Arepas con Queso Recipe
These Arepas con Queso are traditional Venezuelan cornmeal cakes filled with melted mozzarella cheese. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they make a satisfying snack or meal. Made with simple ingredients like masarepa flour, butter, and mozzarella, they come together quickly and cook on the stovetop to a delightful golden crust.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 arepas 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Venezuelan
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups masarepa flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar (plus more to taste)
Wet Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 1 ¼ cups whole milk
- 2 ½ cups lukewarm water
Cheese
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese (freshly shredded)
For Cooking
- 1 teaspoon nonstick cooking spray (for the skillet)
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the masarepa flour, salt, and sugar thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Add butter and cheese: Add the room temperature unsalted butter and the freshly shredded mozzarella cheese to the dry ingredients, mixing well until the butter and cheese are incorporated throughout the flour mixture.
- Incorporate liquids and knead dough: Pour in the ¼ cup of milk, then gradually add the lukewarm water while continuously mixing. Knead the dough until it reaches a smooth, manageable consistency. Add a bit more water if necessary. Allow the dough to rest for about 5 minutes to let the masarepa hydrate properly.
- Shape the arepas: Divide the rested dough into six equal portions. Roll each into a ball, then flatten each ball into a disc about ½ inch thick.
- Cook on skillet: Heat a skillet over medium heat and spray it with nonstick cooking spray. Place the shaped arepas onto the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes per side, or until they develop a golden brown crust and cook through.
- Cool and serve: Remove the arepas from the skillet and let them cool slightly for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese inside to settle.
Notes
- For a crisper crust, cook the arepas a little longer on each side but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- If the dough is too dry, add water one tablespoon at a time until it’s pliable but not sticky.
- You can substitute mozzarella with other cheeses like queso blanco or cheddar for a different flavor.
- Serve arepas warm for the best melty cheese experience.
Keywords: Arepas, Venezuelan arepas, cornmeal cakes, cheese arepas, mozzarella, easy snack, stovetop cooking, Latin American cuisine
Find it online: https://lucabites.com/arepas-con-queso-recipe/
