Brazilian Pão de Queijo with Charred Brussels Sprouts
Category
Appetizer
Prep
20 minutes
Cook
15 minutes
Style
Brazilian
Technique
Roasting
Diet Friendly
Vegetarian
Daily Recipe: November 17, 2025
This unique and flavorful appetizer finds its roots in Brazilian cuisine, which is known for its dynamic combinations and rich flavors. Lightly charred on the outside and tender on the inside, brussels sprouts are paired with 'Pão de Queijo' or 'Cheese Bread' which is a typical Brazilian snack. The cheese bread adds a savory and indulgent taste to this dish.
Ingredients (for 2)
- Brussels sprouts - 16 pieces - halved and cleaned
- Olive oil - 2tbsp
- Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup - shredded
- Tapioca flour - 100g
- Parmesan cheese - 100g - shredded
- Milk - 100ml
- Water - 50ml
- Egg - 1 large
- Salt - a pinch
- Mayonnaise - 2tbsp
- Lemon juice - 1tbsp
- Garlic clove - 1 - minced
- Salt and black pepper - to taste
Preparation
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Step 1 - 🌡️🥬🧂Preheat oven to 400°F. Place 16 halved and cleaned brussels sprouts on a baking sheet. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with salt.
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Step 2 - 🥬🔥⏲️Roast the brussels sprouts in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until they are charred and crispy.
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Step 3 - 🍚🧀🥛🥚🧂🔁While the brussels sprouts are roasting, prepare the Pão de Queijo. Combine 100g tapioca flour, 100g shredded parmesan cheese, 100ml milk, 50ml water, 1 large egg and a pinch of salt in a blender. Blend until a smooth batter is formed.
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Step 4 - 🥄🥧⏲️Pour the batter into mini muffin tins and bake for 15 minutes or until golden and puffed.
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Step 5 - 🥄🍋🧄🧂⚫Prepare the dip by combining 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, and season with salt and black pepper to taste in a small bowl.
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Step 6 - 🥖🥬🥣Arrange the golden cheese breads around a pile of charred brussels sprouts and serve the dip on the side.
Additional
Brazilian Pão de Queijo is made from tapioca flour and is naturally gluten-free. Feel free to use any other cheese of your preference. Even children can help in pouring the batter into the mini muffin tins, which could make for a fun family activity.