Brazilian Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Puffs Recipe
These Brazilian-inspired cheese puffs are chewy, cheesy, and perfectly spiced with fresh jalapeños. A twist on traditional pão de queijo, they make a delicious snack or appetizer with just the right amount of heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 24 puffs 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Brazilian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups tapioca flour (cassava flour)
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (or butter)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar & mozzarella)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 fresh jalapeño, finely diced (remove seeds for less heat)
- Optional: ¼ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, oil, and salt. Bring just to a boil, then remove from heat.
- Place tapioca flour in a large bowl. Pour the hot milk mixture over it and stir until a crumbly dough forms. Let cool slightly.
- Beat in eggs one at a time until the dough is smooth and sticky.
- Fold in shredded cheese and finely diced jalapeño. Add garlic powder if using.
- With lightly greased hands or a scoop, form tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–22 minutes or until puffs are lightly golden and puffed.
- Serve warm, plain or with your favorite dip.
Notes
- Best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but leftovers can be reheated at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
- Pair with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for extra flavor.
- Remove jalapeño seeds for a milder version.
- You can freeze unbaked dough balls and bake from frozen with a few extra minutes added to the time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 puffs
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg