Crispy Arepas with Cheese
A simple, quick, and delicious recipe for crispy arepas filled with melty cheese, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a savory snack.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: Latin American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (240g) precooked cornmeal (arepa flour), recommended P.A.N. brand
- 2 cups (475ml) warm water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 to 1 ½ cups (100-150g) shredded cheese (mozzarella, queso fresco, or Monterey Jack recommended)
- 2 tbsp (30ml) butter or neutral oil (vegetable oil recommended) for frying
- Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or cumin
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine 2 cups (240g) of precooked cornmeal with 1 tsp salt. Stir to evenly distribute the salt. (2 minutes)
- Gradually pour in 2 cups (475ml) of warm water while stirring with a wooden spoon or your hand until the dough comes together without lumps. Adjust with more water or cornmeal if needed. (5 minutes)
- Fold in 1 to 1 ½ cups (100-150g) shredded cheese evenly. Optionally add a pinch of smoked paprika. (3 minutes)
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let the dough rest for about 10 minutes. (10 minutes)
- Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each into a ball and flatten into discs about ½ inch (1.3 cm) thick and 4 inches (10 cm) wide. (10 minutes)
- Heat 2 tbsp (30ml) of oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. (3 minutes)
- Cook the arepas in the skillet for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Flip carefully. (12 minutes)
- Optional: Transfer the arepas to a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes for extra melty cheese inside. (5 minutes)
- Let the arepas cool slightly before serving to avoid burning from hot cheese. (2 minutes)
Notes
Use precooked cornmeal specifically for arepas to get the right texture. Warm water is key to hydrating the dough properly. Resting the dough prevents cracking and makes shaping easier. Cook on medium heat to avoid burning the outside while ensuring the inside cooks through. Optional oven finishing melts the cheese perfectly inside. For dairy-free, use plant-based cheese and coconut oil, but texture will differ.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 arepa (1/8 of reci
- Calories: 180220
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 300400
- Fat: 57
- Saturated Fat: 23
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 23
- Protein: 68
Keywords: arepas, crispy arepas, cheese arepas, homemade arepas, Latin American snack, gluten-free, comfort food