Lykkers, today we're diving into a snack that has captured hearts in Brazil and beyond: Cheese bread filled with cream cheese, Brazil's creamy cheese bread with a surprise inside.

Unlike regular bread, these little golden balls are made with cassava starch, giving them a chewy, springy bite.

And when we tuck cream cheese (a smooth Brazilian cream cheese) into the center, every mouthful becomes a mix of crispy crust, stretchy dough, and melting creaminess. Let's learn how to make them step by step so we can bring this authentic taste into our own kitchens.

What We're Making

Cheese bread is one of Brazil's most loved snacks, often enjoyed for breakfast or as an afternoon bite with coffee. The version we're making today is special because it's filled with cheese bread. Imagine a chewy, cheesy bread ball that bursts with creamy filling the moment you take a bite—comfort food at its best.

Ingredients We Need

Here's exactly what we'll need to make about 12–14 cheese breads:

- Cassava starch – 2 cups (about 250g)

- Milk – 1 cup (240ml)

- Vegetable oil – ⅓ cup (80ml)

- Salt – 1 teaspoon

- Grated Parmesan cheese – ½ cup (50g)

- Eggs – 2 large

- Cream cheese (Brazilian cream cheese) – about ½ cup (120g), for filling

(If Brazilian cream cheese isn't available, we can substitute with cream cheese, though Brazilian cream cheese has a softer and creamier texture.)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven

Set the oven to 395°F (200°C) so it's ready by the time we shape the dough.

2. Heat the wet mixture

In a small pot, combine the milk, vegetable oil, and salt. Place over medium heat and stir gently. As soon as large bubbles appear (boiling point), turn off the heat right away.

3. Mix with Cassava starch

Pour the hot liquid over the tapioca starch in a mixing bowl. Stir with a spoon until everything comes together. The mixture will look sticky and uneven—don't worry, that's normal. Let it rest for 10 minutes to cool slightly.

4. Add cheese and eggs

Beat in the 2 eggs and add the Parmesan cheese. Mix well until a smooth, elastic dough forms. It may take some effort because the dough is stretchy. If needed, use a stand mixer with a dough hook.

5. Shape and fill

- Take a small piece of dough (about the size of a golf ball).

- Flatten it gently in your palm.

- Add about 1 teaspoon of Brazilian cream cheese in the center.

- Close the dough carefully, pinching the edges, so the filling doesn't leak out.

- Roll it into a ball. Repeat until all the dough is used.

6. Bake the cheese breads

Place the filled dough balls on a greased baking sheet or inside a greased muffin tin. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until they puff up, turn golden, and develop a slightly crispy outside.

7. Serve warm

Once baked, let them cool for just 2–3 minutes. Then, break one open—the creamy Brazilian cream cheese will ooze out, perfectly blending with the chewy bread.

Tips for Success

- Be sure to seal the dough tightly around the filling, so the cheese stays inside.

- If Brazilian cream cheese is unavailable, cream cheese works, but for a gooier texture, mix cream cheese with a bit of mozzarella.

- We can prepare the dough up to step 4, freeze it, and bake fresh whenever we want.

- These are best eaten warm, straight from the oven, when the filling is still creamy.

Why We Love This Snack

We love cheese bread with Brazilian cream cheese because it's more than just a snack—it's a bite of Brazilian tradition. It pairs beautifully with coffee or tea and is perfect for sharing with friends. Making them at home gives us the joy of eating fresh, warm cheese breads without needing to visit a Brazilian restaurant.

A Tasty Goodbye, Lykkers

Lykkers, some foods are comforting, some are exciting—but this snack is both. With its chewy shell, cheesy dough, and creamy surprise inside, cheese bread with Brazilian cream cheese is unforgettable. It's simple to prepare, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to make any gathering special.

So, are you ready to bake a batch of these golden bites and taste the heart of Brazil? Let's try it together—you'll see how quickly these little treasures disappear from the plate once they hit the table!