Name: Deliciously Easy Colombian Arepas with Customizable Fillings Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Colombian
Ingredients: 2 cups arepa flour (masarepa) (Use pre-cooked cornmeal for best results.); 1 teaspoon salt (Adjust to taste.); 1.25 cups warm water (Hydrates the flour.); 2 tablespoons butter (Can substitute with vegan butter.); 2 tablespoons olive oil (Essential for frying.); 1 cup cheese (queso fresco or mozzarella) (Feel free to use cheddar or gouda.)

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Introduction

Arepas are a beloved Colombian staple—simple, delicious, and quick to make. These easy arepas feature a tender cornmeal dough fried to golden perfection and stuffed with melty cheese. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a light meal.

The image shows a close-up of four flatbreads stacked on top of each other on a wooden board. Each flatbread has a golden-brown color with darker grilled marks and slight charring, giving them a crispy texture. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled on the top flatbread, adding a fresh look. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with a green sauce or dip, slightly blurred. The setting has a warm, rustic feel with the focus on the textured surface of the flatbreads. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups arepa flour (masarepa) (Use pre-cooked cornmeal for best results.)
1 teaspoon salt (Adjust to taste.)
1.25 cups warm water (Hydrates the flour.)
2 tablespoons butter (Can substitute with vegan butter.)
1 cup cheese (queso fresco or mozzarella) (Feel free to use cheddar or gouda.)
2 tablespoons olive oil (Essential for frying.)

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of arepa flour and 1 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add 1 ¼ cups of warm water while stirring until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Turn the dough out onto a clean surface and knead it gently for about 5 minutes until soft and smooth. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Divide the dough into 8 equal portions, roll each into a ball, and flatten each ball into a disk about ½-inch thick.
Step 4: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully cook the arepas for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Step 5: Remove arepas from skillet, cool slightly, slice open, and fill each with cheese. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For a crispy outside and soft inside, avoid flipping too frequently while frying.
Swap cheeses depending on preference—smoked gouda adds a rich flavor, while mozzarella keeps it mild and melty.
Add cooked fillings like shredded chicken, avocado slices, or black beans for a heartier meal.
Brush the dough with butter before frying for extra richness and flavor.

Storage

Store leftover arepas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat by warming in a skillet over medium heat until heated through and crispy again, or microwave briefly, then crisp in a pan.

How to Serve

The image shows a stack of four golden-brown fried flatbreads with a rough, bubbly texture and dark brown grill marks on the top side. Each flatbread has a light yellow color with crispy edges and small green herb pieces sprinkled across the surface. The flatbreads are placed on a wooden board, contrasted with a blurred white marbled texture in the background. A dark bowl filled with green herbs or sauce is visible in the background on the left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular cornmeal instead of arepa flour?

Regular cornmeal is not pre-cooked like arepa flour (masarepa), so it won’t absorb water the same way and may result in a gritty texture. It’s best to use pre-cooked arepa flour for authentic results.

How do I make my arepas vegan?

Simply substitute the butter with vegan butter or oil and choose a plant-based cheese or omit the cheese filling entirely. You can also add tasty vegan fillings like sautéed vegetables or beans.