Bake Brazilian pão de queijo with a spicy twist! These jalapeno cheese puffs are chewy, cheesy, naturally gluten-free, and full of flavour!
Save this recipe to Pinterest!
How To Make Brazilian Spicy Jalapeno Cheese Puffs
If you’ve ever traveled through Brazil, chances are you’ve fallen in love with pão de queijo, the country’s iconic cheese bread. These chewy, golden bites are a staple at breakfast tables, street food stalls, and bakeries across the country.
Made with cassava (tapioca) flour instead of wheat, they’re naturally gluten-free and famous for their stretchy, cheesy interior. Our version takes this beloved snack to the next level with a spicy twist: jalapeños for a fiery kick that pairs perfectly with melty cheddar cheese.
Pão de queijo has a fascinating history tied to Brazil’s agricultural traditions. Cassava, a starchy root native to South America, was cultivated by Indigenous peoples long before the Portuguese arrived. In the 18th century, dairy farms in Minas Gerais gave rise to Brazil’s famous cheeses, and resourceful cooks combined the two ingredients to create a snack that’s now loved around the world. Adding pickled jalapeños is a playful, modern spin that celebrates Brazil’s culinary creativity while appealing to spice lovers everywhere.
I first tasted pão de queijo on a morning food crawl in Rio, where trays of steaming cheese puffs emerged fresh from the oven, filling the air with irresistible aromas. Paired with strong Brazilian coffee, they were perfection. Since then, I’ve experimented at home, and the jalapeño version has become a favourite party appetizer: warm, cheesy, with just the right amount of heat.
The magic of these cheese puffs is their unique texture: crisp on the outside, pillowy and chewy within. Tapioca flour gives them an almost elastic quality, while grated cheddar ensures gooey richness in every bite. They’re also incredibly versatile, delicious served alongside soups and stews, as a cocktail snack, or simply as an indulgent treat straight from the oven.
Whether you’re planning a Brazilian-inspired dinner party or just looking for a fun weekend baking project, these Spicy Jalapeño Pão de Queijo will transport you straight to Ipanema beach!
Brazilian Jalapeno Cheese Puffs
Equipment
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon
- baking sheet
Ingredients
- 1 kg Pão de Queijo Bread Mix
- 400 g Grated Cheddar or Mozzarella Cheese
- 8 Eggs
- 1 cup Pickled Jalapeno Peppers chopped
- 400 ml Cold Water
Instructions
- Place Pão de Queijo bread mix in a large mixing bowl then add grated cheese, jalapeno, eggs, and cold water.
- Mix well with a wooden spoon until the dough is smooth and homogeneous.
- Preheat oven to 375 F.
- Make cheese puffs with the dough by rolling 1/4 cup of the dough with wet hands. Place the cheese puffs on a baking sheet leaving space between them so they do not stick together.
- Bake the balls for 20 minutes, rotate the baking sheet and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crunchy on the outside.
Nutrition
Save this recipe to Pinterest!
