Arepas con Queso are savory corn cakes filled with cheese then, grilled in skillet or on a griddle for a toasted crust. Top them with your favorite Southwest or Mexican ingredients for the perfect Authentic Mexican Recipe.
This cheesy version makes them so gooey and delicious. Arepas are a very popular dish Colombia and Venezuela anytime of the day.
What are arepas con queso?
Cheese Arepas, AKA Arepas con queso, are a soft skillet bread popular in South American countries, especially in Colombia and Venezuela. They're made from pre-cooked corn flour, and you only need to add water, salt, and mozzarella cheese to make them. The result? Soft, gooey arepas that you can enjoy on their own or stuff them with guacamole, pulled meat, or any chicken filling.
Arepas are naturally gluten-free and can be enjoyed any time of day—breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
What to eat with Arepas con Queso?
Arepas con Queso can be eaten on their own, they are best when still warm and freshly made. You can also stuff them or pile them high with your favorite Latin inspired ingredients. Here are some great pairings:
- Shredded beef: a popular dish in Venezuela is Carne Mechada. Slow Cooker Machaca Beef is easy to make and delicious on arepas.
- Pulled pork: I love to serve them with the same Red Chile Pork Tamales Meat that I use for tamales.
- Shredded chicken: a famous arepas dish is Reina Pepiada, which is a creamy filling of shredded chicken and avocado.
- Scrambled eggs: a delicious, protein-packed option for breakfast.
- Smashed avocado or guacamole: a fresh and fulfilling topping can never go wrong with homemade guacamole with pico de gallo.
Ingredients to make Arepas con Queso
Precooked corn flour: It's essential that you use only precooked flour for this recipe; the most popular brand is Harina P.A.N. White Corn Flour. be sure the package says, "for arepas." Goya pre-cooked white cornmeal is also a reliable brand.
Water: You'll need it to bind the arepas together. Use warm water for best results.
Shredded and cubed mozzarella cheese: We made double cheese arepas; our recipe uses shredded mozzarella in the dough and adds a gooey cheese center.
Salt: Any salt will work. Sea salt is always my first choice.
Butter: Only one tablespoon to make the arepas even softer.
What is Pre-Cooked Corn Flour for Arepas?
Arepas recipes use a special corn flour that has been pre cooked and very finely ground. A large kernel variety of corn is hulled, cooked, dried and ground into fine flour. Precooking the flour makes it easy and quick to use. All you need to do is add water and salt to make an arepas dough. It is often called masarepas like this Goya brand.
Can I Use Masa Harina for Arepas?
Is pre-cooked corn flour for arepas the same as masa harina? No, masa harina has gone through a nixtamalization process that soaks the kernels of corn in a lime and water solution (alkaline solution) which softens and removes the hull and makes the corn easier to digest (see my post on the different types of masa here). This process changes the flavor and the texture, as well.
Can I Use Polenta or Regular Cornmeal for Arepas?
The pre-cooked, finely ground cornflour used for arepas makes a light, soft dough that cooks very quickly and is perfect for the skillet or griddle. While you can make use a combination of masa harina and regular cornmeal, the dough will not be soft, it will have a grainy texture. The cornmeal in the dough will not cook through during the fast cooking process and you will wind up with tough little grains of cornmeal in your arepas.
The flavor will not be the same corn flavor.
How to make Arepas con Queso?
Place warm water and salt in a large bowl. Stir until the salt dissolves. Gradually, add corn flour, stirring with a spoon to combine. Incorporate melted butter and mix well.
dd the shredded mozzarella and incorporate it with your hands. Let it sit for 5 minutes. The dough should be soft and manageable, not too sticky.
Make 6 balls from the dough, then gently flatten them into discs about 0.5-inch thick.
Place a cube of mozzarella in the center, and using your hands, arrange the dough around it, making sure it stays in the center of the arepa.
Preheat an iron cast skillet over medium heat. Cook each arepa on both sides until browned, about 4-5 minutes per side. After browning them in the skillet, finish cooking them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes.
Enjoy the arepas hot, either on their own or with extra cheese, butter, or any other topping you like.
Kitchen tips to make arepas with cheese
- Be patient: Arepas take a long time to cook through, so don’t rush the cooking time; otherwise, they’ll be uncooked in the center.
- Cook the ones you'll eat immediately: These are best when freshly made; later in the day, they tend to get soggy and dry out. So, cook only the ones you’ll consume immediately. You can keep the rest in a sealed bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Tools You Will Need for This Recipe
Measuring cups for dry ingredients
Cast iron skillet or regular skillet or a griddle for stove top or electric griddle
Arepas con Queso
Ingredients
- 2 cups precooked corn flour such as harina PAN
- 2 ½ cups warm water
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter melted
- 6 oz mozzarella divided into 6 1-oz cubes
Instructions
- Place warm water and salt in a large bowl. Stir until the salt dissolves. Gradually, add corn flour, stirring with a spoon to combine. Incorporate melted butter and mix well.
- Add the shredded mozzarella and incorporate it with your hands. Let it sit for 5 minutes. The dough should be soft and manageable, not too sticky.
- Make 6 balls from the dough, then gently flatten them into discs about 0.5-inch thick. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center, and using your hands, arrange the dough around it, making sure it stays in the center of the arepa.
- Preheat an iron cast skillet over medium heat. Cook each arepa on both sides until browned, about 4-5 minutes per side. After browning them in the skillet, finish cooking them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes.
- Enjoy the arepas hot, either on their own or with extra cheese, butter, or any other topping you like.
Leave a Reply