Cheese-Filled Arepas

Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside—these Cheese-Filled Arepas are the ultimate comfort food with a Latin American twist. Crafted from precooked cornmeal (harina PAN or masarepa), these golden discs are stuffed with melty mozzarella cheese, creating an irresistible combination of texture and flavor. Quick to prepare in just 40 minutes, they’re pan-fried to perfection with a touch of butter for an extra layer of richness. Whether served on their own or paired with vibrant toppings like avocado, fresh salsa, or juicy tomatoes, these arepas make a versatile snack, side dish, or light meal. Perfectly seasoned and irresistibly cheesy, this authentic recipe is a must-try for fans of hearty, homemade Latin cuisine! Keywords: cheese-filled arepas, Latin American snacks, mozzarella arepas, easy arepa recipe, crispy filled arepas.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups precooked cornmeal (harina PAN or masarepa)
• 2.5 cups warm water
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the precooked cornmeal and salt.

Step 2

Slowly add warm water to the cornmeal, mixing it with a wooden spoon or your hands until a dough forms.

Step 3

Let the dough rest for about 5 minutes to absorb the water and gain consistency.

Step 4

Divide the dough into 8 equal portions, rolling each into a ball.

Step 5

Flatten each ball into a disc, approximately 1/2-inch thick and 4 to 5 inches in diameter.

Step 6

Take about 2 tablespoons of grated mozzarella cheese and place it in the center of one of the discs.

Step 7

Carefully bring the edges of the disc up and over the cheese, forming a ball again, then flatten it gently back into a disc shape.

Step 8

Repeat the filling process with the remaining dough and cheese.

Step 9

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.

Step 10

Place the arepas onto the skillet, cooking them for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and slightly crispy.

Step 11

Add butter to the skillet during the last minute of cooking, allowing it to melt and coat the arepas for added flavor.

Step 12

Remove the arepas from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to settle slightly.

Step 13

Serve the cheese-filled arepas warm, as they are, or with toppings of your choice such as avocado, tomato, or salsa.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1171g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2232.0

Total Fat 77.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 30.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 17.5g
Cholesterol 145.8mg	0%
Sodium 2046.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 320.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20g	0%
Total Sugars 4.2g
Protein 56.2g	0%

Vitamin D 4.5IU	0%
Calcium 805.9mg	0%
Iron 8.8mg	0%
Potassium 86.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 31.6%

Protein: 10.2%

Carbs: 58.2%