Gluten-Free Cheesy (Brazilian) Bread Balls

For the recipe, click the link at the bottom of this blog

     Cheesy Bread Balls are made with gluten-free tapioca flour rather than wheat flour. They are served in Brazil and other South American countries because of their plentiful tapioca crops. The taste-factor is definitely inviting.

     Due to their gluten-free nature, the center's texture might be a bit spongy... I let mine cool to continue the center's cooking. Read about this particular method of making the dough, called pâte à choux, that produces a light and puffy center. Anyone on a strict gluten-free diet will welcome this recipe's cheese-factor.

     Note that the recipe's 2 1/2 Tablespoons of milk equals 7 1/2 teaspoons.

     A special caution for anyone on a gluten-free diet: Gluten-free diets lack vitamin-B-plentiful wheat. It is critical to supplement with B-vitamins (including B-12).

        Extended B-12 deficiency can lead to depression, low libido, and other varied symptoms. The specific sublingual B-12 pictured to the right is absorbed by my body well. Sublingual means that the vitamin can be placed under the tongue to dissolve for a few minutes. This encourages quicker (and sometimes better) absorption into the blood stream. The cherry flavor of these vitamins makes them almost like candy.

     I tend to have an intolerance to wheat, so rotating and varying my (low-yeast) grains is helpful. I store the cooled bread balls in a zip-lock bag, and for a snack pop one or two into the microwave for mere seconds. These cheesy delights taste great served with marinara sauce.


     Click this link for the official 4-step cheesy recipe with pictures:  Gluten-free Cheesy (Brazilian) Bread Balls


Software:

• 1/4 cup butter (melted)
• 2 1/2 tablespoons water
• 2 1/2 tablespoons milk (equals 7 1/2 teaspoons)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic (minced very fine)
• 1 cup tapioca flour
• 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg

Hardware:

• Large microwave-safe mixing bowl
• Spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking pan/cookie sheet
• Small cookie dough or ice cream scoop (or just two teaspoons)

Step 1

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit
2. Mix melted butter, milk, water, and salt
3. Microwave for approximately 1 minute or until the mixture reaches a gentle boil (mixture can also be heated in a small saucepan over medium heat)

Step 2

1. Add tapioca flour and garlic and stir well to fully combine
2. Set aside for 10 to 15 minutes
3. Add egg and grated cheese and stir well to combine (the mixture will resemble cottage cheese)

Step 3

1. Scoop dough onto sheet pan (either greased lightly or with a silicone liner). Don't worry about the balls of dough being perfect balls - as they bake they form pretty little domes all on their own
2. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until the tops are lightly browned
3. Enjoy!