Arepas con Queso Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with Arepas con Queso, a golden, cheesy delight straight from the heart of Latin American kitchens. These tender cornmeal patties, stuffed generously with melty cheese, crisp up beautifully in a hot pan and emerge invitingly warm—ready to be pulled apart, shared, and devoured. Whether you’re reminiscing about travels or simply craving something new for breakfast or brunch, Arepas con Queso brings irresistible flavor and a touch of comfort to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how a handful of honest, pantry-friendly ingredients can yield such a sublime, crave-worthy dish. Each element in Arepas con Queso adds a special twist—bringing flavor, texture, and warmth to every bite.
- Masarepa (pre-cooked white cornmeal): This is the essential base for authentic arepas, creating the signature taste and texture you know and love.
- Sea salt or Kosher salt: Just a pinch is all you need to enhance every subtle flavor and balance all that cheese.
- Cotija cheese, finely crumbled: This crumbly, salty cheese kicks up the umami and leaves a hint of tang in the dough.
- Butter, softened: Adds richness and tenderness, making every bite irresistible.
- Warm water: Helps the dough bind nicely and keeps it perfectly supple—just like good arepas should be.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded: For that gooey stretch and extra cheesiness—mozzarella is the secret that turns classic arepas into Arepas con Queso.
- Oil or butter for cooking: An important step for creating that gorgeous golden crust on each side.
How to Make Arepas con Queso
Step 1: Mix the Dough
Grab a medium bowl and combine the masarepa, salt, crumbled Cotija, softened butter, and warm water. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, bring everything together until it starts to form a dough. The aroma is magical already, with cheese and corn mingling from the very start.
Step 2: Knead Until Smooth
Knead that mixture by hand for a few minutes until you have a smooth, even dough. The goal here is play-dough consistency: pliable and soft, but not overly sticky. Once it feels just right, cover with a kitchen towel and let it rest for 10 minutes—this short rest helps hydrate the cornmeal and makes shaping so much easier.
Step 3: Check Dough Consistency
Test your dough by flattening a small piece in your palm. If you notice dry cracks along the edge, it’s a sign to slowly drizzle in more water, a tablespoon at a time. Your perfect Arepas con Queso dough will be smooth and flexible, not dry or crumbly.
Step 4: Shape the Arepas
Dampen your hands and divide the dough into 8 even pieces. Roll each into a ball, then gently press them into flat circles—aim for 5 inches wide and about 1/4 inch thick. Keeping the discs uniform ensures even cooking and easier assembly later.
Step 5: Fill with Cheese and Seal
Here comes the fun part! Place 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese in the center of half your dough circles, leaving a little border. Top each cheesy base with another dough circle, then pinch and smooth the edges to seal. Gently press to create a disk about 1/2 inch thick. You just crafted the signature stuffed center of authentic Arepas con Queso.
Step 6: Cook on the Stove or Griddle
Heat your skillet on medium-low and add oil or butter, swirling it around for even coverage. Or, if you’re using a griddle, preheat to 325ºF and give it a quick butter-up. This will ensure a crispy, golden surface when the arepas cook.
Step 7: Get Golden and Crispy
Gently place your arepas on the hot surface. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, moving them occasionally for that perfect color, then flip and cook the other side for another 4 to 5 minutes. Watch as they turn temptingly golden and the cheesy centers start to ooze just slightly—your Arepas con Queso are nearly ready!
Step 8: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once your arepas are crisp and golden on both sides, remove them from the skillet. Serve hot and, if you’re feeling decadent, crown them with a pat of butter. There’s nothing quite like tearing into a freshly cooked Arepas con Queso while the cheese is still melting inside.
How to Serve Arepas con Queso
Garnishes
Dress up Arepas con Queso with simple garnishes like fresh cilantro, chopped scallions, or a sprinkle of extra Cotija cheese. If you’re in the mood, a dash of hot sauce or a side of crema fresca adds another burst of flavor and flair.
Side Dishes
These cheesy treats make friends with so many sides. Pair them with fried plantains, a chunky avocado salad, or even a warm bowl of black beans. Arepas con Queso especially shine as a hearty breakfast or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer on any occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile Arepas con Queso into a basket lined with a colorful napkin for brunch gatherings or slice them into wedges and serve with a trio of dipping sauces for a festive appetizer platter. You can also split them and pile high with sautéed veggies, pulled chicken, or your favorite sandwich fillings for a playful twist on the classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Arepas con Queso fresh, let them cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll taste delicious for up to three days, ready for a quick reheat whenever the craving strikes.
Freezing
Want to prep ahead? Freeze cooked arepas by placing a sheet of parchment between each and sealing them in a zip-top freezer bag. They hold up wonderfully for up to two months, so you always have a cheesy snack near at hand.
Reheating
Reheat Arepas con Queso straight from the fridge (or from frozen, after thawing overnight) in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crispy again. For a quick fix, they can also be microwaved for about 30 seconds, but the skillet is your ticket to that signature crunch.
FAQs
What’s the difference between masarepa and regular cornmeal?
Masarepa is pre-cooked cornmeal specifically made for authentic arepas, giving them a perfect soft yet sturdy texture. Regular cornmeal is raw and won’t yield the same results, so stick with masarepa for your Arepas con Queso!
Can I use a different cheese inside Arepas con Queso?
Absolutely! While mozzarella gives that satisfying stretch, feel free to experiment with Oaxaca, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of sharp cheddar—whatever melty cheese you love will work beautifully.
My dough feels too dry—what should I do?
No worries! Just add water, one tablespoon at a time, kneading gently until it feels smooth and no longer cracks at the edges. A little extra moisture makes all the difference for perfect Arepas con Queso.
Can I make Arepas con Queso ahead of time?
Yes! Shape and fill arepas ahead, cover and refrigerate, then cook fresh whenever you’re ready. Alternatively, cook them completely, then reheat as needed—they taste just as great the next day.
What’s the best way to serve Arepas con Queso for a party?
Slice each arepa in half or into wedges, arrange on a platter with various dips (think guacamole, salsa, or sour cream), and watch them disappear! They’re a versatile, shareable crowd-pleaser every time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something cozy, comforting, and full of flavor, give Arepas con Queso a try. Each bite is a little bit of magic—crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy in the middle. They’re guaranteed to earn a happy spot in your recipe rotation!
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Arepas con Queso Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 arepas 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious Arepas con Queso, a traditional Latin American dish featuring a cheesy cornmeal dough cooked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 cups masarepa (pre-cooked white cornmeal)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt or Kosher salt
- 2 ounces (1/2 cup) finely crumbled Cotija cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter (softened)
- 1 1/4 cup warm water (plus more if needed)
Filling:
- 8 ounces (2 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese
- Oil or butter for cooking
Instructions
- Mix Dough: In a medium bowl, combine masarepa, salt, Cotija cheese, butter, and warm water.
- Knead Dough: Knead the mixture until a smooth dough forms. Rest for 10 minutes.
- Check Consistency: Flatten a small amount of dough to check for stickiness. Adjust with water if needed.
- Form Arepas: Divide and shape dough into circles. Fill with mozzarella cheese and seal.
- Cook Arepas: Cook in a skillet or griddle until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
Notes
- You can customize the filling with other cheeses or ingredients.
- Serve with salsa, avocado, or sour cream for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop or Electric Griddle
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 arepa
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Arepas, Arepas con Queso, Cornmeal, Cheese, Latin American, Vegetarian
