Pan de Queso with a Twist

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) tapioca flour 2 cups (240g) tapioca flour
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• 2 eggs 2 eggs
• 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50g) shredded cheddar cheese 1/2 cup (50g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 28g, 1g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a large bowl, combine the tapioca flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, milk, and eggs until well combined.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a sticky dough forms.
5. 5.
   Fold in the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and grated Parmesan cheese until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. 6.
   Using wet hands, shape the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. 7.
   Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the Pan de Queso is golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tapioca flour — Tapioca flour is essential for achieving the characteristic chewy texture of Pan de Queso. Avoid substituting it with other flours as it will significantly affect the final result.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or dried herbs to the dough.
• Serve the Pan de Queso warm for the best taste and texture.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations to create your own unique twist on this recipe.
• If the dough is too sticky to handle, wet your hands with water before shaping the balls.
• Leftover Pan de Queso can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.

Serving advice

Serve the Pan de Queso as an appetizer or snack alongside a tangy salsa or aji sauce for dipping. They are best enjoyed warm and fresh out of the oven.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Pan de Queso on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, to add a pop of color and enhance the visual appeal.