Brazilian Cheese Bread

There are a couple of restaurants I am just a sucker for an one of those is a Brazilian steakhouse. You know, those places where they cook the meat over an open flame, then carry it around and slice pieces off for you? You usually have a green and red card or stopper to the servers know if you still want meat or if you are just too full? Yeah, those places. I am a sucker for the meats!

One of the best thing about going to a Brazilian steakhouse is the little cheese bread they make. They have a nice light crunchy exterior and this sort of gummy, cheesy interior. Now that I am describing it, they sound strange, but they are really just fantastic.

I have tried for years to master these little bad boys. I have a quick version that I make in a muffin tin - the taste is spot on, but the texture not so much. So, I set out to really master these little cheese balls. I think I have finally done it! I know they are not truly authentic because the flour and cheese are not correct, but they are really close.

Brazilian Cheese Bread
Makes 15 cheese balls

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp whole milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup tapioca flour
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup total of sharp cheddar and parmesan cheese combined

How to Make Brazilian Cheese Bread:

1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees. 
2. Combine the milk, oil, and salt in a medium sauce pan. 
3. Heat ingredients over medium heat until just starting to bubble. 
4. Turn the heat off and quickly mix in all the tapioca flour. You will be left with a really gummy like mixture. 
5. Transfer to a stand mixer and attach the paddle attachment. Mix on medium for 4-5 minutes. 
6. When the dough is cool, add in the egg until combined, then add in the cheese. 
7. Use a small cookie scoop and form 1" to 1.5" balls of dough. Roll them between the palm of your hands until smooth. 
8. Place the balls on a parchment lined cookie sheet and cook for 25-28 minutes. They should have a nice light brown color and still be soft in the middle. 

These are great as a standalone appetizer or as a side with meat, soup, fish, pasta, whatever.

I hope you enjoy these as much as I do!

~H