brazilian cheese bun recipe

The Best brazilian cheese bun recipe

Brazilian Cheese Bun (Queijo na Brasa)

4.8 from 963 votes

A delicious Brazilian twist on a cheese bun, featuring a soft dough topped with melted cheese and a tangy tomato sauce, often served with grilled meats or as a standalone snack. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

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Prep Time20 mins

Cook Time40 mins

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time60 mins

Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Cheese Filling

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp dried oregano

For the Tomato Sauce

• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1. 1
   In a bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. 2
   In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and egg. Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms. Add olive oil and mix well.
3. 3
   Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. 4
   Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the dough into 6 equal circles, each about 6 inches in diameter.
5. 5
   In a small pan, melt butter over low heat. Add shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and oregano. Cook for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and slightly browned.
6. 6
   Brush the rolled-out dough lightly with olive oil. Place a spoonful of cheese mixture on each bun and fold the dough over the cheese, sealing the edges.
7. 7
   Place the buns on a baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
8. 8
   While buns are baking, heat tomato sauce with garlic and olive oil in a pan. Simmer for 5 minutes. Brush the warm buns with the sauce before serving.

🔧Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Stand mixer or kitchen aid
• Oven
• Baking sheet
• Pastry brush
• Knife and cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18💛Saturated Fat: 8❤️Cholesterol: 50🧂Sodium: 750🌾Total Carbs: 55🥦Dietary Fiber: 3🍬Sugars: 8🥩Protein: 18

📝Notes

• For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika or Italian seasoning on the cheese mixture.
• You can bake these buns in a muffin tin for individual servings.
• Substitute mozzarella with a mix of cheddar and Gouda for a different taste.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Brazilian Cheese Bun (Queijo na Brasa)

What is the difference between a Brazilian cheese bun and a traditional cheese bun?

A Brazilian cheese bun, also known as queijo na brasa or queijo quente, differs from a traditional cheese bun primarily in its preparation and ingredients. While traditional cheese buns often rely on a simple cheese filling (like cheddar or mozzarella) and a buttery, flaky crust, Brazilian buns incorporate a blend of cheeses (such as cheddar, gouda, and sometimes even pepper jack or queso fresco) and are often baked with a smoky, charred exterior. The dough is typically enriched with a touch of butter or lard for extra tenderness, and the cheese is melted to perfection, creating a rich, gooey center. Another key difference is the serving style—Brazilian buns are often served with a side of hot sauce, pickled onions, or even a drizzle of honey, reflecting their regional flavors.

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Why does the recipe call for a mix of cheeses, and which cheeses are commonly used?

The mix of cheeses in a Brazilian cheese bun enhances flavor depth, texture, and melting properties. A classic combination includes sharp cheddar (for a bold, tangy bite), smoked gouda (for a smoky depth), and queso fresco or mozzarella (for creaminess and a lighter touch). Some recipes also incorporate pepper jack or provolone for extra heat or richness. The mix ensures the cheese melts smoothly while balancing flavors—cheddar adds sharpness, gouda brings smokiness, and mozzarella keeps it tender. The ratio can vary, but a good starting point is roughly 50% sharp cheddar, 30% smoked gouda, and 20% mozzarella/queso fresco.

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How do I ensure the cheese bun stays soft and gooey after baking?

For a perfectly soft and gooey cheese bun, focus on these key steps:
1. Use the right cheese blend—avoid overly hard cheeses like parmesan, which can make the bun dry. Stick to milder, meltable varieties.
2. Bake at the correct temperature—aim for 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes (or until the crust is golden but the center is still slightly underdone). Overbaking drains moisture.
3. Keep the dough hydrated—add a splash of milk or buttermilk to the dough for extra tenderness. Alternatively, use a small amount of yogurt or sour cream in the dough.
4. Brush with butter—after baking, brush the hot bun with melted butter to lock in moisture.
5. Cool slowly—let the bun rest on a wire rack for 5–10 minutes before slicing to prevent it from drying out.

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Can I make this recipe ahead of time, and how should I store it?

Yes, you can prepare Brazilian cheese buns in advance, but the texture and gooeyness may slightly change. Here’s how to handle them:
– Make dough ahead: Mix the dough ingredients, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Shape the buns the day before baking.
– Pre-bake the buns: Shape the buns, place them on a parchment-lined tray, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. Let them cool, then refrigerate.
– Reheat properly: To revive, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, wrap in foil and warm in the oven.
– Storage tips:
– Fridge: Up to 3 days (store in an airtight container).
– Freezer: Bake fresh, cool, then freeze on a tray before transferring to a bag. Reheat from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes.
– Avoid freezing the dough: Freezing dough can make the buns tough; it’s best to bake them fresh.

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What are some creative ways to customize this Brazilian cheese bun recipe?

Brazilian cheese buns are incredibly versatile! Here are some fun twists:
1. Spicy kick: Add hot sauce to the dough or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking.
2. Herb-infused: Mix fresh rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder into the dough for an aromatic twist.
3. Sweet version: Use sweetened shredded coconut + mozzarella and drizzle with honey or caramel.
4. Breakfast twist: Swap cheese for scrambled eggs and cheese (like a Brazilian-style breakfast sandwich bun).
5. Gluten-free: Replace wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend (like Bob’s Red Mill) and adjust liquid as needed.
6. Smoky BBQ: Mix smoked paprika into the dough and top with BBQ sauce after baking.
7. Cheese alternative: Try ricotta + prosciutto for a lighter, savory option.
8. Crunchy topping: Sprinkle crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs on top before baking for extra texture.