What to Eat with Brazilian Cheese Bread? 17 Best Sides

If you’re wondering what to eat with Brazilian cheese bread, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, I list 17 of the best side dishes to eat with Brazilian cheese bread (Pão de queijo).

In a rush?

Here’s the short answer:

The best side dishes to eat with Brazilian cheese bread are collard greens, black beans, rice, and farofa. You can also serve a side of vinaigrette salad, fried plantains, or pão de queijo. For a sweet option, try brigadeiros.

Ready for even more?

Let’s jump right in.

What to Eat with Brazilian Cheese Bread? 17 Best Sides

Why not have the best of both worlds?

With Brazilian cheese bread, you get the delicious taste of cheese and the satisfying texture of bread, all in one bite.

But what do you eat with Brazilian cheese bread?

There are a number of great side dishes that pair well with this kind of bread.

Here are 17 of the best side dishes for Brazilian cheese bread:

1. Farofa: The National Side Dish of Brazil

This hearty side dish can be found next to a variety of entrees and is a favorite among Brazilians.

It is made with manioc flour, which is also known as tapioca flour, and can be served either dry or moist.

Traditionally, farofa is seasoned with onions, bacon, and garlic, but there are endless possibilities when it comes to flavoring this dish.

Pro Tip: If you want a crunchier texture, cook the farofa in a skillet over medium-high heat until it’s golden brown.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add in some diced tomatoes for a pop of color and flavor.
• Swap out the bacon for chorizo for an extra spicy kick.
• Use chicken broth instead of water to make a more flavorful farofa.

2. Roasted Veggies

Tossed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar (or even just salt and pepper), this dish is simple but delicious.

The key is to really let the veggies roast until they’re nice and crispy.

I like to put mine in a 425 degree oven for about 25 minutes.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add some spice with a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Swap out the balsamic vinegar for lemon juice for a bright and fresh twist.
• Stir in some chopped fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, before serving.

3. Garlic Butter Grilled Corn on the Cob

Garlicky and buttery (and a little bit smoky if you’re grilling), this corn on the cob is the perfect summer side dish.

It’s easy to make and can be tailored to your liking – add more (or less) garlic, butter, salt, and pepper to taste.

Plus, it’s a great vegetarian option for your next cookout!

Pro Tip: For an extra-smoky flavor, grill your corn over charcoal.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add some cayenne pepper to the mix for a little bit of heat.
• Swap out the butter for herb-infused olive oil.
• Sprinkle on some Parmesan cheese before serving.

4. Baked Beans

What can be easier than simply opening a can of beans and dumping them into a pot?

Baked beans are an excellent source of fiber and protein, making them a perfect side dish for any meal.

But there’s so much more you can do with them!

Pro Tip: For a smoky flavor, add some bacon or ham. For a little sweetness, add some brown sugar or honey. And for a touch of heat, add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add BBQ sauce for a sweet and tangy twist
• Stir in some corn and diced tomatoes for a southwestern-inspired baked bean dish
• Mix in some mashed potatoes for a hearty and filling side dish

5. Mac N Cheese

This is a family favorite in my house (and probably in most other American households, too).

It’s creamy, it’s cheesy, it’s carb-y… what more could you want?

And it’s so easy to make! Just boil some noodles, mix in some butter and milk and cheese, and voila!

You’ve got a delicious side dish that goes with just about anything.

Pro Tip: To make a healthier version of this dish, swap out the white pasta for whole wheat pasta and use skim milk.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add in some diced ham or bacon for a smoky flavor.
• Mix in some roasted broccoli or cauliflower for added texture and nutrients.
• Stir in a jar of sun-dried tomatoes for an extra zesty flavor.

6. Sweet Potato Fries

It’s hard to say no to French fries, but sometimes you want something a little healthier.

These sweet potato fries are the perfect compromise – they’re baked, not fried, and they’re made with everyone’s favorite fall vegetable: the sweet potato!

They’re easy to make and go great with dipping sauces like ketchup, BBQ sauce, or even honey mustard.

Pro Tip: For extra crispy sweet potato fries, soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes before baking.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for a fun twist on a classic flavor combo.
• Swap out the ketchup for ranch dressing or your favorite hot sauce.
• Make “sweet and sour” sweet potato fries by tossing them in a mixture of sugar and vinegar after they come out of the oven.

7. Roasted Garlic Parmesan Carrots

This is one of my favorite sides for Brazilian cheese bread, but it would also be great as a side for roasted chicken or fish.

I love the simplicity of this dish, and how the garlic and Parmesan complement each other so well.

Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, you can roast the garlic in advance. Just store it in a sealed container in the fridge and add it to the carrots when you’re ready to roast them.

3 Unique Twists:

• Swap out the Parmesan for another cheese, like feta or goat cheese.
• Add some spice with a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
• Roast the carrots with other root vegetables, like sweet potatoes or parsnips.

8. Caesar Salad

How about some greens alongside your Brazilian cheese bread?

This Caesar salad is the perfect way to do just that.

It’s got all of the classic flavors that you’d expect from a Caesar, but it’s lightened up with some lemon juice and Greek yogurt.

Plus, it’s super easy to make ahead of time – just throw everything in a jar and shake it up!

