Go Back

Arepas con Queso (Cheese-Filled Corn Cakes)

Golden crispy corn cakes filled with melty cheese, a traditional and comforting Latin American snack perfect for any time of day.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 arepas
Course: Snack
Cuisine: Colombian, Venezuelan
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Arepa Dough
  • 2 cups pre-cooked cornmeal (masarepa)
  • 2.5 cups warm water
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp butter melted
Filling
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 0.5 cup queso fresco crumbled

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Skillet or griddle
  • Spatula
  • Baking sheet

Method
 

  1. In a bowl, mix warm water, salt, and melted butter.
  2. Add cornmeal slowly and mix until a soft dough forms. Let rest 5 minutes.
  3. Divide dough into balls and flatten into discs.
  4. Add cheese in the center, seal, and reshape into discs.
  5. Cook on a greased skillet over medium heat 5–7 minutes per side.
  6. Finish in oven for 10 minutes if desired until cheese melts.
  7. Serve warm.

Notes

Do not overfill with cheese to prevent breaking while cooking. Dough should be soft but not sticky.