Brazilian Food 
Vegan Cheese Bread (Pao de Queijo): A Taste of Brazil, Plant-Based Delight
Brazil is a country celebrated for its vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and, of course, its diverse and delectable cuisine. Among the many culinary treasures Brazil has to offer, Pao de Queijo stands out as a beloved snack or side dish that captures the essence of Brazilian flavors. Traditionally made with cheese, eggs, and tapioca flour, this delightful treat may seem off-limits for vegans. However, fear not, because our Vegan Cheese Bread recipe brings the taste of Brazil to plant-based kitchens around the world. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of Pao de Queijo, the art of crafting its vegan rendition, and why it’s a must-try for both vegans and food enthusiasts.
A Bite of Brazilian Culture
Pao de Queijo, pronounced “pow jee KAY-zho,” translates to “cheese bread” in Portuguese. This Brazilian delicacy hails from the state of Minas Gerais and has become a culinary icon across Brazil. Its distinctive chewy texture, golden crust, and cheesy flavor make it a popular choice as a snack, breakfast item, or accompaniment to meals.
Vegan Transformation of a Brazilian Classic
The traditional Pao de Queijo recipe includes cheese and eggs, which are essential components for its flavor and texture. To create a vegan version, we utilize the culinary versatility of plant-based ingredients to replicate the taste and experience without compromising on deliciousness.
The Role of Tapioca Flour
Tapioca flour, also known as tapioca starch, plays a pivotal role in both the classic and vegan versions of Pao de Queijo. This gluten-free flour is derived from cassava root and is responsible for the bread’s distinctively chewy texture. Fortunately, tapioca flour is naturally vegan, making it a key ingredient for our recipe.
The Vegan Cheese Conundrum
Selecting the right dairy-free cheese is crucial for the success of Vegan Cheese Bread. The good news is that the market now offers a wide range of vegan cheese alternatives that mimic the flavor and meltability of dairy cheese. Look for a high-quality vegan cheese that suits your taste preferences to ensure an authentic Pao de Queijo experience.
The Art of Crafting Vegan Cheese Bread
Creating this delectable treat involves several key steps:
1. Tapioca Flour Magic: Begin by blending tapioca flour with plant-based milk to form a gel-like mixture known as “tapioca paste.”
2. Vegan Cheese Integration: Add vegan cheese to the tapioca paste, allowing it to melt and incorporate into the mixture.
3. Forming Dough Balls: Roll the dough into small balls and arrange them on a baking sheet, ready for baking.
4. Baking Brilliance: Bake the dough balls until they develop a golden crust and a chewy interior—a perfect balance of textures.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Vegan Cheese Bread is highly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:
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- Snack Time: Serve it as a satisfying snack or appetizer, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
- Breakfast Bonanza: Enjoy it as a unique and savory breakfast item, paired with fresh fruit or a hot beverage.
- Sidekick to Meals: Use it as a delightful side dish to complement your favorite Brazilian or international dishes.
Vegan Cheese Bread (Pao de Queijo)
Over the past couple of days in Brazil, our hashtag-tradish pick became pretty clear. Every meal, breakfast, lunch or dinner, started the same way…Pão de Queijo! Translated, that’s
Brazilian cheese bread and is a staple of the local diet. They are simple and savory, golden and crusty on the outside and warm and fluffy on the inside. Brazilian cheese bread is best when eaten the same day, so you’ve got a great excuse to carb load the day you whip these puppies up.
Equipment
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Small
bowl -
Blender
Ingredients
- ¾ tablespoon golden flaxseed meal
- 1 ¼ cup tapioca flour
- ¾ cup potato starch
- 1 teaspoon sea salt finely ground
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ cup packed vegan mozzarella cheese
- 2/3 cup plant-based milk Cashew
- 1/3 cup oil walnut, grapeseed, olive
Instructions
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Make flax egg: In a small bowl mix golden flaxseed meal and 3 tablespoons filtered water together. Set aside.
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HOW TO MAKE A FLAX EGG
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In a
Blender place tapioca flour, potato starch, salt and baking powder. Pulse a couple times to blend. Add vegan cheese and pulse a couple more times until broken into very small pieces. Stir flax egg and add along with oil and milk to dry ingredients. Blend well until smooth (about 30 seconds). -
Spoon batter into a greased mini muffin tin about one-eighth from the top (Bake these in a mini muffin tin as the cooking time would vary from a standard size). If any muffin receptacles remain empty, place one teaspoon of water in each empty muffin receptacle. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes depending on the oven. Should be firm on the outside but puffy and very lightly browned. (The shell of the bread will be very firm when first removed from the oven but softens to a crisp after cooling for a minute or two)
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Remove from oven and cool on a rack for a couple of minutes and serve.
Vegan Cheese Bread (Pao de Queijo) brings the vibrant flavors of Brazil to plant-based kitchens worldwide. It’s a testament to the adaptability and creativity of vegan cuisine, offering a taste of Brazil’s culinary heritage while embracing compassionate and sustainable choices. Whether you’re a dedicated vegan or a culinary explorer, this dish promises a delightful and flavorful experience that pays homage to tradition while embracing modern values. So, gather your ingredients, follow our recipe (link provided), and prepare to savor the delightful fusion of chewy and cheesy—a taste of Brazil, reimagined for the plant-based palate.
Inspired by: NUTRITION CITY
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If you enjoyed this recipe or have suggestions on how we can improve it, please leave us a comment below. Also, make sure to check out other dishes I’ve created or stories I’ve written about food culture – here.
