On August 17th, we celebrate Cheese Bread Day, Brazil's most beloved snack. A symbol of affection, warmth, and hospitality, it's a staple on Minas Gerais tables and has already won over palates from north to south. This year, why not take advantage of the occasion to indulge in this creative reimagining, free from animal ingredients but still retaining all the softness and welcoming aroma that fills the kitchen? With a golden crust, soft interior, and incredible flavor, this vegan version shows that tradition and innovation can go hand in hand. Perfect with a fresh cup of coffee, entertaining friends, or transforming a simple snack into a special moment.

😽 Kiss Bread 😽

Yields: approximately 20 units

Ingredients:

• 500g cooked and mashed English potatoes (or vary using taro, sweet potato, yam or cassava)
• 1 ½ cup of sweet powder
• ¾ cup sour cassava starch
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil or good quality vegetable oil
• 60 ml of hot water (the water used to cook the tuber is perfect, as it already has flavor)
• 1 ½ teaspoon of salt
• Optional seasonings to enhance flavor: turmeric, oregano, smoked paprika, black pepper, nutritional yeast

Preparation:

1️⃣ Prepare the base: Peel the chosen tuber and cook until very tender. Drain, reserving some of the cooking water, and mash until you have a smooth, uniform dough.

2️⃣ Add the dry ingredients and olive oil: While the base is still warm (not too hot, so as not to burn your hands), add the olive oil, tapioca flour, salt and desired seasonings.

3️⃣ Adjust the texture carefully: Gradually add the hot water, mixing with your hands until a moldable and slightly elastic dough forms.

→ Important: each tuber has a different moisture content. 

• If the dough is dry and crumbly, add hot water little by little.

• If it is too wet, add more sweet or sour cassava starch until it reaches the right consistency.

4️⃣ Shape and bake: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Shape into balls and place on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.

• Oven: Bake for 40 to 55 minutes, until the balls crack open slightly and turn a light golden brown.

• Air fryer: 200°C (390°F) for about 20 minutes.

✔ Serve in style: They're irresistible even warm, and you can pair them with creamy vegetable cream cheese, homemade jams, seasoned chickpea spreads, velvety chestnut cream, or even vegan dulce de leche.

Chef's Tips

🔸 Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic touch.

🔸 For a more intense “cheesy” flavor, use nutritional yeast and a pinch of black salt.

🔸 Make a spicy version by mixing smoked paprika and Calabrian pepper into the dough.

🔸 Try mixing in chia, flax, or sesame seeds for a crunchier texture.

Tips for Freezing Kiss Bread

🔹 Freeze raw, uncooked: Shape the dough into balls and arrange them on a baking sheet, leaving space between them. Freeze until firm (about 2 hours), then transfer to an airtight container or bag. This will prevent them from sticking together.

🔹 From freezer to oven: No thawing is necessary. Place the balls directly into a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F), adding just 5 to 10 minutes to the original baking time.

Nutritional information (per unit, considering 20 units):

Calories: 68 kcal | Carbohydrates: 12,8 g | Protein: 0,48 g | Total fat: 0,81 g | Dietary fiber: 0,45 g | Sodium: 176 mg

This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. Several factors, such as product types or brands purchased, may alter the nutritional information in any recipe.