Cheese bread is one of the most beloved and traditional foods in Brazilian cuisine. With its soft texture on the inside and crispy on the outside, it wins over palates in all regions of the country and even abroad.
Whether for breakfast, an afternoon snack or as a side dish, cheese bread is always an excellent option.
Let's explore a classic cheese bread recipe, with details about the ingredients, how to prepare it, the benefits of this delicacy and some tips to ensure the success of your recipe.
Ingredients for Cheese Bread
Before you begin, it is important to gather all the necessary ingredients. The cheese bread recipe is simple and uses basic ingredients that can be easily found. For approximately 30 units, you will need:
- 500g sweet cassava starch (or sour cassava starch, depending on preference)
- 250ml of milk
- 125ml oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 medium eggs
- 200g of grated semi-cured cheese (or standard Minas cheese)
- Grated parmesan cheese to taste (optional, for an extra touch of flavor)
Preparation Method
Now that you have separated all the ingredients, let's go step by step to prepare the cheese bread:
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 180°C. This will ensure that it is at the ideal temperature when you bake the bread.
- Prepare the dough: In a saucepan, mix the milk, oil and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Then pour this mixture over the tapioca flour in a large bowl. Stir well with a wooden spoon until a moist, homogeneous crumb forms.
- Add the eggs and cheese: Let the mixture cool slightly and add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add the grated cheese and mix until you get a smooth, uniform dough.
- Shape the breads: With your hands lightly greased with oil, take small portions of the dough and shape them into balls of the size you prefer. Place them on a greased baking sheet or lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them so that they do not stick together while rising.
- Bake in the oven: Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese breads are golden and crispy on the outside.
- Serve hot.: Cheese bread is best enjoyed while still warm, but can also be stored in a closed container to maintain its softness.
Benefits of Cheese Bread
- Power source: Because it is made with tapioca flour, cheese bread is an excellent source of carbohydrates, which provide energy for the body.
- Rich in calcium: The cheese used in the recipe is a great source of calcium, essential for healthy bones and teeth.
- Gluten free: Tapioca flour is naturally gluten-free, which makes cheese bread a great option for celiacs or people with gluten intolerance.
- Versatility: Cheese bread can be eaten at different times of the day and adapted with different types of cheese and additional ingredients.
Tips for the Perfect Cheese Bread
- Choose the right tapioca starch: Sweet cassava starch results in a softer cheese bread, while sour cassava starch gives a drier and crispier texture. Choose according to your preference.
- Don't overdo the oil: The amount of oil indicated in the recipe is enough to ensure the ideal texture. Excessive use can make the dough too greasy.
- Use quality cheeses: The flavor of cheese bread depends a lot on the cheese used. Choose fresh, good quality cheeses for a tastier result.
- Keep the dough moist: If the dough is too dry, add a little more milk or oil. If it is too liquid, add more tapioca flour until it reaches the right consistency.
- Try variations: To innovate, you can add herbs such as oregano or rosemary, or even fill the cheese breads with cream cheese or ham.
Conclusion
Cheese bread is a true treasure of Brazilian cuisine, capable of pleasing all tastes. With a simple recipe and affordable ingredients, it is possible to prepare this delight at home and surprise family and friends. In addition to being tasty, cheese bread can be a nutritious and versatile option for everyday use.
