Colombian Arepas with Ham and Cheese

Experience the irresistible flavors of Colombian Arepas with Ham and Cheese, a comforting and versatile dish that's perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a mid-day snack! These golden, crispy cornmeal patties are filled with gooey melted mozzarella cheese and savory ham, delivering a satisfying balance of textures and flavors. Made with just a handful of simple ingredients like precooked cornmeal (masarepa) and warm water, these arepas are quick and easy to prepare, coming together in under 30 minutes. Cooked to perfection in a buttery skillet, they're perfect served warm on their own or paired with a dollop of sour cream or avocado slices. Whether you're looking to explore traditional Colombian cuisine or just craving something cheesy and delightful, these stuffed arepas are a must-try!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups precooked cornmeal (masarepa)
• 2 cups warm water
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup ham, thinly sliced or diced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or canola)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Gradually add warm water to the cornmeal mixture while stirring with your hands or a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms.

Step 3

Knead the dough for about 3 minutes, or until it is smooth and does not stick to your hands.

Step 4

Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and roll each portion into a ball.

Step 5

Flatten each ball into a disc about 4-5 inches in diameter and 1/4 inch thick.

Step 6

Place a small amount of shredded mozzarella cheese and diced ham in the center of 4 of the discs, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 7

Cover each topped disc with an empty disc, gently pressing the edges together to seal and encasing the filling inside.

Step 8

Heat a large skillet or flat griddle over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of oil. Allow the butter to melt and blend with the oil.

Step 9

Place the prepared arepas on the skillet or griddle and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, pressing slightly with a spatula, until they are golden brown and the cheese inside is melted.

Step 10

Repeat the cooking process with the remaining arepas, adding more butter and oil to the skillet as needed.

Step 11

Serve warm and enjoy your Colombian Arepas with Ham and Cheese!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1366.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2860.4

Total Fat 90.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 34.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.7g
Cholesterol 259.5mg	0%
Sodium 5140.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 387.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24g	0%
Total Sugars 8.4g
Protein 101.0g	0%

Vitamin D 4.5IU	0%
Calcium 875.0mg	0%
Iron 14.1mg	0%
Potassium 1313.7mg	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: 29.4%

Protein: 14.6%

Carbs: 56.0%