the cheese bread balls.
The mixture can also be baked in a conventional oven if preferred.
Serving Suggestions:
- Cheese bread is excellent for breakfast or afternoon tea, as is customary in Brazil, served with coffee.
- It also pairs deliciously with guava paste or dulce de leche.
Cheese bread is more than just a snack; it represents the history and traditions of Minas Gerais and Brazil. Its popularity continues to grow worldwide. Now that you know its story and recipe, it’s time to try this delight at home!
Article by Taila Jeller, content creator.