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Delicious arepas filled with melting cheese, showcasing the ultimate comfort food.

Arepas with Cheese

Deliciously comforting, these arepas are made with simple pantry ingredients and filled with ooey, melty mozzarella and flavorful Cotija cheese.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 arepas
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Snack
Cuisine: Colombian, Latin
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 2 cups pre-cooked white cornmeal (masarepa) Look for bags labeled masarepa or harina precocida for best texture.
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt or Kosher salt Use fine sea salt for even distribution, or Kosher if that is what you have.
  • ½ cup Cotija cheese, finely crumbled If unavailable, a mild crumbly cheese works in a pinch.
  • 1 tablespoon butter, softened Helps tenderize the dough and adds richness.
  • 1 ¼ cups warm water Add a tablespoon at a time if needed; warm, not hot.
For the Filling
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Shred it yourself for the best melt.
  • Oil or butter for cooking A neutral oil or extra butter for pan-frying.

Method
 

Combine the dry and wet elements
  1. In a medium bowl combine masarepa, salt, Cotija cheese, and softened butter. Pour in warm water gradually while stirring.
Knead until a smooth dough forms
  1. Knead the mixture until a smooth dough is formed; it should not be sticky, resembling homemade play-dough.
Rest the dough briefly
  1. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and allow it to rest for 10 minutes.
Check and adjust the consistency
  1. Check the dough consistency; if too dry, add additional warm water one tablespoon at a time.
Portion the dough
  1. With wet hands, divide the dough into 8 even pieces, roll into balls, and pat into circles about 5 inches in diameter.
Assemble with cheese
  1. Add a couple of tablespoons of shredded mozzarella in the center of one circle, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Place a second circle on top and seal the edges.
Prepare the cooking surface
  1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat or preheat an electric griddle to 325ºF.
Cook the arepas until golden
  1. Cook the arepas for about 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown.
Flip and finish cooking
  1. Flip and cook the other side for another 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Rest briefly then serve
  1. Remove from the skillet and serve warm, with additional butter on top if desired.

Notes

Store cooled arepas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap each individually and freeze for up to 2 months.