I fell hard for Brazilian food the moment I tasted it. Honestly, it was even better than I imagined, with flavors that stretch from the Amazon all the way to the coast. I’ve rounded up 7 traditional recipes that bring that same energy to your own kitchen, whether you want to recreate a travel memory or just jazz up a regular weeknight.
1. Limonada Suíc (Brazilian Lemonade)
This is Brazil’s take on lemonade, plain and simple. Except it’s made with limes and blended until frothy, which in my book makes it a million times better. It’s creamy and bright, and it’s utterly refreshing.
2. Fraldinha
Picture flank steak soaked in a marinade of spices, herbs, and garlic, then thrown on the grill. This is basically your new best friend for summer barbecues.
For a truly authentic feel, serve it up with classic Brazilian sides like rice and beans or the farofa I mentioned earlier. Those pairings tie the whole meal together in the best way.
3. Floripa Oysters
If your travels land you in Florianópolis, please don’t sleep on the local oysters. They’re unbelievably fresh and sing when paired with a sweet chili sauce. In my private cooking class, the chef simply popped his into the oven, but here’s a gratin oyster recipe straight from the area that lets you capture that coastal magic without buying a plane ticket.
4. Pão de Queijo (Cheese Bread)
This little cheese bread is hands down one of my favorite Brazilian recipes ever. The dough leans on a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan plus cassava starch, which gives it this incredible soft, fluffy texture and an irresistible chew.
Pull them out of the oven piping hot and I dare you to stop at one. They’re dangerously snackable fresh, but I swear they taste just as incredible after a quick zap three days later.
5. Brigadeiros
Brigadeiros, or Brazilian fudge, are easily one of my favorite desserts from the country. You can spot them in practically any store, but I’ll take a batch made in my own kitchen every single time.
Homemade versions taste so much darker and richer than store bought ones. They’re pure, chocolatey little treasures.
6. Feijoada
This is Brazil’s national dish and one of the top classics you can make at home. If comfort food is your love language, feijoada needs to be on your meal plan right now.
It’s packed with deeply savory, hearty ingredients like linguiça sausage, pork, bacon, beans, chorizo, and ham hocks. The recipe serves eight, so it’s great for feeding a small gathering or keeping you in incredible leftovers all week.
7. Pé de Moleque (Brazilian Peanut Brittle)
I didn’t get to sample this one during my trip, but I still had to include it here. With just four ingredients, not counting water, it’s the kind of simple dessert that feels made for lazy evenings after a cozy Brazilian meal.
The whole thing comes together in about 30 minutes. You’ll have a crunchy, sweet treat to nibble on all week long.