Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo)

Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 480 °F. Lightly grease a baking sheet with oil or line it with parchment paper.

Scald the Starch: In a small saucepan, combine the water, oil, and salt. Bring to a boil. (Note: Watch closely; oil can splutter or boil over quickly once the water reaches its boiling point.)

Mix the Base: Place the sour cassava starch in a large heat-resistant bowl. Carefully pour the boiling liquid over the starch. Mix well with a wooden spoon until the heat is distributed and the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Incorporate Solids: Add the eggs and the shredded cheese. Continue mixing until the dough begins to come together.

Adjust Consistency: Gradually add milk, a little at a time, until the dough is soft and sticky enough to be dropped from a spoon, but not liquid. It should hold its shape slightly when "plopped" onto the tray.

Shape: Using two spoons, drop portions of the dough (roughly 3.1 inches in diameter) onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them as they will expand.

Bake: Bake for 30 min or until the tops are golden brown and the crust is firm. Serve warm for the best experience!