Pro Tip: If you want a really crispy salad, massage your kale with a little bit of olive oil before adding the dressing.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add some grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
• Swap out the romaine lettuce for arugula or spinach.
• Add in some diced avocado or roasted corn for extra texture and flavor.

9. Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is a great side dish to serve with Brazilian cheese bread.

It’s easy to make, and it’s always a hit with guests.

Plus, there are so many different ways you can make it!

You can add Parmesan cheese, you can use a different kind of bread, or you can even add some herbs like rosemary or thyme.

Pro Tip: For extra garlic flavor, roast the garlic before adding it to the bread.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add some spice by using a pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella.
• Make it a meal by adding some ham or turkey to the inside of the sandwich.
• Give it a twist by using a baguette instead of traditional garlic bread.

10. Potato Salad

Potato salad is like the little black dress of side dishes.

It’s always appropriate, it goes with everything, and you can dress it up or down depending on the occasion.

I love a good potato salad, but I’m always looking for ways to switch things up.

Here are three of my favorite twists:

• Add some chopped bacon or pancetta for a salty, smoky flavor.
• Swap out the mayo for a vinaigrette – this is a great way to lighten things up.
• Stir in some chopped fresh herbs, like dill or parsley, for a bright pop of flavor.

Pro Tip: The key to a good potato salad is to start with cooked potatoes that are still slightly firm – you don’t want them to turn to mush when you mix everything together.

11. Stuffed Peppers

If you don’t mind a little prep work (like, 10 minutes worth), stuffed peppers are an awesome way to show off how creative you can be with your cooking.

You can stuff them with just about anything – I’ve seen people use everything from rice and beans to pulled pork to macaroni and cheese.

They’re a great way to use up leftovers, too.

Pro Tip: If you want your stuffed peppers to be extra flavorful, roast the peppers before stuffing them.

3 Unique Twists:

• Swap out the rice for quinoa or couscous.
• Add some chopped up kale or other greens for extra nutrition.
• Use a different kind of cheese, like goat cheese or feta, in place of the usual shredded mozzarella.

12. Dinner Rolls

These are great for the weeknights, or even for a dinner party.

They come out of the oven all puffed up and golden brown, and they’re so soft that they practically melt in your mouth.

The best part is, they only take about 15 minutes to make!

Pro Tip: If you want an extra crispy crust, brush the rolls with some melted butter before baking.

See Also: Can You Freeze Yeast Rolls? (How To Freeze Yeast Rolls)

3 Unique Twists:

• Add some garlic to the dough for a savory twist.
• Mix in some dried fruit or nuts for a bit of sweetness and crunch.
• Top with everything bagel seasoning for a flavor punch.

13. Roasted Garlic Butter Parmesan Potatoes

These epic roasted garlic potatoes are crispy on the outside (which we all know is the best part), and fluffy on the inside.

They’re tossed in a garlic-butter sauce and then roasted to perfection.

They make the perfect side dish to any meal, or even a meal on their own!

Pro Tip: For extra crispy potatoes, soak them in water for 30 minutes before roasting.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add some chopped rosemary or thyme to the garlic butter sauce for an herby twist.
• Swap out the Parmesan cheese for vegan cheese or Nutritional Yeast.
• Roast some veggies alongside the potatoes for a complete meal. I love adding Brussels sprouts, carrots, and onions.

14. Zucchini Fritters

Made with zucchini, Parmesan cheese, and a some Mozzarella cheese (which can be easily swapped out for any other cheese), these fritters are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

They make for a great appetizer, or side dish to any meal.

Pro Tip: If you want your fritters to be extra crispy, add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the batter.

Twists:

• Add some chopped herbs to the batter for an extra flavor punch.
• Swap out the Parmesan cheese for Pecorino Romano cheese.
• Add diced pancetta to the batter for a salty twist.

15. Garlic Knots

Garlic knots and Brazilian cheese bread kind of look like each other – so why not serve them together?

This side dish is awesome because it’s a two-for-one.

Not only do you get the garlic knots that everyone loves, but you also get cheesy, pull-apart bread that will have people fighting over the last piece.

Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, you can use pre-made pizza dough to save yourself some steps.

3 Unique Twists:

• Swap out the traditional garlic for roasted garlic for a mellower flavor.
• Add in some Parmesan cheese to the dough for an extra cheesy kick.
• Make mini garlic knots by tying the dough into smaller pieces before baking.

16. Creamy Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with nutrients, this casserole is the perfect side dish for any meal.

It’s also incredibly easy to make, which is a bonus.

And, if you’re looking for a way to sneak some extra veggies into your diet, this is a great option.

Pro Tip: For an extra cheesy casserole, top with shredded cheddar cheese before baking.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add diced cooked bacon to the casserole for a smoky flavor.
• Stir in some cooked rice or quinoa for a heartier dish.
• Mix in sautéed mushrooms or onions for an added depth of flavor.

17. Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Bring in the kids on this one – they’ll love to help smash the potatoes!

These are the perfect side dish for when you want something a little more fun and interesting than just boiled or roasted potatoes.

They’re crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and can be seasoned however you like.

Pro Tip: For extra crispy potatoes, soak them in water for 30 minutes before cooking.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add some shredded cheese to the potatoes before smashing them for cheesy smashed potatoes.
• Mix in some chopped bacon or ham before baking for a savory twist.
• Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and some chives for a creamy and flavorful potato dish.

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