Cheese Arepas
Golden, crispy, and oozing with melted mozzarella, Cheese Arepas are a delightful twist on the classic Latin American favorite. Made with just a handful of simple ingredients—pre-cooked cornmeal, creamy cheese, and a touch of butter or oil—these indulgent corn cakes are perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a side dish. The secret to their irresistible flavor lies in the gooey mozzarella filling, sealed between two layers of perfectly seasoned, tender dough. Cooked until golden brown in a skillet, these cheese-stuffed arepas boast a slightly crispy exterior and a soft, cheesy center. Serve them hot with sour cream, guacamole, or your favorite salsa for a truly satisfying treat. Whether you’re exploring Venezuelan or Colombian cuisine or simply craving comfort food, these easy-to-make Cheese Arepas will become a family favorite in no time!
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Ingredients
- 2 cups Pre-cooked cornmeal (harina de maíz)
- 1.5 cups Warm water
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese (grated or shredded)
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil or butter
Directions
Step 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pre-cooked cornmeal and salt.
Step 2
Gradually add the warm water to the bowl while mixing with your hands or a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms. The dough should have a playdough-like consistency—smooth and pliable but not sticky.
Step 3
Let the dough rest for 5 minutes to hydrate fully.
Step 4
Divide the dough into 6 equal portions and roll each portion into a ball.
Step 5
Flatten each ball into a disk about 4 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick.
Step 6
Place about 1-2 tablespoons of grated mozzarella cheese in the center of one dough disk, then cover it with another disk. Pinch the edges to completely seal in the cheese, reshaping into a smooth patty. Repeat with the remaining portions of dough and cheese.
Step 7
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and grease it with vegetable oil or butter.
Step 8
Cook the arepas in batches for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and lightly crispy. Press gently with a spatula to encourage even browning.
Step 9
Once cooked, transfer the arepas to a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
Step 10
Serve hot and enjoy your cheesy arepas on their own or with a side of sour cream, guacamole, or salsa!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (743.4g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1451.4 |
| Total Fat 56.6g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 18.7g | 0% |
| Cholesterol 80mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1912mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 193.6g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 8.4g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 5.2g | |
| Protein 46g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 24IU | 0% |
| Calcium 812mg | 0% |
| Iron 6.8mg | 0% |
| Potassium 440mg | 0% |
Source of Calories