Cheese Arepa

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of homemade Cheese Arepas, a beloved Latin American classic that’s both comforting and versatile. Made with a simple dough of precooked white cornmeal (masa harina), salt, and warm water, these golden discs are stuffed with melty queso blanco or mozzarella, delivering gooey, cheesy perfection in every bite. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a quick, sizzle on a hot skillet, these arepas are delightfully crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Perfect as a savory snack, satisfying breakfast, or a side dish, Cheese Arepas are a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with your favorite soups, salads, or toppings like avocado and salsa. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, this recipe is your key to recreating the authentic taste of a Latin American classic right in your own kitchen.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups precooked white cornmeal (masa harina)
• 2.5 cups warm water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup queso blanco or mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Slowly add the warm water to the cornmeal mixture, stirring with your hands or a spoon until a dough forms.

Step 3

Knead the dough for about 3 minutes until smooth and without lumps.

Step 4

Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Divide the dough into 6 equal portions and roll each portion into a ball using your hands.

Step 6

Flatten each ball into a disc around 1/2 inch thick and about 4 inches in diameter.

Step 7

Gently press about 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese into the center of each disc and fold the dough over to cover the cheese, reforming the disc shape.

Step 8

Heat the vegetable oil in a non-stick griddle or skillet over medium heat.

Step 9

Cook the arepas in the skillet for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.

Step 10

Remove the arepas from the skillet and let them cool slightly before serving.

Step 11

Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(986g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1471.5

Total Fat 63.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 23.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.8g
Cholesterol 99.7mg	0%
Sodium 3067.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 192.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.6g	0%
Total Sugars 2.0g
Protein 40.5g	0%

Vitamin D 6.7IU	0%
Calcium 1100.3mg	0%
Iron 7.1mg	0%
Potassium 531.5mg	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: 38.1%

Protein: 10.8%

Carbs: 51.1%