My new passion with tapioca: I eat it every day for breakfast!

Crispy on the Outside, Soft on the Inside – A Breakfast Favorite

Looking to add variety and warmth to your breakfast or snack menu? Let me introduce you to these Tapioca Cheese Buns, a discovery that completely transformed my mornings! With a light and cheesy flavor, a golden crust, and an irresistibly chewy inside, they are quick to make, naturally gluten-free, and endlessly customizable.

Ideal as a side for breakfast or served as a savory snack any time of day, these tapioca buns are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• No kneading or complicated steps.

• Naturally gluten-free, made with granulated tapioca.

• Customizable with different cheeses or herbs.

• Freezer-friendly – bake fresh when needed.

• Perfect texture: crispy on the outside, soft and chewy in the middle.

Ingredients:

• 250g granulated tapioca (look for the coarser variety, not instant or fine tapioca flour)

• 250ml boiling milk (whole milk is best, but plant-based works too)

• 1 tablespoon butter (unsalted or salted, adjust salt accordingly)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 large eggs

• 200g grated cheese
  Traditional option: Minas Padrão cheese
  Alternatives: mozzarella, parmesan, cheddar, or a mix

Preparation Instructions:

1. Hydrate the Tapioca

• In a large bowl, combine the granulated tapioca with the salt and butter.

• Pour the boiling milk directly over the mixture.

• Stir well to combine. The hot milk will begin to soften the tapioca.

• Cover and let the mixture rest for 15–20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the tapioca looks puffed and slightly translucent.

2. Prepare the Dough

• Once the tapioca mixture has cooled slightly, add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly with a spoon or your hands.

• Add the grated cheese and mix until a smooth, moldable dough forms. The texture should be sticky but hold together.

  If the dough feels too soft, add a bit more tapioca; if too dry, splash in a tablespoon of milk.

3. Shape the Buns

• Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).

• Lightly grease a baking sheet with butter or line it with parchment paper.

• With greased hands, shape the dough into small balls, about the size of a ping-pong ball (or larger if you prefer).

• Place them with slight spacing on the prepared tray.

  ✅ Optional: At this stage, you can freeze the raw buns on the tray, then transfer to a freezer bag once frozen. Bake straight from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to baking time.

Baking Instructions

• Place the tray in the preheated oven.

• Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the tapioca buns are puffed and golden brown.

• Remove and let them cool slightly on a rack – they’re best served warm!

Serving Suggestions

These tapioca cheese rolls are delightful on their own or served with:

• Coffee or tea for breakfast

• A side of scrambled eggs or avocado

• Soup or stew for a comforting lunch

• Filled with cream cheese, herbs, or deli meats for a quick sandwich-style snack

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Room Temperature: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Fridge: Store in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.

• Freezer: Freeze baked or unbaked rolls. Bake unbaked from frozen at 200°C for 30–35 minutes. Reheat baked rolls at 180°C for 8–10 minutes.

Variations & Tips

• Cheese Variety: Try parmesan for extra flavor, or mozzarella for extra stretch.

• Herb Boost: Add fresh or dried herbs (oregano, parsley, chives) to the dough.

• Air Fryer Option: Preheat to 180°C. Air fry small buns for 12–15 minutes, checking halfway through.

✅ For a lower-fat version, reduce the butter and use lower-fat cheese like part-skim mozzarella.

☀️ Bonus Treat: Pair With a Slice of Sunshine Orange Grove Cake

Looking to round out your brunch table? Pair these savory tapioca rolls with something sweet and citrusy like a slice of Sunshine Orange Grove Cake – it’s the perfect contrast!

Final Thoughts

Tapioca cheese buns are more than a recipe – they’re a tradition in the making. Once you try them, you’ll find yourself making them again and again. Whether you enjoy them as part of your breakfast or serve them as an afternoon treat, these rolls are a warm, cheesy hug in every bite.