In Brazil, a party is unthinkable without salgados. Salgados are savory snacks and finger food—small, bite-sized delicacies that fill the table at every celebration, every child's birthday, and every churrasco. Then there are the inevitable sweets: docinhos, above all the famous brigadeiro. We show you the best Brazilian party snacks and how you can prepare them.
The best savory snacks (salgados)
1. Pão de Queijo – Brazilian cheese bread
The absolute classic. Crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside—pão de queijo is present at every Brazilian celebration. Gluten-free, easy to prepare, and always a hit. With our Pão de Queijo baking mixes, it’s especially quick—simply add egg and oil, shape, and bake. Or make them from scratch with Polvilho Azedo following our original recipe.
2. Coxinha – Chicken croquettes
Coxinha are teardrop-shaped, fried dough pockets filled with seasoned shredded chicken. The name means "little thigh"—the shape resembles a chicken drumstick. Crispy, juicy, and irresistible. They are never missing from a Brazilian children's party.
3. Esfiha – Brazilian meat pies
Esfiha are small, filled pastries with Arab roots that are part of popular culture in Brazil. Filled with ground meat, cheese, or spinach—open or closed. In São Paulo, you can find them on every corner.
4. Biscoito de Polvilho – Cassava starch biscuits
Light, airy biscuits made from polvilho—crispy, salty, and naturally gluten-free. Perfect for snacking and ideal for guests with gluten intolerance. Homemade with Polvilho Azedo or as a pre-made variety.
5. Bolinho de Bacalhau – Salt cod fritters
Fried balls made from salt cod and potatoes—a classic with Portuguese roots that is part of the party tradition in Brazil. Golden brown on the outside, creamy and aromatic on the inside.
The best sweets (docinhos)
1. Brigadeiro – The Brazilian chocolate truffle
Brigadeiro is Brazil's most popular sweet—it is missing from no birthday party. Only three ingredients: sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter. Simmer, cool down, form into balls, and roll in chocolate sprinkles. Simple, sweet, irresistible.
2. Beijinho – Coconut truffle
The coconut version of the brigadeiro—with shredded coconut instead of cocoa. Just as simple, just as popular, and found at every Brazilian celebration alongside the brigadeiro.
3. Cajuzinho – Cashew truffle
Small truffles in the shape of a cashew, made from ground peanut or cashew powder and sugar. The shape is reminiscent of the Brazilian caju fruit—a real eye-catcher on the party table.
The perfect drink to go with it
Brazilian snacks go perfectly with Brazilian drinks: an ice-cold Guaraná Antarctica for the kids—and a fresh caipirinha with cachaça for the adults. Cheers—or as they say in Brazil: Saúde!
Note: The cover image was generated with the help of artificial intelligence.
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