Print

Arepas con Queso Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 707 reviews

Arepas con Queso are traditional Venezuelan and Colombian cornmeal cakes stuffed with melted mozzarella cheese. Made with pre-cooked white cornmeal and a blend of cheeses, these crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside arepas are a delightful savory snack or meal that can be quickly cooked on the stovetop or an electric griddle.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups masarepa (pre-cooked white cornmeal)
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt or Kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup Cotija cheese, finely crumbled

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon butter (softened) plus additional for cooking
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water (plus more if needed)

Filling

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (8 ounces)
  • Oil or butter for cooking

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the masarepa, salt, crumbled Cotija cheese, softened butter, and warm water together.
  2. Knead Dough: Knead the mixture until a smooth dough forms with a consistency similar to homemade play-dough. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
  3. Adjust Dough Consistency: Flatten a small piece of dough between your palms; if edges crack, the dough is too dry. Add water one tablespoon at a time until the dough is pliable and smooth.
  4. Shape Dough Balls: With lightly wet hands, divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each into a ball, then flatten into 5-inch diameter circles about ¼ inch thick.
  5. Stuff Arepas: Place a couple of tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese in the center of one dough circle, leaving a ½ inch border. Top with a second circle and seal edges by pressing and smoothing to form a disk about ½ inch thick. Repeat for remaining dough and cheese.
  6. Heat Cooking Surface: For stovetop cooking, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat, or if using butter, add it once pan is hot and spread to coat. For electric griddle, preheat to 325ºF and spread butter to coat the surface.
  7. Cook Arepas: Place the stuffed arepas on the skillet or griddle, cooking each side for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Flip carefully to avoid breaking the seal.
  8. Serve Warm: Remove cooked arepas from heat and serve immediately, optionally with additional cheese or accompaniments.

Notes

  • Use warm water to help the dough come together more easily.
  • Ensure the dough is not too dry or it will crack during shaping.
  • Adjust cooking heat as needed to prevent burning while ensuring the inside cheese melts properly.
  • Arepas can be served for breakfast, lunch, or snacks.
  • Leftover arepas can be reheated on a skillet to regain crispness.

Keywords: arepas, venezuelan arepas, colombian arepas, stuffed arepas, cornmeal cakes, mozzarella cheese, snack recipe, vegetarian snack

Find it online: https://platedbyemma.com/arepas-con-queso-recipe/