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a large plate with six arepas con queso surrounding a ramekin of green salsa.
5 from 5 votes

Arepas Con Queso

A simple and delicious Columbian dish, Arepas Con Queso are soft and crispy fried cornmeal patties stuffed with melty cheese.
Author Diana
Servings 8 arepas
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups pre cooked yellow corn meal masarepa
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 ½ cups warm water
  • 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup oil for frying or more if needed

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C.
  • In a bowl, combine corn meal with salt, and water. Mix/knead until you get a smooth malleable dough.
  • Divide the dough into 8 equal balls. Form each into a 5 inch disc then stuff with 1 tablespoon of cheese.
  • Press each into a 3 inch ball, that is about half an inch thick.
  • In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat and fry each until it’s golden (4-5 minutes per side).
  • Transfer to a baking sheet, and bake for 6 minutes (this helps the cheese melt). If making plain arepas, no need for the oven step.

Notes

  • Don't make substitutes. You need to use masarepa cornmeal to make arepas. No other type of corn meal will work in this recipe. I prefer yellow masarepa, but the white corn version works the same.
  • Try other types of cheese: Anything that will melt nicely can work, including cheddar or Monterey jack.
  • If your dough seems dry, you can add additional water, one tablespoon at a time. Continue kneading until the arepas dough is smooth and without cracks.
  • Fry in batches: I was able to comfortably fit 3 arepas in my pan at a time. Make sure to leave room between them so that they cook evenly.
  • To Store:  Leftover arepas con queso can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for 3-4 days after you've cooked them.
  • To Reheat: bake in a 350°F/180°C oven, toaster oven, or air fryer, for 5-10 minutes.
  • To Freeze: Layer them with parchment paper so they don't stick together, and place in a freezer bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition

Serving: 1piece | Calories: 210kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 381mg | Potassium: 87mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 97IU | Calcium: 111mg | Iron: 0.5mg