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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Recipe Information
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
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pre-cooked cornmeal and salt.
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.
Let the dough rest for 5 minutes to hydrate fully.
Divide the dough into 6 equal portions and roll each portion into a ball.
Flatten each ball into a disk about 4 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick.
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.
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and grease it with vegetable oil or butter.
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.
Once cooked, transfer the arepas to a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
Serve hot and enjoy your cheesy arepas on their own or with a side of sour cream, guacamole, or salsa!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
363 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 14.1 g | 18% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.6 g | 23% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 20 mg | 7% | |
| Sodium | 429 mg | 19% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 48.5 g | 18% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.0 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.3 g | ||
| Protein | 11.5 g | 23% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 206 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 1.7 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 110 mg | 2% | |
*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.
