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Brazilian Cheese Bread
This plant-based take on classic Brazilian cheese bread uses mashed root vegetables and tapioca flour to achieve the iconic chewy texture. Nutritional yeast and garlic powder provide a rich, savory flavor that mimics traditional cheese perfectly. It is an excellent choice for a quick snack, a party appetizer, or a comforting side dish. The dough comes together easily and bakes up golden and crisp on the outside while remaining soft and stretchy inside.
Ingredients
- 10.5 ounces (300 g) potatoes or arracacha root, peeled (see Notes ), cubed
- 1½ cups (187.5 g) sweet tapioca flour (polvilho doce , Yoki is a common brand; see Notes )
- ½ cup (62.5 g) sour tapioca flour ( polvilho azedo , Yoki is a common brand; see Notes ) (if using)
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup (120 mL) water
- 5 tablespoons neutral vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon prepared yellow or Dijon mustard (optional)
Instructions
- 1Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2Boil the peeled and cubed potatoes or arracacha root in water for 15 to 20 minutes until tender, then drain and mash into a smooth puree once cool enough to handle.
- 3Combine the sweet tapioca flour, sour tapioca flour, active dry yeast, nutritional yeast, and garlic powder in a large mixing bowl.
- 4Heat the water, neutral oil, and salt in a small saucepan until boiling, then pour the hot liquid over the dry starch mixture and stir with a fork until crumbly.
- 5Work the mashed potato puree and the optional mustard into the crumbly mixture until a smooth dough forms.
- 6Add a small splash of water and knead it in if the dough feels too dry or continues to crumble.
- 7Roll the dough into small, bite-sized balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, or freeze them at this stage to bake later.
- 8Bake the dough balls in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes until they turn a light golden color.
- 9Seek out arracacha, a South American root vegetable also known as mandioquinha or batata-baroa, for the most authentic texture and flavor.
- 10Substitute an equal amount of standard potatoes, sweet potatoes, or cassava root if arracacha is not available in your local markets.
- 11Replace the combination of sweet and sour tapioca flours with 2 cups of regular tapioca flour if the specialty versions are difficult to find.
- 12Play some classic Brazilian music, such as 'Reu Confesso' by Tim Maia, to set the mood while you cook and enjoy these savory bites.